Industry Association Listings

A comprehensive listing of industry related associations, societies and think tanks. Click on a section in the table of contents to view listings.

BUSINESS ON THE INTERNET

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• American Business Media is the industry association for business-to-business information providers. Its members publish more than 1,200 business publications and provide content for some 1,350 Web sites. Contact American Business Media at 212-661-6360. http://www.americanbusinessmedia.com
  
  
• American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) represents more than 70,000 members in the field of workplace learning and performance. The organization convenes special events and provides a myriad of products and services. The American Society for Training and Development, the world's leading professional association in the field of workplace learning and performance, offers both telephone and online information services and sponsors the annual International Conference and Exposition. Contact ASTD at 703-683-8100. http://www.astd.org
  
  
• CommerceNet is a not-for-profit business-development organization that focuses on promoting the cause of electronic commerce. Members include leading banks, telecommunications companies, online services, and software companies as well as major end users. http://www.commerce.net
  
  
• Customer Care Institute (CCI) is an international organization serving customer care professionals. It focuses on issues found in the customer service, consumer affairs, telemarketing, and help-desk professions. Contact CCT at 404-352-9291. http://www.customercare.com
  
  
• Direct Marketing Association (DMA), with 4,700 member companies worldwide, is the primary association for companies involved with direct marketing. Member benefits include an extensive range of seminars and conferences, member directory, publications, online services, and use of the DMA library and resource center. Internet marketing, the newest channel in direct marketing, is included in DMA research. Contact the DMA at 212-768-7277. http://www.the-dma.org
  
  
• Employee Services Management Association, formerly the National Employee Services and Recreation Association, is a one-stop resource for how-to information, suppliers, and services for employee programs and an authority on the latest programs to recruit and retain top employees. It has helped many companies with the process of opening a store. Contact Employee Services Management Association at 630-559-0020. http://www.esmassn.org
  
  
• Incentive Federation is a company that was formed to protect the rights of organizations to motivate customers and employees through the intelligent and ethical use of incentive programs. Comprised of the leading associations, trade shows, and some of the top suppliers in the incentive field, the Federation monitors Federal regulations that could affect the proper use of incentive programs and lobbies against proposals that could hinder the ability of businesses to properly use incentive programs. As part of its industry services, the Federation also conducts the only regular research on use of incentives by U.S. organizations, and manages the Incentive Performance Center, the industry-wide effort to promote professional use of incentives and that underwrote this Web site. Contact the Incentive Federation at 908-233-4009. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
  
• International Customer Service Association (ICSA) is the largest association for customer service professionals. It has local chapters, publishes its own newsletter, and holds an annual conference and other educational events. Its members are executives of companies in virtually every industry. Contact ICSA at 800-360-4272. http://www.icsa.com
  
  
• International Society for Performance Improvement is the leading international association dedicated to improving productivity and performance in the workplace. Contact the International Society for Performance Improvement at 301-587-8570. http://www.ispi.org
  
  
• Masie Center is a think tank dedicated to exploring the intersection of learning and technology. It provides consulting, training, and materials for helping people apply technology to learning. Contact Masie Center at 518-350-2200. http://www.masie.com
  
  
• National Association for Employee Recognition consists of about 500 members, who are responsible for recognition programs at their companies, enhance employee performance through recognition and promote wider acceptance of recognition programs in the working world. Contact National Association for Employee Recognition at 630-369-7783. http://www.recognition.org
  
  
• Promotion Marketing Association (PMA) is the main association for this category. Its members are mainly companies dealing in promotion services, sales incentives, and premium merchandise. Other members include advertising agencies and consultants. PMA offers seminars and conventions throughout the year, a membership directory, and legal information services, as well as two newsletters, The Legal Bulletin and Outlook. Contact PMA at 212-420-1100. http://www.pmalink.org
  
  
• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) serves suppliers and distributors of promotional products, a mainstay in company stores. Contact Promotional Products Association International at 888-426-7724. http://www.ppa.org
  
  
• Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business (SOCAP) is an international organization whose purpose is to enable the customer service/consumer affairs professional to improve the policies, products, and services of his or her company. It also encourages effective communication and understanding among business, government, and consumers. Contact SOCAP at 703-519-3700. http://www.socap.org
  
  
• The Resource Center for Customer Service Professionals carries books, reports, self-study training, and surveys. It also provides information on association memberships and seminars produced by industry associations, consulting firms, and publishers. This mail and cyber order store provides free research services and will locate materials relevant to any customer service topic. Contact The Resource Center for Customer Service Professionals at 708-246-0320. http://www.the-resource-center.com
  
  
• WorldatWork is a global, not-for-profit association of more than 26,000 compensation, benefits and human resources professionals founded in 1955. It is dedicated to knowledge leadership in compensation, benefits, and total rewards disciplines associated with attracting, retaining and motivating employees. WorldatWorkoffers educational forums and an annual conference addressing the issues involved with motivating and compensating today's work force. They also offer other informational resources, including books and a small amount of research. Contact WorldatWork at 877-951-9191. http://www.worldatwork.org
  

DIRECT MARKETING

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• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit membership organization for people over 50. AARP’s Research Center gathers information about the mature market. Contact AARP at 800-687-2277. http://www.aarp.org
  
  
• Direct Marketing Association (DMA), with 5,000 member companies worldwide, is the primary association for companies involved with any aspect of direct marketing. Member benefits include an extensive range of seminars and conferences, member directory, newsletters, journals, use of the DMA Library and Resource Center, and access to the DirectLINK online information service. Special subgroups include the List & Database Council, whose members focus on list brokerage, management, compilation, and ownership issues. Contact DMA at 212-768-7277. http://www.the-dma.org
  
  
• National Council on the Aging is an association of organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well-being, and continuing contributions of older person through leadership, service, and education. National Council on Aging’s web site contains facts and figures about the mature market. Contact National Council on Aging at 202 479-1200. http://www.ncoa.org
  
  
• Promotion Marketing Association, Inc. (PMA) has 700-plus member companies worldwide representing all aspects of the promotion marketing industry, including goods and services companies, promotion agencies, service supplier firms, and law firms that specialize in promotion and advertising law. PMA offers seminars and conventions, a membership directory, and legal information, as well as two newsletters, “The Legal Bulletin” and “Outlook.” Contact PMA at 212-420-1100. http://www.pmalink.org
  
  
• Promotion Marketing Association's Product Sampling Council is an umbrella group for sampling users and distribution companies that often speaks for the industry about the benefits of sampling as a promotional tool. PMA's Product Sampling Council aims to raise the standards of the sampling industry and, by providing educational forums, assist marketers in their quest for excellence. PSC has 60-plus supplier members and a Senior Advisory Council consisting of ten manufacturing companies. Contact thePromotion Marketing Association's Product Sampling Council at 212-420-1100. http://www.pmalink.org
  
  
• U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services: Administration on Aging is the federal agency dedicated to policy development, planning, and delivery of support services to older persons and their caregivers. Administration on Aging’s web site has statistics about the mature market. Contact Administration on Aging at 202-619-7501. http://www.aoa.gov
  

EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION

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• Association of Promotion Marketing Agencies Worldwide provides members, primarily executives at promotion marketing agencies, with professional support, management development, research, and a forum for the exchange of ideas. Contact Association of Promotion Marketing Agencies Worldwide at 203-978-1590. http://www.maaw.org
  
