On April 14, 1928 representatives from eight Illinois and Iowa life insurance companies and the Illinois Insurance Department met in Peoria, Illinois to discuss the uses of the Hollerith Tabulating Machine. This machine was invented by John Hollerith and was first used in the 1890 US Census. It was sold by The Tabulating Machine Company, which eventually became the IBM Corporation. At this meeting the representatives organized themselves as the Round Table Assembly, set the meeting times for their next meeting, toured the Peoria Life Insurance Company building, and had lunch in the Perre Marquett Hotel.

This was the humble beginning of the organization we know today as the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA). We have grown from eight member companies to over 1,000 member companies, with over 29 chapters in the US and Canada, and our newest chapter in China. Today, much as it began in 1928, insurance financial and system professionals meet in IASA chapter, regional and national meetings throughout the year to discuss new technology, learn about new insurance regulation, find ways to improve through personal and professional development, and gain ideas that will help their individual companies grow. From these meetings, insurance professionals learn from each other, develop valuable friendships, and benefit from networking opportunities that provide an important connection for the sharing of information.

The IASA is a non-profit organization, which is run by dedicated and motivated volunteers. We have a full-time staff of six individuals that support the volunteers in the managing of the organization. Our volunteers share a common base with the members they serve. They are professionals facing the same challenges in their jobs as any other member. The willing exchange of information between professionals in different areas of the same industry is a very effective and low cost way to learn.