Area Image Consultant Attends Professional Conference - Receives Certification

ATLANTA, GA – Renu Dalal-Jain, AICI, owner and principal consultant of Flair Consulting in Philadelphia, PA, a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), attended the 14th Annual AICI Conference May 12 - 17, 2005, at the Crowne Plaza Ravenia in Atlanta, Ga. More than 225 image professionals from over 24 countries attended the conference to network, learn, and sharpen their skills in the business of image consulting.

“The Annual Conference provides a forum for image professionals to enhance their leadership and business skills, receive continuing education from experts in the field, and network with image consultants worldwide,” AICI President Marion Gellatly, AICI, CIP, said. “Membership to AICI and attendance at the Annual Conference provides members with the credibility, commitment, and competence needed to serve clients.”

2005 Conference Highlights
Some highlights of the 14th Annual AICI Conference are:

• Lynne Marks, AICI, CIM, presented information about the AICI Image Study conducted at Central Michigan University. The study emphasized a strong relationship between clients who use image consultants and experience increased self-esteem following their consultations;
• Over 100 attendees sat for the First Level Certification (FLC) test, AICI’s initial certification. Those who passed this test are certified to use the initials AICI after their names;
• Multiple concurrent sessions on topics ranging from the nuts and bolts of PowerPoint presentations to information on working with plus-size markets;
• A sold out exhibit hall showcasing numerous products supporting the image consulting profession;
• A unique international skit performed on opening night by international attendees from 24 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, Germany Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey and United Kingdom;
• The installation of the 2005-2006 AICI Board of Directors, lead by Marion Gellatly, AICI, CIP, as AICI President.

“This year’s Annual Conference was one of AICI’s best conferences in terms of attendance and the quality of educational opportunities available,” Gellatly said. “AICI wishes to thank its more than 150 member volunteers who worked diligently to ensure the success of the annual conference.”

The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) has more than 650 members internationally. AICI is the source for image professionals, providing education, certification, and current news and information to its members. For more information, please visit www.aici.org.

-30-