TIPA VISIT INITIATIVE
In the two decades of TIPA activities, TIPA members have visited dozens of factories and research labs all over the world. They have also met with representatives of large as well as smaller sized companies on many different occasions and at various international events in order to exchange views on the evolution of the world of imaging and other related matters. When TIPA meets for its annual General Assembly, it usually tries to choose a location where members can have the opportunity to visit companies and factories or possibly have meetings with photographers.
To be more focused on technical issues, the association also decided to plan visits on its own independent initiative. So far, TIPA has organized two trips. In both cases, TIPA members had the chance to get first-hand information, have open discussions with top-ranking managers and, more often than not, received answers to all their questions and comments. But the managers also used these encounters as a chance to gain a better perspective on their products by asking TIPA members for their suggestions and frank opinions. TIPA considers this approach a premium service for its members, who benefit from getting first-hand information, and a perfect way to improve relations and understanding with the industry.
Japan 2003.Ten members joined the first TIPA Visit Initiative. During 10 days they visited a Nikon D-SLR camera factory in Sendai, the Sigma lens factory in Aizu, as well as the Epson headquarters in Nagano and the Canon headquarters in Tokyo . Members had the chance to see the latest production technology, discuss technical matters and future development with top managers and engineers.
