AES News

 UPDATE: $172,406.54 raised. Can we hear from you today?

The Audio Engineering Society has not proven immune to the havoc the COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking across the globe. The traditional cashflow of the Society, fueled by its events, has been severely disrupted. The AES has launched a fundraising campaign to ensure the Society’s continued operation through the crisis. The goal of the initiative is to raise $500,000 USD by an extended deadline of June 15. In an appeal to AES stakeholders, AES President Agnieszka Roginska acknowledged that many AES members, and many among the Society’s manufacturer and service provider partners, are facing their own challenges in this time of global upheaval. “Others,” said Roginska in her letter, “may be in a more stable position and able to once again contribute to the Society. If it is within your ability, may we ask that you make a financial contribution to help see your AES through these unprecedented times?”

Since the launch of the campaign, numerous individuals have renewed their memberships, choosing in some cases to extend their membership by several years as an investment in the Society and in their personal future in the industry. Campaign-specific contributions ranging from $5 to $4,500 USD have been made, totaling  $172,406.54 USD. “The AES  is extremely grateful for all contributions,” said Roginska.

Audio Engineering Society members and partners have a unique perspective on the benefits the Society brings to individuals for career advancement and to the audio industry as a whole. From the AES’s crucial Standards work, the promotion of audio research, the development of milestone events to education spanning the breadth of audio technology and its application, the Society has led the industry forward for more than 70 years.

Though the AES operates on a lean budget for an organization of its size, its small but dedicated staff and its volunteer leadership are tirelessly working to shepherd the Society through this generation-defining crisis, investigating myriad possible sources of sustaining income while exploring new initiatives to continue its mission and provide timely and relevant member benefits.The AES has expenses as with any business, such as rent, utilities and infrastructure, web hosting and email  and various contracted services. Expansion of member benefits already underway when the pandemic ensued include a new portal for AES Live: Videos. Creation of a virtual convention, AES Virtual Vienna, has incurred start-up costs while the cancellation and postponement of several AES events has impacted expected cashflow.

Donations may be made on the AES website or via PayPal (use PayPal's "Send" function to route your donation directly to [email protected]). No donation is too small.

As a special thank you, the AES will recognize individuals making contributions of $400 USD with a three-month Sustaining Member status; at $500 USD, contributing individuals will receive sustaining member status through December 2020. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, donations to AES by U.S. taxpayers are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Individuals and companies can also gift a membership to colleagues or friends facing economic challenges through the AES Gift Membership program.

“Working together, the AES will persevere,” proclaims Roginska. “We appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this request. Visit AES.org to find out more about what the Audio Engineering Society has to offer and for ways that you can Listen, Learn and Connect with audio peers and pros around the world.”