Why ATCM

This is the 5^th World Congress on Downtowns and Town Centres hosted by ATCM (Association of Town Centre Management) and IDA (International Downtown Association).

ATCM is based in London and draws its membership primarily from the UK, whilst IDA is based in Washington DC, with the bulk of its membership drawn from the US and Canada. Together we have over 1100 members in more than 20 countries.

Both ATCM and IDA are established as not for profit companies and have boards drawn from the public and private sectors. IDA was established in 1954 whilst ATCM will be celebrating its 18^th birthday later this year.

ATCM works through its membership and partners to promote the vitality and viability of town and city centres whilst IDA champions vital and livable centres. We work closely together and offer reciprocal membership benefits to one another. We also work extensively with national and regional bodies around the world seeking to make their town and city centres better.

ATCM and IDA both have members who are actively engaged in developing, managing and marketing downtowns and town or city centres, either through Town Centre Partnerships or Business Improvement Districts/Areas. Our membership includes national, regional and local government bodies as well as leading stakeholders from the private sector such as property companies, retailers and transport operators as well as suppliers of goods and services that help make centres better.

For more information on each organisation, including how to join to take advantage of special discounts, see www.atcm.org or www.ida-downtown.org