Welcome to IMA - International Management Assistants
Your global network for management support professionals since 1974.
Our aims and activities
IMA Belgium on a mission: we encourage continuous personal development of our members and strive to remain ahead of the latest professional evolutions by providing opportunities for training, cross-cultural relationships, exchange of ideas and international meetings with peers.
IMA aims to be the recognised voice of our profession, creating an image of the management assistant as an integral part of the management team. The association is a non-profit organisation, which has no political aims and will not engage in political or trade union activities. IMA Belgium organises monthly meetings about business related topics or burning subjects, and offers trainings by experts. Those activities allow our members to adapt to developments in our profession and learn from both guest speakers and other members. The ongoing challenge is to make IMA Belgium visible throughout the professional landscape and to reach assistants in different industries. IMA Belgium as competence centre paves the way for and helps create a promising professional future for its members.
We take privacy and professional ethics to heart - read our Privacy Policy Notice and Code of Conduct.
Faces behind IMA Belgium
Partners
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Martin's Hotels
In Brussels, Mechelen or Leuven, Genval or Bruges, Tubize, Waterloo or Rixensart, each Martin’s hotel welcomes you in a dinstinct environment with that extra something: be it history, architecture or interior design. But all share the same “family spirit” combining kindness and efficiency, serenity and creativity, respect for traditions and modern comfort.
I M A Contact: Mr N. Scheers
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Dolce La Hulpe
Dolce La Hulpe Brussels is located in the heart of the ancient Sonan forest creating a tranquil and verdant sanctuary only minutes from the Brussels city centre and Brussels International Airport. This premier resort and conference hotel is dedicated to inspiring its business and leisure guests.
I M A contacts: Ms C. Sablon and Ms M. Allegretti
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Unico Drivers & Services
Providing a personalized Limousine cars service, our top of the range cars are fully fitted with executive seats, no details spared, that comfortably take you to your next appointment in Brussels, in Belgium - or why not somewhere else in Europe. At the right time, the right place and with the right attitude, your chauffeur will be at your disposal everywhere. Please do not hesitate to get in touch for any special information or request.
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Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel
39 Steps to a genuine welcome at Brussels Airport. Relax in one of our 294 fully soundproofed guest rooms and enjoy great services such as complimentary high speed internet access and unlimited access to Sheraton Fitness throughout your stay with us. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, you’ll love the convenience of the Sheraton Club Lounge. Experience the upside of everything and upgrade to Sheraton Club, which offers access to the Club Lounge where complimentary breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres and a variety of drinks await you. Our 23 modular meeting rooms, including the multi-functional Atrium, can cater for events of up to 1000 people and the hotel features the largest hotel ballroom in the Brussels area without columns.
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Omnia Travel
Omnia Travel is a travel agency specialized in corporate & MICE travel. We have offices in every Flemish province (Antwerpen, Gent, Hasselt, Leuven, Roeselare) & Brussels. Our head office is located at the beautiful Ladeuzeplein in Leuven. We have a strong focus on a high level of personalized service in all the areas where we are active: corporate & MICE travel but also incoming travel, team building and leisure travel. www.omniatravel.be
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BBT Online
You want to be informed of the latest developments in the world of meetings, events, and incentives? BBT Online – www.bbtonline.eu – is the online magazine that brings you the latest and most interesting updates! Our monthly Take5 newsletter brings you the newest trends and products, insider reports & comments, views, as well as a variety of articles on destinations and subjects close to the heart of meetings, events and incentives players.
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Happy Mondays Training Institute
At Happy Mondays, we care about the wellbeing of your employees. An employee who feels good about himself is worth a million, we're sure you know that. Unfortunately, many employees are stressed, on the verge of a depression, burn out... All kinds of problems that don't do your business any good! It’s time to pay attention to the wellbeing of your employees. The question often is: how do I get started? We asked ourselves the same question and the result is a broad range of trainings, all with a single purpose: creating a higher level of "happiness @ work" among your employees to make your company better. Take a look at our website to get a grasp of what we can offer you. We hope to be in touch soon! http://www.happymondays.be/en/home
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Hotel Elisabeth Mechelen
Hotel Elisabeth is a former Hospital dating from the Inter-war Period. It has been respectively transformed in keeping with the existing architecture to a modern and cosy four-star Hotel. It is situated less than 200m walking distance from the heart of Mechelen city and offers 62 stylish and contemporary designed rooms. These rooms provide maximum comfort for guests traveling on business or those wishing to explore the unique Historical City. Located within walking distance from the (+/- 100m) Dossin Museum, or just around the corner is the Mechelen City Museum “Court of Busleyden”. Not losing sight of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral you can also find the local Market Square and central shopping of Mechelen (+/- 200m). All of our 62 rooms are non-smoking, equipped with parquet flooring, air conditioning, telephone, television, high-performance free WIFI connection, docking station, mini fridge and the possibility to make a delicious cup of coffee – all to make your stay comfortable and pleasant!
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Van der Valk hotels
Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport has 224 luxury rooms and suites. All come with fantastic extras, such as free internet and complimentary soft drinks. Curious to see Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport ? Click here to see our Hotel movie.
