Periodical is old hat: PPE become IPAO

The Periodical Publishers Exchange (PPE), a monthly dinner gathering of independent magazine publishers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), has decided that the word "periodical" is dated and has rebranded itself as the Independent Publishers Association of Ontario (IPAO). (Curiously, the rebranding doesn't include the word "magazine". Apparently this is because one of their members publishes a newspaper.)

The PPE was founded 28 years ago as a way for independent publishers to network in a friendly and informal atmosphere and for many years the organization was run by the late Peter Perry . Perry, who died in October, also founded the Advertising Executive Redbook Magazine and Canadian Funeral Director magazine. Perry's death prompted a re-think by the organization, which resulted in the name change. [UPDATE: The rebranding was actually discussed at the last meeting that Perry attended, we are told, and he had no objection.]

From a release issued today:

Magazine publishing is not an easy feat and for nearly three decades,independent publishers in the GTA have met once a month to swap stories and share ideas in an informal setting as members of the Periodical Publishers Exchange. "It's incredibly beneficial to sit with fellow magazine publishers and learn from their experiences" said Phil Metford, publisher of CE-Biz and a board member of the newly named IPAO.

As board member Michael Brooke, publisher of Concrete Wave, states, "the name change came about due to a number of factors. We realized that the word "periodical" was a little out of date. Most people use the word magazine. We needed something more up to date." Brooke also cites the fact that the association is made of up of independent publishers and that the new name puts an emphasis on this fact.

IPAO members include both trade and consumer magazines. A yearly membership fee covers the cost of ten dinners. Noted Brooke, "the yearly fee of $600 to belong to the IPAO has paid for itself hundreds of times over. I estimate I saved in excess of $25,000 just by coming to the meetings and listening to the excellent advice from my fellow publishers."

For more information, email mbrooke@interlog.com or call 905-738-0804