  
• Association of Retail Marketing Services consists of members that include suppliers of incentive services to retailers and direct marketers from a broad spectrum of industries. ARMS conducts research on retail marketing and has an annual trade show of retail marketing suppliers, along with a newsletter that tracks promotions and legal developments. Contact Association of Retail Marketing Services at 732-842-5070. http://www.goarms.com
  
  
• The Employee Involvement Association (EIA) is an international organization serving professional managers and administrators by providing quality educational programs, publications and networking opportunities. The role of Employee Involvement is a keystone of organizational development through the empowerment of people using team-building and suggestion-gathering methods. Contact EIA at 937-586-3724. http://www.eianet.org
  
  
• Incentive Federation is a company that was formed to protect the rights of organizations to motivate customers and employees through the intelligent and ethical use of incentive programs. Comprised of the leading associations, trade shows, and some of the top suppliers in the incentive field, the Federation monitors Federal regulations that could affect the proper use of incentive programs and lobbies against proposals that could hinder the ability of businesses to properly use incentive programs. As part of its industry services, the Federation also conducts the only regular research on use of incentives by U.S. organizations, and manages the Incentive Performance Center, the industry-wide effort to promote professional use of incentives and that underwrote this Web site. Contact the Incentive Federation at 908-233-4009. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
  
• Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) promotes the use of incentive programs as effective tools. Membership includes manufacturers, representatives, distributors, incentive houses, gift certificate suppliers, and marketing agencies. IMA also holds annual education programs at trade shows. Contact IMA at 630-369-7780. http://www.incentivemarketing.org
  
  
• Incentive Gift Card Council has information about using gift certificates in incentive programs. Contact Incentive Gift Card Council at 630-369-7780. http://www.usegiftcertificates.org
  
  
• Incentive Performance Center (IPC) directs an industry-supported effort to promote the professional use of incentives to industry at large. IPC manages the industry Web site and conducts a marketing and public relations campaign. Contact IPC at 630-369-7780. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
  
• Incentive Manufacturers Representatives Association (IMRA) represents factory-direct salespeople in the incentive business, along with manufacturers. IMRA publishes a handbook for suppliers, conducts an annual marketing conference, and offers a free directory of incentive representatives. Contact IMRA at 630-369-7786. http://www.imra1.org
  
  
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the world's largest association of meeting planners, with more than 16,000 members in 64 countries. Members include independent, corporate, and association planners, as well as suppliers to the meetings industry. MPI publishes a monthly magazine, The Meeting Professional. MPI's publishing lineup also includes an annual membership directory and MPI Express, a fax newsletter that includes late-breaking industry news. MPI has five special-interest groups, including one dedicated to sales and marketing. Contact MPI at 972-702-3000. http://www.mpiweb.org
  
  
• National Association for Employee Recognition consists of about 500 members, who are responsible for recognition programs at their companies, enhance employee performance through recognition and promote wider acceptance of recognition programs in the working world. Contact National Association for Employee Recognition at 630-369-7783. http://www.recognition.org
  
  
• Promotion Marketing Association, Inc. (PMA) has 700-plus member companies worldwide representing all aspects of the promotion marketing industry, including goods and services companies, promotion agencies, service supplier firms, and law firms that specialize in promotion and advertising law. PMA offers seminars and conventions, a membership directory, and legal information, as well as two newsletters, “The Legal Bulletin” and “Outlook.” Contact PMA at 212-420-1100. http://www.pmalink.org
  
  
• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) serves suppliers and distributors of promotional products, many of which also handle premiums. PPAI has trade shows, a magazine, Web services, and education programs. Contact Promotional Products Association International at 888-426-7724. http://www.ppa.org
  
  
• Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE) offers educational programs for users and suppliers of incentive travel. SITE provides literature on the use of incentive travel, as well as a compilation of research. Contact SITE at 312-321-5148. http://www.site-intl.org
  
  
• WorldatWork is a global, not-for-profit association of more than 26,000 compensation, benefits and human resources professionals founded in 1955. It is dedicated to knowledge leadership in compensation, benefits, and total rewards disciplines associated with attracting, retaining and motivating employees. WorldatWorkoffers educational forums and an annual conference addressing the issues involved with motivating and compensating today's work force. They also offer other informational resources, including books and a small amount of research. Contact WorldatWork at 877-951-9191. http://www.worldatwork.org
  

EVENT MARKETING

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• American Marketing Association (AMA) is the world's largest professional society of marketers. It has more than 45,000 members in 92 countries. Contact AMA at 800-262-1150. http://www.ama.org
  
  
• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) is an organization of more than 24,800 association executives and suppliers of products and services. It offers publications and studies on meetings, and it has a special Meetings & Expositions Section. All events are open to nonmembers. Contact ASAE at 202-326-9550. http://www.asaenet.org
  
  
• Center for Exhibition Industry Research offers statistics and other information on exhibits, sales, marketing, and industry trends. Contact Center for Industry Research at 972-687-9242.http://www.ceir.org
  
  
• International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (IACVB) can furnish contacts in any of the 30 countries it represents, and it also publishes directories and guides to international cities. Contact IACVS at 202-296-7888. http://www.iacvb.org
  
  
• International Events Group (IEG) is a for-profit organization that provides information on sponsorships in sports, arts, entertainment, causes, and events. Its comprehensive services include an industry newsletter, books, conferences, workshops, and consulting. Contact IEG at 1-800-834-4850. http://www.sponsorship.com
  
  
• International Festival and Events Association has provided professional development and fund-raising ideas to the special events industry for 43 years. Contact the International Festival and Events Association at 208-433-0950. http://www.ifea.com
  
  
• International Special Events Society (ISES) is a not-for-profit organization with more than 2,000 members in over a dozen countries. It is the only international organization representing professionals in all disciplines of the special events industry. It sponsors an annual educational conference and offers an online information service, a fax on-demand service, and a membership directory. Contact ISES at 312-321-6853. http://www.ises.com
  
  
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the world's largest association of meeting planners, with more than 16,000 members in 64 countries. Members include independent, corporate, and association planners, as well as suppliers to the meetings industry. MPI publishes a monthly magazine, The Meeting Professional. MPI's publishing lineup also includes an annual membership directory and MPI Express, a fax newsletter that includes late-breaking industry news. MPI has five special-interest groups, including one dedicated to sales and marketing. Contact MPI at 972-702-3000. http://www.mpiweb.org
  
  
• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is an association of approximately 4,600 meeting and convention planners, PCMA provides industry news, education, data, and information on meeting properties. Contact PCMA at 312-423-7262. http://www.pcma.org
  
  
• Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE) offers educational programs for users and suppliers of incentive travel. SITE provides literature on the use of incentive travel, as well as a compilation of research. Contact SITE at 312-321-5148. http://www.site-intl.org
  
  
• Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI) is a worldwide association of sales and marketing managers. Members include CEOs, marketing managers, sales managers, and other top-level executives who contribute to the sales and marketing effort. Contact SMEI at 312-893-0751. http://www.smei.org
  
  
• Trade Show Exhibitors Association provides solutions for exhibit and event professionals. It offers educational programs, industry tools, news, research, and other services. Contact Trade Show Exhibitors Association at 312-842-8732.  http://www.tsea.org
  
  

GENERAL

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• American Marketing Association (AMA) is the world's largest professional society of marketers. It has more than 45,000 members in 92 countries. AMA serves marketing and research executives as well as sales, advertising, and promotion people. It holds conferences and provides information on all aspects of marketing, including new product launches. Contact AMA at 800-262-1150. http://www.ama.org
  