Events
In 2018, some of our events will focus on the digital age. In addition to national monthly get-togethers, IMA also partakes in two international events per year: the Spring International Training Day and the Autumn Annual General Meeting (AGM).
We host our events at hotels and unique company locations. Feel free to share suggestions via pro@be.ima-network.org.
2018
January 18 - Pushing the Limits by Marc Sluszny - Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, Brussels
February 22 - The new GDPR legislation: how will it affect our business after 25 May 2018 by Magda Lauwers of Blienberg Lawyers - Hilton Brussels City, Brussels
March 15 - Social Media on the job by Vicky Buelens of Stroobants Buelens Lawyers - Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Airport, Brussels
March 29 - "Get to know each other" welcome dinner - Icones, Martin's Brussels EU Hotel, Brussels
April 19 - Management Assistant Day surprise - Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Brussels
May 26 - National Training Day "In pursuit of Excellence. How to live your dreams and achieve your goals" by Marc Sluszny - Martin's Hotel, Louvain-la-Neuve
June 21 - AGM & Networking event - Holiday Inn Brussels Airport, Brussels
July - Summer Break
August 30 - Summer Drink & Suprise Event - Pillows Grand Hotel Place Rouppe, Brussels
September 20 - Global Europe in a changing world - by Shada Islam, Friends of Europe, Dolce La Hulpe, Brussels
October 18 - Thierry Geerts, CEO Google Belgium at Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport, Brussels
November 15 - Mini-training on soft skills - Ibis Brussels City Centre, Brussels
December 13 - Christmas Dinner with Prof. Petra De Sutter as our guest speaker
International IMA events 2018
April 28 - The Digital Age: Your Online Brand Matters - Be Strategic - Hotel Santos Porta Fira, Barcelona, Spain
October 26 - The Digital Age - Steigenberger Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany
World Administrators Summit 2018
October 24 & 25 - WASummit - Steigenberger Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany
"Pushing the Limits"
Minutes "Pushing the Limits"
Dear IMA members Dear IMA friends
IMA Belgium opened its 2018 program with Marc Sluszny.
Marc Sluszny is an adventurer, sportsman, motivational speaker, mental coach and author. He gained worldwide attention with his voracious appetite for risk and adventure which he satisfies by challenging the elements of nature through the practice of extreme sports. Marc has broken multiple records, been part of Belgium’s national team in several disciplines and has participated many times in European and World Championships.
You could say that Marc Sluszny has a lifelong passion for testing the limits of human, mental and physical capacity. From the top of the world to the caverns of the deep, time and again Marc has journeyed to the edge and returned to tell the tale.
Marc’s passion is to inspire people, to touch people in a positive way. As a mental coach he is convinced that with enough courage, determination and focus everyone can live their dreams.
I can but agree. My personal encounter and mental journey with Marc started in September of last year. Enjoying last year’s summer holidays, I was triggered by a post on social media ie. “The pursuit of excellence” by Marc Sluszny.
As a teenager, I looked up to Marc… still remembering the weekends my grandfather was telling stories about his extreme feats. For my grandfather, he was an extreme guy pushing his boundaries, over and over again. For me, Marc was Superman…!
So, imagine my reaction when I saw his post on social media being a mental coach. I could not imagine him being a trainer, coach, master. But what did I have to lose ?
As I am always interested for myself and our association in keynote speakers and coaches I was willing to see what Marc had in store for us. To my astonishment Marc inspired the audience from the word go.
His presence, calmness and content was really motivating. After his speech, I decided to buy one of his latest books Fear Less and then to subscribe to his 2-day masterclass (mental coaching). On a personal note, this was the first time, I had taken such a spontaneous decision to invest time and money in self-development.
Getting home that night, I started reading the first chapter before going to sleep. At 3 o’clock in the morning, I had finished the book! It was the beginning of an uplifting and encouraging journey.
Three weeks later, joined by several other (then to me unknown) participants, I completed his masterclass. Wow, what a game changing experience! With his no-nonsense style, he successfully guided me towards change and helped me in achieving my goals and dreams.
I learned all about new tools and how to apply them. He unlocked more of my potential and made a difference in my life. It was a positive, mental, emotional and physical process whereby the outlined strategies taught to me in applying the right mindset in order to overcome my fears thru courage, determination and focus.
A mental coach is not only set aside for one’s boss, but for all high achievers... including myself !
For IMA guests and members:
Saturday May 26, “The pursuit of Excellence”
Marc will be coaching and helping us become the best version of ourselves. Together with our partner Martin’s hotels and Marc Sluszny, we assure you an inspiring workshop. For those who want to stay for the weekend, a fantastic offer at Martin’s Louvain-la-Neuve will be available shortly. Get ready for a ”life-changing” National Training Day!
At the end of the day, Marc will be organizing a vertical run… to help you overcome your fears.
For those that are interested please check out his websites www.marcsluszny.com and www.marcslusznycoaching.com
Ps. for the aficionados, Marc will be giving a workshop on the 24th of March and a 2 day Masterclass on the 12th and 13th of May.
Feel free to contact me for more information. chairman@be.ima-network.org
"GDPR"
Presentation "GDPR"
Please find here the link to the presentation by Magda Lauwers on GDPR.
