IIW History 1990-2015

Delegates at the first IIW International Congress for Central Europe were snowbound in Stara Lesna, Slovakia

the University of Music and Dramatic Arts of Graz. As part of the fabric and the art of IIW life, all Assemblies and Congresses would feature national presentations of song and dance which engendered local ambiance, and a feeling of belonging and being a part of a global network of like-minded persons. Apart from the business of planning and the routine running of IIW, from a governance point of view, the networking and social side of the Institute was the very substance that sustained it through good times and bad. In recognition of such efforts by many of its members, often on a voluntary basis, IIW

LINKING PEOPLE, JOINING NATIONS initiated a new awards system for recognition of their contributions through attendance at Annual Assemblies. This took the form of lapel badges and certificates of citation for attendances of over 30 years, 20 years and 10 years, with the first recipient for 30 years going to Dr Norman Eaton (Canada) at the Quebec Annual Assembly in 2006. In consideration of Eaton’s other contributions, it was recalled he was ‘The initiator of the awareness that an organisation must change its approach; first of all from an organisational point of view to reach efficiency and financial sufficiency; but also by setting objectives and adapting itself to result oriented objectives.’ 13

Norman Eaton (right) receiving his 30-year IIW Recognition Award at the Quebec Annual Assembly in 2006 from Chris Smallbone