  
• Direct Marketing Association (DMA), with 4,700 member companies worldwide, is the primary association for companies involved with direct marketing. Member benefits include an extensive range of seminars and conferences, member directory, publications, online services, and use of the DMA library and resource center. Internet marketing, the newest channel in direct marketing, is included in DMA research. Contact the DMA at 212-768-7277. http://www.the-dma.org
  
  
• Incentive Federation is a company that was formed to protect the rights of organizations to motivate customers and employees through the intelligent and ethical use of incentive programs. Comprised of the leading associations, trade shows, and some of the top suppliers in the incentive field, the Federation monitors Federal regulations that could affect the proper use of incentive programs and lobbies against proposals that could hinder the ability of businesses to properly use incentive programs. As part of its industry services, the Federation also conducts the only regular research on use of incentives by U.S. organizations, and manages the Incentive Performance Center, the industry-wide effort to promote professional use of incentives and that underwrote this Web site. Contact the Incentive Federation at 908-233-4009. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
  
• International Events Group (IEG) is a for-profit organization that provides information on sponsorships in sports, arts, entertainment, causes, and events. Its services include an industry newsletter, sponsor-locator service, books, conferences, workshops, consulting, and nearly 30 boilerplate contracts for a variety of sponsorship situations. Contact IEG at 1-800-834-4850. http://www.sponsorship.com
  
  
• International Special Events Society (ISES) is a not-for-profit organization with more than 2,000 members in over a dozen countries. It is the only international organization representing professionals in all disciplines of the special events industry. It sponsors an annual educational conference and offers an online information service, a fax on-demand service, and a membership directory. Contact ISES at 312-321-6853. http://www.ises.com
  
  
• National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE) is an association whose 18,000 members are responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of not-for-profit, charitable organizations. It publishes newsletters, legislative updates, a membership directory, and a quarterly journal called Advancing Philanthropy. It also holds an annual International Conference on Fundraising, with workshops, leadership forums, round tables, and plenary sessions. Contact NSFRE at 703-684-0410. http://www.nsfre.org
  
  
• Promotion Marketing Association, Inc. (PMA) has 700-plus member companies worldwide representing all aspects of the promotion marketing industry, including goods and services companies, promotion agencies, service supplier firms, and law firms that specialize in promotion and advertising law. PMA offers seminars and conventions, a membership directory, and legal information, as well as two newsletters, “The Legal Bulletin” and “Outlook.” Contact PMA at 212-420-1100. http://www.pmalink.org
  

GOLF MEETINGS

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• International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) is an organization of conference centers and conference center managers. Contact IACC at 314-993-8575.  http://www.iacconline.com
  
  
• National Association of Golf Tournament Directors is an organization open to, among others, meeting planners who organize golf tournaments. Educational programming is offered throughout the year. Contact the National Association of Golf Tournament Directors at 703-549-3543. http://www.nagtd.com
  
  
• National Golf Foundation (NGF) is the golf industry's leading provider of golf business information and measurer of industry trends. It offers over 200 publications on golf. Contact NGF at 561-744-6006. http://www.ngf.org
  
  
• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) serves suppliers and distributors of promotional products, a mainstay in company stores. PPAI is a key association to contact for information on suppliers of imprinted products. Contact Promotional Products Association International at 888-426-7724. http://www.ppa.org
  
  
• United States Golf Association (USGA) is the sport's national governing body. The USGA writes and interprets the rules of the game; tests balls, clubs, and other equipment; performs turf research; and is the custodian of golf's history. Contact USGA at 908-234-2300. http://www.usga.org
  
  
  

INCENTIVE TRAVEL

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• Incentive Federation is a company that was formed to protect the rights of organizations to motivate customers and employees through the intelligent and ethical use of incentive programs. Comprised of the leading associations, trade shows, and some of the top suppliers in the incentive field, the Federation monitors Federal regulations that could affect the proper use of incentive programs and lobbies against proposals that could hinder the ability of businesses to properly use incentive programs. As part of its industry services, the Federation also conducts the only regular research on use of incentives by U.S. organizations, and manages the Incentive Performance Center, the industry-wide effort to promote professional use of incentives and that underwrote this Web site. Contact the Incentive Federation at 908-233-4009. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
  
• Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE) offers educational programs for users and suppliers of incentive travel. SITE provides literature on the use of incentive travel, as well as a compilation of research. Contact SITE at 312-321-5148. http://www.site-intl.org
  

INCENTIVES

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• The American Society for Training and Development, the world's leading professional association in the field of workplace learning and performance, offers both telephone and online information services and sponsors the annual International Conference and Exposition. Contact ASTD at 703-683-8100. http://www.astd.org
  
  
• Association of Retail Marketing Services consists of members that include suppliers of incentive services to retailers and direct marketers from a broad spectrum of industries. ARMS conducts research on retail marketing and has an annual trade show of retail marketing suppliers, along with a newsletter that tracks promotions and legal developments. Contact Association of Retail Marketing Services at 732-842-5070. http://www.goarms.com
  
• The Employee Involvement Association (EIA) is an international organization serving professional managers and administrators by providing quality educational programs, publications and networking opportunities. The role of Employee Involvement is a keystone of organizational development through the empowerment of people using team-building and suggestion-gathering methods. Contact EIA at 937-586-3724. http://www.eianet.org
  
• Employee Services Management Association, formerly the National Employee Services and Recreation Association, is a one-stop resource for how-to information, suppliers, and services for employee programs and an authority on the latest programs to recruit and retain top employees. It has helped many companies with the process of opening a store. Contact Employee Services Management Association at 630-559-0020.
  
  
• Incentive Federation is a company that was formed to protect the rights of organizations to motivate customers and employees through the intelligent and ethical use of incentive programs. Comprised of the leading associations, trade shows, and some of the top suppliers in the incentive field, the Federation monitors Federal regulations that could affect the proper use of incentive programs and lobbies against proposals that could hinder the ability of businesses to properly use incentive programs. As part of its industry services, the Federation also conducts the only regular research on use of incentives by U.S. organizations, and manages the Incentive Performance Center, the industry-wide effort to promote professional use of incentives and that underwrote this Web site. Contact the Incentive Federation at 908-233-4009. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
• Incentive Gift Certificate Council (formerly the Association of Incentive Gift Certificate Suppliers)is a Strategic Industry Group within the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA). IGCC is currently the only trade group exclusively dedicated to the promotion and sales of incentive gift certificates. Contact the Incentive Gift Certificate Council at 630-369-7780. http://www.igcc-info.org
  
  
• Incentive Manufacturers Representatives Association (IMRA) represents factory-direct salespeople in the incentive business, along with manufacturers. IMRA also publishes a handbook invaluable for suppliers seeking to get into the premium incentive business, and conducts an annual marketing conference. It offers a free directory of incentive representatives in your region. Contact IMRA at 630-369-7786. http://www.imra1.org
  
  
• Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) has a mission, it is to promote high standards of professionalism in the incentive field, create greater corporate awareness of incentives, and help its members prosper in a changing business environment through education, training, and research. Contact IMA at 630-369-7780. http://www.incentivemarketing.org
  
  
• Incentive Performance Center (IPC) is an industry-supported effort to promote the professional use of incentives to American business. It manages the industry Web site and conducts a marketing and public relations campaign. Contact IPC at 800-832-9932. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
  
