The IASIG was born out of the Audio Town Meeting at the Computer Game Developers conference in April of 1994. The group first met in June of 1994 to discuss a means for improving audio development tools and upgrading multimedia audio performance. Initially called the AIAMP (Association of Interactive Audio and Music Professionals), the MIDI Association (TMA) assumed responsibility for the group in August of 1994.

The foundation of the IASIG are Working Groups, which operate as explained in The IASIG Working Group Process. Working Groups are supervised by The IASIG Steering Committee. The Steering Committee ultimately serves the General Membership of the IASIG.

In addition, the IASIG may convene an Advisory Board. The Advisory Board members are not involved in the day to day management of the organization. As the name suggests, they serve to advise the Steering Committee in areas of specialized expertise, and as ambassadors for the IASIG to specific industry segments.

Operation

The IASIG operates as an autonomous group supervised by the MIDI Association, with its own advisory board, steering committee and working groups. The majority of activity is in discussion of various topics of interest to the members, which is conducted via private Internet mailing lists. As is often the case in groups like this, every participant is free to choose their own level of contribution, though naturally participants are encouraged (and needed) to work on creating issues and solutions, not to just sit back and review everyone else's work. The process, in general, is geared towards gaining consensus, and the wider SIG membership is given ample opportunity to comment on the progress of each Working Group through reports given at regular physical meetings as well as via e-mail, fax, or regular mail (as the case may be).

IASIG activities are independent of MIDI Association activities, and membership in one organization does not entitle the member to services of the other. IASIG recommendations will be forwarded to the MIDI Association and all other interactive audio industry groups as necessary to complete the IASIG mission to positively influence the development of interactive audio hardware and software.