ACS, Australia’s peak professional body for the IT sector, has snapped up data-driven associations ADMA (Association for Data-Driven Marketing and Advertising), IAPA (Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia), D+TC (Digital + Technology Collective) and DGA (Data Governance Australia).

In announcing the strategic investment, ACS President Yohan Ramasundara said the acquisition will bolster Australia’s global position in digital innovation, technology and data-driven business.

“By adding ADMA, IAPA, D+TC and DGA into the ACS fold, we will be able to heighten awareness of data governance, privacy and cyber resilience across the broader Australian economy, while providing end-to-end data-driven solutions for ACS members and those of ADMA, IAPA, D+TC and DGA,” he said.

ADMA CEO Andrea Martens said the investment by ACS would enable ADMA, IAPA, D+TC and DGA to expand their positions in the industry.

“A close affiliation with ACS further strengthens our ability to support the data engineers, analysts, scientists and data managers that drive greater speed to market on AI-led innovation,” said Martens.

“In guiding the custodians of the data and technology systems that feed the data value chain, ACS is like a turbo charger for our associations that support the capture, storage, access, analysis, insights and action of data.

For the data-driven associations, Martens confirmed it will be business as usual.

“We have our AC&E Awards and AMY Awards celebrations and IAPA Advancing Analytics Conference coming up in October and our education curriculum, ADMA IQ, continues to build with new courses on offer every week.”

In the coming months, ADMA, IAPA, DGA and D+TC's 16 staff will join ACS at its headquarters in Barangaroo.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

This is ACS’ second major acquisition. Last September, it secured River City Labs and Startup Catalyst in a combined purchase from entrepreneur Steve Baxter.