• Marketing Agencies Associations Worldwide. Provides members, primarily executives at promotion marketing agencies, with professional support, management development, research, and a forum for the exchange of ideas. Contact Marketing Agencies Associations Worldwide at 203-978-1590. http://www.maaw.org
  
  
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the world's largest association of meeting planners, with more than 16,000 members in 64 countries. Members include independent, corporate, and association planners, as well as suppliers to the meetings industry. MPI publishes a monthly magazine, The Meeting Professional. MPI's publishing lineup also includes an annual membership directory and MPI Express, a fax newsletter that capsulizes late-breaking industry news. MPI has five special-interest groups, including one dedicated to sales and marketing. Contact MPI at 972-702-3000. http://www.mpiweb.org
  
• National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) represents 22,000 members, most of them sporting goods retailers. NSGA is an excellent source of consumer-focused industry research. Contact NSGA at 847-296-6742. http://www.nsga.org
  
  
• Point-of-Purchase Advertising Institute. Members are producers, buyers, and users of signs and displays used at retail. Contact Point-of-Purchase Advertising Institute at 202-530-3000. http://www.popai.com
  
• Premium Marketing Club serves suppliers and sellers of incentive and promotional products in the greater New York metropolitan area. It holds regular luncheons and special events, often with speakers representing companies that use or sell incentives. Contact Premium Marketing Club at 908-687-3090.
  
  
• Promotion Industry Council (formerly the Promotion Industry Club) is designed to stimulate interaction and to increase understanding and cooperation between suppliers and buyers of promotional products and services. Members are suppliers and users in the Chicago area. It holds regular educational luncheons. Contact Promotion Industry Council at 630-369-3772.
  
  
• Promotion Marketing Association, Inc. (PMA) has 700-plus member companies worldwide representing all aspects of the promotion marketing industry, including goods and services companies, promotion agencies, service supplier firms, and law firms that specialize in promotion and advertising law. PMA offers seminars and conventions, a membership directory, and legal information, as well as two newsletters, “The Legal Bulletin” and “Outlook.” Contact PMA at 212-420-1100. http://www.pmalink.org
  
• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) serves suppliers and distributors of promotional products, a mainstay in company stores. PPAI is a key association to contact for information on suppliers of imprinted products. Contact Promotional Products Association International at 888-426-7724. http://www.ppa.org
  
  
• Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its members create, manufacture and distribute approximately 90 percent of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States. Issues it is concerned with include freedom of speech, copyrights, licensing and royalties, and piracy. Contact RIAA at 202-775-0101. http://www.riaa.com
  
  
• Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) is made up of sales and marketing professionals. The association offers members sales and marketing seminars, sales training, a graduate school of sales and marketing management, an annual convention, and a monthly newsletter. Contact SMEI at 312-893-0751. http://www.smei.org
  
  
• Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE) offers educational programs for users and suppliers of incentive travel. SITE provides literature on the use of incentive travel, as well as a compilation of research. Contact SITE at 312-321-5148. http://www.site-intl.org
  
• Spa Finder is an interactive Internet site that not only provides an extensive network of premier spas worldwide, but features spa specials, shopping online, Spa Finder magazine, and recipes. Spa Finder also offers turnkey incentive programs and Spa Finder Day Spa, and Stay Spa gift certificates which can be used within the spa network. Contact Spa Finder at 212-924-6800. http://www.spafinder.com
  
  
• Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) represents suppliers and has a number of valuable research materials on hand. Contact SGMA at 202-775-1762. http://www.sgma.com
  

MARKET RESEARCH

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• Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) has members from more than 400 advertisers, advertising agencies, research firms, media companies, educational institutions, and international organizations. Its mission is to improve the practice of advertising, marketing, and media research in pursuit of more effective marketing and advertising communications. Contact ARF at 212-751-5656. http://www.arfsite.org
  
  
• American Marketing Association (AMA) is the world's largest professional society of marketers. It has more than 45,000 members in 92 countries. AMA serves marketing and research executives as well as sales, advertising, and promotion people. It holds conferences and provides information on all aspects of marketing, including new product launches. Contact AMA at 800-262-1150. http://www.ama.org
  
• Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO) is the trade organization for commercial, full-service survey companies based in the U. S. Contact CASRO at 631-928-6954. http://www.casro.org
  
• Council for Marketing & Opinion Research (CMOR) was formed in 1992 by AMA, ARF, CASRO, and MRA to address two problems confronting the industry: legislative threats and the mounting difficulty of getting people to respond to market research surveys. CMOR lobbies against restrictive legislation and works to balance the need for information against the right of individual privacy. Contact CMOR at 860-657-1881. http://www.cmor.org
  
  
• Marketing Research Association (MRA) is committed to promoting excellence in marketing and opinion research. Contact MRA at 860-682-1000. http://www.mra-net.org
  
• The Marketing Society. Founded in 1955, this London-based organization has 3,000 members, who are mainly senior marketing professionals or general managers of marketing-oriented companies. The society publishes a newsletter and sponsors an annual conference. Contact The Marketing Society at 020-8973-1700. http://www.marketing-society.org.uk
  

MARKETING STRATEGIES

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• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit membership organization for people over 50. Its Research Center gathers information about the mature market. Contact AARP at 800-687-2277. http://www.aarp.org
  
  
• American Marketing Association (AMA) is the world's largest professional society of marketers. It has more than 45,000 members in 92 countries. AMA serves marketing and research executives as well as sales, advertising, and promotion people. It holds conferences and provides information on all aspects of marketing, including new product launches. Contact AMA at 800-262-1150. http://www.ama.org
  
• Association of Retail Marketing Services consists of members that include suppliers of incentive services to retailers and direct marketers from a broad spectrum of industries. ARMS conducts research on retail marketing and has an annual trade show of retail marketing suppliers, along with a newsletter that tracks promotions and legal developments. Contact Association of Retail Marketing Services at 732-842-5070. http://www.goarms.com
  
• Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) offers statistics and other information on exhibits, sales, marketing, and industry trends.  Contact CEIR at 972-687-9242. http://www.ceir.org
  
  
• Direct Marketing Association (DMA), with 4,700 member companies worldwide, is the primary association for companies involved with direct marketing. Member benefits include an extensive range of seminars and conferences, member directory, publications, online services, and use of the DMA library and resource center. Internet marketing, the newest channel in direct marketing, is included in DMA research. Contact the DMA at 212-768-7277. http://www.the-dma.org
  
• The Employee Involvement Association (EIA) is an international organization serving professional managers and administrators by providing quality educational programs, publications and networking opportunities. The role of Employee Involvement is a keystone of organizational development through the empowerment of people using team-building and suggestion-gathering methods. Contact EIA at 937-586-3724. http://www.eianet.org
  
• IEG (formerly the International Events Group) covers sponsorships in sports, arts, entertainment, events, and causes. It conducts research, publishes reports, newsletters, and directories, presents workshops, and organizes an annual conference. IEG Network includes answers to frequently asked questions, a glossary, information on the annual conference, sponsorship opportunities, and a job bank. Contact IEG at 800-834-4850. http://www.sponsorship.com
  
