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Organizations
Associated with the
Speaking, Training, and Meetings Industry

A - B    C - I    J - O    P - S    T - W   

It is hard to imagine a professional speaker succeeding without being active in one or more appropriate associations. Specific benefits vary from one organization to another, but the benefits offered by most associations include member support, education, training, networking opportunities, prestige, certification, discounts, political representation, and opportunities to target a highly-specific customer base.

The associations listed here are excellent organizations for the professional speaker to be active in. All of these associations exist at the national (or international) level; many of the associations have local chapters or clubs. Information on these local extensions is generally available from the national organizations.

Of course, you also need to become active in those organizations which are industry-specific to your particular field of expertise. Whether you specialize in computers or forestry, there are associations where you can network with your fellow professionals and stay up-to-date on changes in your industry.

The Internet is undoubtedly the best place to locate the most current information about any of the organizations that you want to know more about. Most organizations have an extensive web site that tells you everything you need to know; but even a simple web site will give you a mailing address or phone number where you can get further information.

American Marketing Association (AMA)

The American Marketing Association (AMA) is the world’s largest and most comprehensive professional society of marketers, consisting of more than 45,000 worldwide members in 92 countries and 500 chapters throughout North America. The AMA is the only organization that provides direct benefits to marketing professionals in both business and education and serves all levels of marketing practitioners, educators and students.

The purpose of the AMA is to promote education and assist in personal and professional career development among marketing professionals, and to advance the science and ethical practice of marketing disciplines.

American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)

Described as the "association for association executives," ASAE is dedicated to enhancing the professionalism and competency of association executives, promoting excellence in association management, and increasing the effectiveness of associations to better serve members and society.

With more than 23,000 members worldwide, ASAE is the leading organization in the field of association management. ASAE is an organization for those who manage trade associations, individual membership societies, voluntary organizations, and other not-for-profit associations, as well as those who provide products and services to the association community.

American Society of Training and Development (ASTD)

The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) is an international professional association focusing on workplace learning and performance. ASTD’s membership includes more than 58,000 individuals and organizations in more than 100 countries. Its leadership and members work in multinational corporations, small and medium sized businesses, government agencies, colleges, and universities.