The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), which represents more than 550 member companies worldwide, has partnered with the Irish Mobile Messaging Forum (MMF) to launch the Mobile Marketing Association Ireland (MMA Ireland). MMA Ireland will be chaired by Eamon Hession, CEO of Pca and former chairman of the MMF.
MMA Irelands member companies include Vodafone, O2, Meteor and 3, as well as a variety of Irish technology and services companies. The MMA says that MMA Ireland will work to promote industry guidelines and best practices in mobile marketing and help build a sustainable ecosystem for the mobile marketing industry in Ireland, as well as globally.  MMA Ireland will become part of the MMA EMEA regional chapter.
Eamon Hession, CEO of Pca and chairman of MMA Ireland, has welcomed the move, saying:
Becoming part of the MMA is an important step forward for the Irish mobile marketing industry. MMA Ireland will represent all branches of the industry, from mobile operators to those working in the mobile marketing sectorOur goal for Ireland is to emerge as a world leader in innovation and best practices in mobile marketing.
MMM President Laura Marriott notes the significant role that Ireland has played in international mobile development, particularly in the areas of mobile applications, technology, research and mobile marketing expertise. She says:
We are always looking to align ourselves with the industrys leaders to ensure we are achieving our global goal of educating and evangelising the mobile channel for marketing purposes. We look forward to working with our newest membership companies in Ireland to develop our global industry.
MMA Ireland members will have access to a number of global MMA services and benefits, including codes of practice, research activities, seminars, conferences and policy development. MMA Ireland will also have an honorary seat on the MMAs EMEA regional board of directors. 
MMA membership is open to companies, academic institutions and individuals actively engaged in the global mobile marketing industry. A list of current members is available here.