  
• Incentive Federation is a company that was formed to protect the rights of organizations to motivate customers and employees through the intelligent and ethical use of incentive programs. Comprised of the leading associations, trade shows, and some of the top suppliers in the incentive field, the Federation monitors Federal regulations that could affect the proper use of incentive programs and lobbies against proposals that could hinder the ability of businesses to properly use incentive programs. As part of its industry services, the Federation also conducts the only regular research on use of incentives by U.S. organizations, and manages the Incentive Performance Center, the industry-wide effort to promote professional use of incentives and that underwrote this Web site. Contact the Incentive Federation at 908-233-4009. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
• Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) has a mission, it is to promote high standards of professionalism in the incentive field, create greater corporate awareness of incentives, and help its members prosper in a changing business environment through education, training, and research. Contact IMA at 630-369-7780. http://www.incentivemarketing.com
  
• Incentive Manufacturers Representatives Association (IMRA) represents factory-direct salespeople in the incentive business, along with manufacturers. IMRA also publishes a handbook invaluable for suppliers seeking to get into the premium incentive business, and conducts an annual marketing conference. It offers a free directory of incentive representatives in your region. Contact IMRA at 630-369-7786. http://www.imra1.org
  
• Incentive Performance Center. IPC directs an industry-supported effort to promote the professional use of incentives to industry at large. It manages the industry Web site and conducts a marketing and public relations campaign. Contact IPC at 800-832-9932. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
  
• International Events Group (IEG) is a for-profit organization that provides information on sponsorships in sports, arts, entertainment, causes, and events. Its services include an industry newsletter, sponsor-locator service, books, conferences, workshops, consulting, and nearly 30 boilerplate contracts for a variety of sponsorship situations. Contact IEG at 1-800-834-4850. http://www.sponsorship.com
  
• International Special Events Society (ISES) has more than 2,000 members in more than a dozen countries. Members represent both corporations and nonprofit organizations. It offers professional accreditation (Certified Special Events Professional or CSEP), a conference for professional development, and a membership directory. ISES On-Line is an online bulletin board for the special events industry. Contact ISES at 312-321-6853. http://www.ises.com
  
  
• Marketing Agencies Associations Worldwide. Provides members, primarily executives at promotion marketing agencies, with professional support, management development, research, and a forum for the exchange of ideas. Contact Marketing Agencies Associations Worldwide at 203-978-1590. http://www.maaw.org
  
• National Council on the Aging is an association of organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well-being, and continuing contributions of older person through leadership, service, and education. Its Web site contains facts and figures about the mature market. Contact National Council on the Aging at 202 479-1200. http://www.ncoa.org
  
  
• National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE) is an association whose 18,000 members are responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of not-for-profit, charitable organizations. It publishes newsletters, legislative updates, a membership directory, and a quarterly journal called Advancing Philanthropy. It also holds an annual International Conference on Fundraising, with workshops, leadership forums, round tables, and plenary sessions. Contact NSFRE at 703-684-0410. http://www.nsfre.org
  
  
• Promotion Marketing Association, Inc. (PMA) has 700-plus member companies worldwide representing all aspects of the promotion marketing industry, including goods and services companies, promotion agencies, service supplier firms, and law firms that specialize in promotion and advertising law. PMA offers seminars and conventions, a membership directory, and legal information, as well as two newsletters, “The Legal Bulletin” and “Outlook.” Contact PMA at 212-420-1100. http://www.pmalink.org
  
• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) serves suppliers and distributors of promotional products, a mainstay in company stores. PPAI is a key association to contact for information on suppliers of imprinted products. Contact Promotional Products Association International at 888-426-7724. http://www.ppa.org
  
• Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its members create, manufacture and distribute approximately 90 percent of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States. Issues it is concerned with include freedom of speech, copyrights, licensing and royalties, and piracy. Contact RIAA at 202-775-0101. http://www.riaa.com
  
• Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE) offers educational programs for users and suppliers of incentive travel. SITE provides literature on the use of incentive travel, as well as a compilation of research. Contact SITE at 312-321-5148. http://www.site-intl.org
  
• Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) provides solutions for exhibit and event professionals. Offers educational programs, industry tools, news, research, and other services. Contact TSEA at 312-842-8732.  http://www.tsea.org
  
  
• U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services—Administration on Aging is the federal agency dedicated to policy development, planning, and delivery of support services to older persons and their caregivers. Its Web site has statistics about the mature market. Contact Administration on Aging at 202-619-0724. http://www.aoa.gov
  
  
  

• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) is an organization of more than 23,500 association executives and suppliers of products and services. ASAE is open to all staff members of trade associations, individual membership societies, voluntary organizations, and other nonprofit associations. ASAE members manage trade associations, individual membership societies and voluntary organizations. ASAE's International Section publishes a bimonthly newsletter, International News, and a peer networking and resource directory. ASAE sponsors sessions on international topics at major meetings and monthly round-table luncheons in the Washington, DC, area that are now available by audio broadcast. ASAE also offers research on international topics through the ASAE ASSIST database.  ASAE offers a number of other publications including a Peer Resource and Networking Directory, research studies on meetings, and guides on the future of trade shows. The organization has 13 professional-interest sections, including a Meetings & Expositions Section. Most events are open to nonmembers. Contact ASAE at 888-950-2723.  http://www.asaenet.org/

• Convention Industry Council (CIC) contains 31 member organizations that represent more than 100,000 individuals, as well as, 16,500 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industries. It also coordinates the meeting-planner certification program called the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). In addition to the CMP Program, CIC is also responsible for the Hall of Leaders Program as well as the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX). Contact CIC at 703-610-9030. http://www.conventionindustry.org/

• Foundation for International Meetings is composed of corporate and association meeting planners whose organizations have an ongoing international meetings program. The institute, which has an annual meeting in Washington, DC, also sponsors a series of International Meeting Institutes, in which suppliers from a specific overseas destination show off their destination. The institutes include seminars on how to hold a program in the destination. Air and hotel costs associated with attending the institutes are usually complimentary or discounted. Contact the Foundation for International Meetings at 703-908-0707. http://www.imnsolutions.com/

• International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO), based in Brussels, is a worldwide organization that represents professional organizers and managers of international and national congresses, conventions and special events. There are 80 IAPCO members in 29 countries. Contact IAPCO at +44 20 8749 6171. http://www.iapco.org/

• International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) represents airlines, NTOs, convention centers, travel agents, DMCs, PCOs, and other suppliers in the international meetings market. ICCA can provide help with venue selection, technical advice, assistance with delegate transportation, and full convention planning or ad hoc services.  Its 500 members do business in 80 countries. The Amsterdam-based association has an office in suburban Washington, DC. Contact ICCA at +31 20 398 1919. http://www.iccaworld.com/

• National Speakers Association (NSA). In addition to its Web site, the NSA publishes "Who's Who in Professional Speaking: The Meeting Planner's Guide" (a print version of its online member directory), Professional Speaker magazine, and "Voices of Experience," audio-cassette interviews with leaders in the speaking industry. NSA can find speakers for any event from their database of over 4,000 qualified experts in a number of different fields. Contact NSA at 480-968-2552. http://www.nsaspeaker.org/

• Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world's largest association of meeting planners, and meeting-industry suppliers, makes articles, books, and other research materials available through the MPI Resource Center. The resource center serves as a clearinghouse of information related to the meetings industry, and for a fee, depending on the nature of the research. MPI can offer information and articles on meeting planning companies, or rent lists of MPI members who provide professional meeting planning services. MPI has more than 16,000 members in 64 countries. Members include independent, corporate, and association planners as well as suppliers to the meetings industry. MPI publishes a monthly magazine, The Meeting Professional. MPI's publishing lineup also includes an annual membership directory that capsulizes late-breaking industry news. MPI has five special-interest groups, including one dedicated to sales and marketing. MPI maintains a "special interest group" for independent meeting planning companies. This group is currently the organization's fastest growing membership segment. MPI also publishes a monthly magazine, The Meeting Manager, which members receive free. MPI operates an online communications system, MPINet through CompuServe, which, as a networking and information resource for meeting planners and suppliers, allows meeting professionals to communicate with each other in a "private forum.” Contact MPI at 972-702-3000. http://www.mpiweb.org/

• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). This 4,100-member organization includes convention coordinators, managers and CEOs of nonprofit organizations, as well as hoteliers, convention and visitors bureaus, audio-visual suppliers and others. PCMA publications include Convene magazine and Member Digest, PCMA's 16-page newsletter of association information, and PCMA's Education Foundation Professional Meeting Management and several self-study courses (available online). PCMA's special programs include its North American Meetings Databank, which holds up-to-date information on association meetings and conventions planned by U.S. and Canadian association and corporate meeting planners. PCMA's Space Verification Program allows hotels and other facilities the opportunity to certify measurement of their meeting space. PCMA serves the conventions, expositions, meetings, and incentive travel industries. Member benefits include an annual meeting, membership directory, and Convene magazine, with regular coverage of international topics. PCMA also offers Virtual PCMA, a service that provides industry news, education, data, and information on meeting properties.  Contact PCMA at 312-423-7262. http://www.pcma.org/

• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) represents manufacturers and distributors of some 15,000 types of promotional items, many of which are suitable as pillow gifts. It provides free geographic listings of gift distributors. Contact PPAI at 888-426-7724. http://www.ppai.org/

• Society of Government Meeting Planners (SGMP). This 3,500-member organization includes individuals involved in planning government meetings as well as suppliers of services to government meetings. Members receive a membership directory (not available to nonmembers) and a newsletter. Contact SGMP at 703-549-0892. http://www.sgmp.org/

• Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE). Members design and implement incentive travel programs. SITE makes available names of suppliers, such as destination management and audiovisual companies. SITE maintains a research library, and its educational programs are an excellent source of information.  Contact SITE at 312-321-5148. http://www.site-intl.org/

• Association of Retail Marketing Services consists of members that include suppliers of incentive services to retailers and direct marketers from a broad spectrum of industries. ARMS conducts research on retail marketing and has an annual trade show of retail marketing suppliers, along with a newsletter that tracks promotions and legal developments. Contact Association of Retail Marketing Services at 732-842-5070. http://www.goarms.com
  
• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) is an organization of more than 23,500 association executives and suppliers of products and services. ASAE is open to all staff members of trade associations, individual membership societies, voluntary organizations, and other nonprofit associations. ASAE members manage trade associations, individual membership societies and voluntary organizations. ASAE's International Section publishes a bimonthly newsletter, International News, and a peer networking and resource directory. ASAE sponsors sessions on international topics at major meetings and monthly round-table luncheons in the Washington, DC, area that are now available by audio broadcast. ASAE also offers research on international topics through the ASAE ASSIST database.  ASAE offers a number of other publications including a Peer Resource and Networking Directory, research studies on meetings, and guides on the future of trade shows. The organization has 13 professional-interest sections, including a Meetings & Expositions Section. Most events are open to nonmembers. Contact ASAE at 888-950-2723. http://www.asaenet.org
  
  
• Incentive Federation is a company that was formed to protect the rights of organizations to motivate customers and employees through the intelligent and ethical use of incentive programs. Comprised of the leading associations, trade shows, and some of the top suppliers in the incentive field, the Federation monitors Federal regulations that could affect the proper use of incentive programs and lobbies against proposals that could hinder the ability of businesses to properly use incentive programs. As part of its industry services, the Federation also conducts the only regular research on use of incentives by U.S. organizations, and manages the Incentive Performance Center, the industry-wide effort to promote professional use of incentives and that underwrote this Web site. Contact the Incentive Federation at 908-233-4009. http://www.incentivecentral.org
  
• Incentive Manufacturers Representatives Association (IMRA) represents factory-direct salespeople in the incentive business, along with manufacturers. IMRA also publishes a handbook invaluable for suppliers seeking to get into the premium incentive business, and conducts an annual marketing conference. It offers a free directory of incentive representatives in your region. Contact IMRA at 630-369-7786. http://www.imra1.org
  
• Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) has a mission, it is to promote high standards of professionalism in the incentive field, create greater corporate awareness of incentives, and help its members prosper in a changing business environment through education, training, and research. Contact IMA at 630-369-7780. http://www.incentivemarketing.com
  
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world's largest association of meeting planners, and meeting-industry suppliers, makes articles, books, and other research materials available through the MPI Resource Center. The resource center serves as a clearinghouse of information related to the meetings industry, and for a fee, depending on the nature of the research. MPI can offer information and articles on meeting planning companies, or rent lists of MPI members who provide professional meeting planning services. MPI has more than 16,000 members in 64 countries. Members include independent, corporate, and association planners as well as suppliers to the meetings industry. MPI publishes a monthly magazine, The Meeting Professional. MPI's publishing lineup also includes an annual membership directory that capsulizes late-breaking industry news. MPI has five special-interest groups, including one dedicated to sales and marketing. MPI maintains a "special interest group" for independent meeting planning companies. This group is currently the organization's fastest growing membership segment. MPI also publishes a monthly magazine, The Meeting Manager, which members receive free. MPI operates an online communications system, MPINet through CompuServe, which, as a networking and information resource for meeting planners and suppliers, allows meeting professionals to communicate with each other in a "private forum.” Contact MPI at 972-702-3000. http://www.mpiweb.org
  
• Premium Marketing Club serves suppliers and sellers of incentive and promotional products in the greater New York metropolitan area. It holds regular luncheons and special events, often with speakers representing companies that use or sell incentives. Contact Premium Marketing Club at 908-687-3090.
  
• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). This 4,100-member organization includes convention coordinators, managers and CEOs of nonprofit organizations, as well as hoteliers, convention and visitors bureaus, audio-visual suppliers and others. PCMA publications include Convene magazine and Member Digest, PCMA's 16-page newsletter of association information, and PCMA's Education Foundation Professional Meeting Management and several self-study courses (available online). PCMA's special programs include its North American Meetings Databank, which holds up-to-date information on association meetings and conventions planned by U.S. and Canadian association and corporate meeting planners. PCMA's Space Verification Program allows hotels and other facilities the opportunity to certify measurement of their meeting space. PCMA serves the conventions, expositions, meetings, and incentive travel industries. Member benefits include an annual meeting, membership directory, and Convene magazine, with regular coverage of international topics. PCMA also offers Virtual PCMA, a service that provides industry news, education, data, and information on meeting properties.  Contact PCMA at 312-423-7262. http://www.pcma.org
  
• Promotion Industry Council (formerly the Promotion Industry Club) is designed to stimulate interaction and to increase understanding and cooperation between suppliers and buyers of promotional products and services. Members are suppliers and users in the Chicago area. It holds regular educational luncheons. Contact Promotion Industry Council at 630-369-3772.
  
• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) represents manufacturers and distributors of some 15,000 types of promotional items, many of which are suitable as pillow gifts. It provides free geographic listings of gift distributors. Contact PPAI at 888-426-7724. http://www.ppa.org
  
• Society of Government Meeting Planners (SGMP). This 3,500-member organization includes individuals involved in planning government meetings as well as suppliers of services to government meetings. Members receive a membership directory (not available to nonmembers) and a newsletter. Contact SGMP at 703-549-0892.
  
• Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE). Members design and implement incentive travel programs. SITE makes available names of suppliers, such as destination management and audiovisual companies. SITE maintains a research library, and its educational programs are an excellent source of information.  Contact SITE at 312-321-5148. http://www.site-intl.org/

• American Advertising Federation (AAF) binds the mutual interests of corporate advertisers, agencies, media companies, suppliers, and academia. Member benefits include an annual marketing conference, an advertising conference, a government conference, publications, and a job bank. Contact AAF at 202-898-0089. http://www.aaf.org
  
  
• Association of Retail Marketing Services consists of members that include suppliers of incentive services to retailers and direct marketers from a broad spectrum of industries. ARMS conducts research on retail marketing and has an annual trade show of retail marketing suppliers, along with a newsletter that tracks promotions and legal developments. Contact Association of Retail Marketing Services at 732-842-5070. http://www.goarms.com
• Direct Marketing Association (DMA), with 4,700 member companies worldwide, is the primary association for companies involved with direct marketing. Member benefits include an extensive range of seminars and conferences, member directory, publications, online services, and use of the DMA library and resource center. Internet marketing, the newest channel in direct marketing, is included in DMA research. Contact the DMA at 212-768-7277. http://www.the-dma.org
  
• Food Marketing Institute. Contact at 202-452-8444.
  
• Incentive Manufacturers Representatives Association (IMRA) represents factory-direct salespeople in the incentive business, along with manufacturers. IMRA also publishes a handbook invaluable for suppliers seeking to get into the premium incentive business, and conducts an annual marketing conference. It offers a free directory of incentive representatives in your region. Contact IMRA at 630-369-7786. http://ww.imra1.org
  
• Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) has a mission, it is to promote high standards of professionalism in the incentive field, create greater corporate awareness of incentives, and help its members prosper in a changing business environment through education, training, and research. Contact IMA at 630-369-7780. http://www.incentivemarketing.org
  
• Incentive Federation is a company that was formed to protect the rights of organizations to motivate customers and employees through the intelligent and ethical use of incentive programs. Comprised of the leading associations, trade shows, and some of the top suppliers in the incentive field, the Federation monitors Federal regulations that could affect the proper use of incentive programs and lobbies against proposals that could hinder the ability of businesses to properly use incentive programs. As part of its industry services, the Federation also conducts the only regular research on use of incentives by U.S. organizations, and manages the Incentive Performance Center, the industry-wide effort to promote professional use of incentives and that underwrote this Web site. Contact the Incentive Federation at 908-233-4009. http://www.incentivecentral.org
• International Events Group (IEG) is a for-profit organization that provides information on sponsorships in sports, arts, entertainment, causes, and events. Its comprehensive services include an industry newsletter, books, conferences, workshops, and consulting. Contact IEG at 1-800-834-4850. http://www.sponsorship.com
• International Special Events Society (ISES) has more than 2,000 members in more than a dozen countries. Members represent both corporations and nonprofit organizations. It offers professional accreditation (Certified Special Events Professional or CSEP), a conference for professional development, and a membership directory. ISES On-Line is an online bulletin board for the special events industry. Contact ISES at 312-321-6853. http://www.ises.com
  
• National Association for Retail Merchandising Services (NARMS) is an association of firms providing a variety of merchandising services to all classes of trade, including grocery, drug, discount, department, home and building centers, computer/office supply, and convenience retailers. Contact NARMS at 888-526-2767. http://www.narms.com
  
• National Retail Federation is an association of retailers and companies providing goods and services to retailers. Contact NRF at 800-NRF-HOW2.
  
• Point-of-Purchase Advertising Institute. Members are producers, buyers, and users of signs and displays used at retail. Contact Point-of-Purchase Advertising Institute at 202-530-3000. http://www.popai.com
  
• PROMAX is a nonprofit, member-owned association of over 2,000 companies and individuals in 43 countries. Members are promotion and marketing professionals in the electronic media. The association's mission is to advance the role of electronic media in increasing the effectiveness of promotion and marketing within the industry, related industries, and the academic community. Membership includes PROMAXFAX, a weekly promotion and marketing newsletter, which is faxed to members directly and is also available on their Web site. Membership also includes Image Magazine, published once a year, and features members and their ideas about concepts and opportunities on building businesses in the promotion and marketing industries. Lastly, benefits of membership also include a member directory, and discounts on events and videotapes. Contact PROMAX at 310-788-7600. http://www.promax.org
  
  
• Promotion Marketing Association, Inc. (PMA) has 700-plus member companies worldwide representing all aspects of the promotion marketing industry, including goods and services companies, promotion agencies, service supplier firms, and law firms that specialize in promotion and advertising law. PMA offers seminars and conventions, a membership directory, and legal information, as well as two newsletters, “The Legal Bulletin” and “Outlook.” Contact PMA at 212-420-1100. http://www.pmalink.org
  
• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) represents manufacturers and distributors of some 15,000 types of promotional items, many of which are suitable as pillow gifts. It provides free geographic listings of gift distributors. Contact PPAI at 888-426-7724. http://www.ppa.org
  
• Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its members create, manufacture and distribute approximately 90 percent of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States. Issues it is concerned with include freedom of speech, copyrights, licensing and royalties, and piracy. Contact RIAA at 202-775-0101. http://www.riaa.com
  
• Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE). Members design and implement incentive travel programs. SITE makes available names of suppliers, such as destination management and audiovisual companies. SITE maintains a research library, and its educational programs are an excellent source of information.  Contact SITE at 312-321-5148. http://www.site-intl.org
  

• Advanced Distributed Learning. Members from government, academia, and industry seek to develop an open architecture for online learning. Contact Advanced Distributed Learning at 703-575-2000. http://www.adlnet.org
  
  
• American Marketing Association (AMA) is the world's largest professional society of marketers. It has more than 45,000 members in 92 countries. AMA serves marketing and research executives as well as sales, advertising, and promotion people. It holds conferences and provides information on all aspects of marketing, including new product launches. Contact AMA at 800-262-1150.  http://www.ama.org
  
• The American Society for Training and Development, the world's leading professional association in the field of workplace learning and performance, offers both telephone and online information services and sponsors the annual International Conference and Exposition. Contact ASTD at 703-683-8100. http://www.astd.org
  
• CommerceNet is a not-for-profit business-development organization that focuses on promoting the cause of electronic commerce. Members include leading banks, telecommunications companies, online services, and software companies as well as major end users. Contact CommerceNet at 650-289-4040. http://www.commerce.net
  
  
• The Conference Board sponsors conferences of interest to, and attended by, top executives. Topics include outsourcing, enterprise resource planning, and brand management. Contact The Conference Board at 212-339-0345. http://www.conference-board.org
  
• Customer Care Institute (CCI) is an international organization serving customer care professionals. It focuses on issues found in the customer service, consumer affairs, telemarketing, and help-desk professions. Contact CCT at 404-352-9291. http://www.customercare.com
  