The well structured presentation gives a good overview of all the aspects of GDPR and some tips to help your company deal with this new regulation.
Some 60 attendees were present at the Hilton Brussels City Hotel, with in-depth questions from the group.
It is clearly a topic that concerns us all.
Voices of our members
Testimonials
It was a great honour to have the opportunity to preside an IMA networking evening. I really enjoyed the interaction with the members and delegates. Keep up the good work. Marc Sluszny Motivational Speaker, Mental Coach
Back in 2012, my job was at stake due to a massive reorganization. My Executive told me to start networking outside of the company and I attended a conference (early 2013) that was sponsored by IMA. I then decided to get in touch with the association and I do not regret it. Every single event gives you a boost in energy and a lot of ideas to implement. The network is impressive and really enriching, full of candid discussions with assistants from all horizons. I highly recommend people to attend as it is a powerful experience, you will be empowered and inspired. Muriel Poncin Executive Assistant – Legal Department GE Training & Education Officer, EUMA Belgium
IMA has helped me in my search for an external promotor for my thesis. IMA responded to my question in a very friendly manner and forwarded it to the IMA Belgium group. Thanks to the IMA network, I found a good external promotor who will coach me straight from the business. Cherine Baecker Student Office Management, Howest Brugge
An association such as IMA allows students to access a network of professionals; it opens the doors; it enriches students with experience, opportunities and contacts. IMA offers the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of assistants; being mentored and coached by workplace professionals. I highly recommend our students to become IMA-members because they have a hard time approaching the workplace during their studies. Being able to meet with assistants; exchange and discuss different professional experiences enables them to be able to visualize their future. Ms. Baakil Head Teacher at ISES
It was my first time at an IMA event. What Ms. Helen Monument explained was very interesting and I learned a lot about the beautiful profession of management assistants. Everything was explained clearly and there was an interaction with the public, comparable to an arm wrestling game, was very pleasant. We met a lot of people and the hotel where the event took place was so chic. I am thinking of becoming a member of IMA. This way, I can learn a lot of things. Student ISES
Become a member
Are you interested in becoming an IMA member? We are looking forward to welcoming you and invite you to experience the IMA spirit.
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Professional assistants
You are eligible to become a professional member if you
- work at management or executive level
- have a minimum of three years’ management support experience
- have qualified by education in Business Administration, Management, H.R. Management and other comparable degrees, training or job experience
- have a sufficient command of English (written and spoken)You can become a professional member at a yearly (01.01 - 31.12) membership fee of 150 euro. In order to become a professional member you will need to apply by:
1) Sending the following documents to membership@be.ima-network.org
- Your most recent en full CV
- Your letter of motivation
- Application form2) Taking knowledge of our Code of Conduct
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Companies / partners / sponsors
You are eligible to become a corporate member if you
- Are a company or independent worker offering services or products useful for a broad range of companies
At our monthly events you get to meet with assistants – very often the first door opener to companies where your access is not that easily won. You get to promote your goods or services at first hand.You can become a corporate member at a yearly (01.01 - 31.12) membership fee of 189 euro. In order to become a corporate member you will need to apply by:
1) Filling out and sending the following documents to chairman@be.ima-network.org
- A presentation of yourself or your company and the goods / services you deliver
- Application form2) Taking knowledge of our Code of Conduct
We can of course provide you with a detailed invoice for your membership. For all questions regarding this type of membership and its possibilities, please contact our PR Officer at pro@be.ima-network.org.
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Schools and students
Your are eligible to become a school member if you
- Are a school or a department teaching office management and related courses
- This can be at high school, bachelor, master or at university levelThis type of membership offers you
- Access to our monthly events for 2 teachers/coordinators and 3 students of choice
- The 2 teachers/coordinators are considered to be the professional members and therefore have the same full rights; i.e. they
- gain access to the online platform (in their own name, access cannot be shared)
- have a vote in the AGM
- receive personal mailings and invites
- can attend Training Days and Conferences at member fees
- may attend the Christmas dinnerThe 3 students
- need to be registered through our registration platform to confirm attendance and indicate they come as a prospect
- can bring fellow students who can visit the monthly events at the rate of 10 euro per person per event; these students also need to register, but as a non-memberYou can become a school member at a yearly (01.01 - 31.12) membership fee of 350 euro. In order to become a school member, please contact our school responsible Muriel Poncin TEO@be.ima-network.org. She can answer all questions you might have and will take the time –should you wish this- to come to your school and present IMA to your and/or your students. We can of course provide you with a detailed invoice for your membership. Students can also apply for a personal professional membership themselves. The yearly fee for a student membership is 49,50 euro and grants the student a membership equal to a professional membership for assistants. Students will also have to apply in the same way a professional member application is done.
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Group memberships
Do you have colleagues in your company who want to become a member together with you? You can apply as a group of 2, 5 or 10 assistants and receive an interesting reduction. Are you a company who wishes to offer an IMA membership to your assistant(s)? We offer interesting business membership formulas for larger groups of assistants.
You can contact us at treasurer@be.ima-network.org for all information on how to apply.