Introduction & History

Founded in 1972, The Music Industries Association of Canada (MIAC) is a national, not-for-profit trade association that represents the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of music products and professional audio, lighting, and video technologies. We provide services to those whose industry involves musical instruments and accessories, music software, computer audio hardware, and sheet music. We also represent organizations providing professional event and communication solutions, audiovisual equipment, and entertainment technologies across Canada and the global marketplace.

The Association's operations are guided by a 15 member Board of Directors made up 10 manufacturer/distributors and 5 retailers who meet regularly to monitor and guide the Association’s activities. The board is continually focused on the best interest of our members and those of industry at large. The Chairman of the Board is elected from the ranks of the membership and serves a two-year term. The Association's executive director is Al Kowalenko.

The Association hosts two premier events each year:

The MIAC Show, Canada’s national trade show for music instruments, music software, computer hardware, sheet music, and accessories AND The PAL Show, Canada’s largest production technologies show dedicated to the pro audio, lighting, AV, broadcast, and associated entertainment and technology industries.

Mission

MIAC is committed to the advancement of the music products industry in Canada by organizing support, advocacy, research, education, trade shows, and membership services.

Vision

A prosperous and professional industry that is recognized, valued, and utilized by the public, as a result of the economic and life-style benefits that their products and services provide.

Goals

• To assist our members in realizing their business goals by increasing the public’s awareness of music as a medium for education, leisure, and enjoyment and to create more active music makers across Canada.
• To collect and disseminate information relevant to the members and to provide a forum for interchanging ideas.
• To support and advance the music products industry by educating decision-makers at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels so that administrative policies may uphold musical instruments and their importance in our society.
• To develop and implement relevant programs, resources, and services of the highest standard in the effort to support the diverse needs of our members and promote the effectiveness of their organizations.
• To promote learning and improvement through high-quality programs, research, and support services that will enhance business skills at all levels.
• To work in partnership with Canadian educational institutions and other provincial, national, and foreign associations and organizations that share MIAC’s values, aspirations, and its absolute commitment to creating more active music makers.