sentences:  The Association provided support to develop information and learning technologies in FE through voluntary professional contributions in an era, which preceded government-funded bodies such as the JISC Regional Support Units, BECTA, FERL, LSDA and LSN.In June 1991, the DES convened a meeting at its headquarters in Elizabeth House and invited key industrialists from the IT sector to meet with the Association to discuss actions that could bring mutual benefits.This meeting led to sponsorship for the Association and the inclusion of companies at the Annual Conference.