  
• Customer Relationship Management Association (CRMA), formerly the Sales Automation Association (SAA), is an association whose mission extends beyond sales automation to encompass sales, marketing, and customer service, and includes users, suppliers, training firms, and consulting groups. It offers events and publications to help educate members. Contact CRMA at 770-642-1834. http://www.crmassociation.org
  
  
• International Customer Service Association (ICSA) is the largest association for customer service professionals. It has local chapters, publishes its own newsletter, and holds an annual conference and other educational events. Its members are executives of companies in virtually every industry. Contact ICSA at 800-360-4272. http://www.icsa.com
  
  
• International Society for Performance Improvement. Members are performance technologists, training directors, human resources managers, instructional technologists, human factors practitioners, and organizational consultants interested in systematic approaches to improving human performance. Contact International Society for Performance Improvement at 301-587-8570. http://www.ispi.org
  
  
• Masie Center is a think tank dedicated to exploring the intersection of learning and technology. It provides consulting, training, and materials for helping people apply technology to learning. Contact Masie Center at 518-350-2200. http://www.masie.com
  
• National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) offers a Professional Sales Certification Program as well as a Sales Competency Evaluation Test, providing an opportunity to both new hires and seasoned pros to be educated, tested, and certified as Sales Professionals. Contact NASP at 480-951-4311. http://www.nasp.com
  
  
• The Resource Center for Customer Service Professionals carries books, reports, self-study training, and surveys. It also provides information on association memberships and seminars produced by industry associations, consulting firms, and publishers. This mail and cyber order store provides free research services and will locate materials relevant to any customer service topic. Contact The Resource Center for Customer Service Professionals at 708-246-0320. http://www.the-resource-center.com
  
  
• Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) is made up of sales and marketing professionals. The association offers members sales and marketing seminars, sales training, a graduate school of sales and marketing management, an annual convention, and a monthly newsletter. Contact SMEI at 312-893-0751. http://www.smei.org
  
  
• Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business (SOCAP) is an international organization whose purpose is to enable the customer service/consumer affairs professional to improve the policies, products, and services of his or her company. It also encourages effective communication and understanding among business, government, and consumers. Contact SOCAP at 703-519-3700. http://www.socap.org
  
  
• Toastmasters International. This organization is dedicated to members attending meetings in order to improve their public speaking skills. Contact Toastmasters International at 949-858-8255. http://www.toastmasters.org
  
  
• United States Distance Learning Association. Government, academic, and corporate members of this nonprofit organization seek to further the application of distance learning for education and training. Contact U.S. Distance Learning Association at 800-275-5162. http://www.usdla.org
  
  

• Center for Exhibition Industry Research(CEIR), formerly known as the Trade Show Bureau, is devoted to producing and coordinating research on the industry and offers statistics and other information on exhibits, sales, marketing, and industry trends. Publications, discounted to members, help coordinate marketing strategy and trade show participation. Contact Center for Industry Research at 972-687-9242. http://www.ceir.org
  
• Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) serves organizations that provide exhibits and related services to the exhibitor in order to maximize their trade show marketing programs. Regular voting members include exhibit designers/producers, system marketers and manufacturers, show service contractors, and transportation providers. Associate members include industry suppliers, providers of design-related services, et al. Contact EDPA at 404-303-7310. http://www.edpa.com
  
• International Association for Exposition Management (IAEM) serves managers of expositions and suppliers to the industry but has a growing segment of members who are exhibitors. Publishes EXPO magazine, a newsletter, and other publications. Information services available by phone, online, and fax-on-demand include access to an article database, publications, program registration materials, legislative updates. Contact IAEM at 972-458-8002. http://www.iaem.org
  
  
• Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) is made up of sales and marketing professionals. The association offers members sales and marketing seminars, sales training, a graduate school of sales and marketing management, an annual convention, and a monthly newsletter. Contact SMEI at 312-893-0751. http://www.smei.org
  
• Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA), formerly known as the International Exhibitors Association (IEA), serves both "active" members-corporate sales/marketing professionals who manage exhibits-and "allied" members-suppliers of exhibit-related services. TSEA offers a monthly newsletter and other publications, educational programs, industry tools, news, research, and other services. TSEA provides solutions for exhibit and event professionals. Contact Trade Show Exhibitors Association at 312-842-8732. http://www.tsea.org

• Advanced Distributed Learning Members from government, academia, and industry seek to develop an open architecture for online learning. Contact Advanced Distributed Learning at 703-575-2000. http://www.adlnet.org
  
  
• American Marketing Association (AMA) is the world's largest professional society of marketers. It has more than 45,000 members in 92 countries. AMA serves marketing and research executives as well as sales, advertising, and promotion people. It holds conferences and provides information on all aspects of marketing, including new product launches. Contact AMA at 800-262-1150. http://www.ama.org
  
• American Psychological Association. The section of its Web site called For the Public contains information on organizational psychology and testing. Contact American Psychological Association at 202-336-5500. http://www.apa.org
  
  
• American Society of Training & Development(ASTD) is considered the world's foremost professional association for trainers and a leading resource on work-place learning and performance issues. Contact ASTD at 703-683-8100. http://www.astd.org
  
• Association of Test Publishers. This organization's Web site contains links to test publishers and an excellent section called Questions about Tests. Contact Association of Test Publishers at 866-240-7909. http://www.testpublishers.org
  
  
• The Conference Board sponsors conferences of interest to, and attended by, top executives. Topics include outsourcing, enterprise resource planning, and brand management. Contact The Conference Board at 212-339-0345. http://www.conference-board.org
  
• Customer Relationship Management Association (CRMA), formerly the Sales Automation Association (SAA), is an association whose mission extends beyond sales automation to encompass sales, marketing, and customer service, and includes users, suppliers, training firms, and consulting groups. It offers events and publications to help educate members. Contact CRMA at 770-642-1834. http://www.crmassociation.org
  
  
• International Society for Performance Improvement. Members are performance technologists, training directors, human resources managers, instructional technologists, human factors practitioners, and organizational consultants interested in systematic approaches to improving human performance. Contact International Society for Performance Improvement at 301-587-8570.  http://www.ispi.org
  
  
• National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) offers a Professional Sales Certification Program as well as a Sales Competency Evaluation Test, providing an opportunity to both new hires and seasoned pros to be educated, tested, and certified as Sales Professionals. Contact NASP at 480-951-4311. http://www.nasp.com
  
• Professional Society for Sales and Marketing Training (SMT). SMT is an association of sales and marketing training executives, with nearly 200 members. It publishes how-to booklets and textbooks, offers educational programs including The Sales Trainer's Clinic, holds two annual meetings, and offers networking opportunities. Contact SMT at 800-219-0096. http://www.smt.org
  
• Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) is made up of sales and marketing professionals. The association offers members sales and marketing seminars, sales training, a graduate school of sales and marketing management, an annual convention, and a monthly newsletter. Contact SMEI at 312-893-0751. http://www.smei.org
  
• Society for Human Resource Management publishes HRMagazine and white papers on testing. Contact Society for Human Resource Management at 703-548-6999. http://www.shrm.org
  
  
• Toastmasters International. This organization is dedicated to members attending meetings in order to improve their public speaking skills. Contact Toastmasters International at 949-858-8255. http://www.toastmasters.org
  
• United States Distance Learning Association. Government, academic, and corporate members of this nonprofit organization seek to further the application of distance learning for education and training. Contact U.S. Distance Learning Association at 800-275-5162. http://www.usdla.org
  
  
  
  
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