The Independent Media Agencies Australia (IMAA) has announced its 2026 group deals program, securing 35 arrangements for member agencies – including five new partnerships spanning artificial intelligence, live commerce, and brand visibility tools.
The five new deals, announced on 4 June 2026, are with the marketing technology company Exact AI, the live-stream commerce specialists Live Commerce Australia, the global registration and legal protection firm Ideas Union, the AI narrative intelligence platform Pulse Labs, and the brand-mention solution Pearch, which focuses on Google AI Overviews.
Five years of group buying power
Now in its fifth year, the IMAA’s group deals program gives independent media agencies discounted access to tools spanning insurance, research platforms, analytics, recruitment, and training – areas where smaller independents have historically faced cost barriers against larger network competitors.
IMAA CEO Sam Buchanan said the program remained one of the most effective ways members could access scale.
“These group deals are one of the most powerful ways that our members can unlock scale. By providing access to world-class technology, research, training and business services at significantly reduced costs, we’re helping to level the playing field, driving operational efficiencies and cost savings, but also empowering our members to invest more in talent, innovation and delivering stronger outcomes for clients,” Buchanan said.
“These partnerships are more than just discounts; they’re about ensuring our members have the resources and support they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”
Sam Buchanan
Insurance and research anchor the program
Among the returning deals, the IMAA’s world-first trade credit insurance arrangement, brokered in 2021, continues to protect agencies against bad debts.
Members also retain access to reduced insurance premiums across professional indemnity, cyber liability, media liability, directors and management liability, and business travel through Gallagher Insurance and Maple Insurance.
Nielsen remains a key partner in the program. Nielsen Australia commercial director and head of agencies Sonia Marine said the partnership was a strategic priority for the research company.
“Independent agencies are the true growth engine of the Australian media landscape, yet budget constraints have historically locked them out of premium planning insights. Nielsen is changing the game and levelling the playing field with solutions tailored specifically for IMAA members,” Marine said
The full 2026 program includes 35 partners across categories such as analytics, creative optimisation, ad verification, recruitment, and training. IMAA members can access program details on the IMAA website.