Advertising Organizations

Advertising organizations offer an array of resources to the busy ad professional
By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter Ad associations are a group of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge on industry issues, best practices and insights. They are a source of support, networking and solutions in the advertising industry. They advocate freedom of commercial speech and defend the communications industry against unwarranted advertising restrictions or bans.
 

Advertising associations link you to workshops and seminars, which study emerging trends and challenges in the ever-changing industry. You exchange ideas about industry-leading research and insight on marketing and sales trends and best practices. As a result, your job performance and professional development are fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Using advertising associations to grow as a professional in the ad industry.

2. Varying levels of membership to ad associations.

3. Taking advantage of educational and networking opportunities.

Join advertising professional associations to meet and network with other professionals

Ad organizations range from international groups to state wide or local organizations, all with one goal in mind: to advance and protect the advertising industry.
Try: Use Advertising-Agency-Resources.com to find a list of professional advertising organizations and networks. The American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA) is the national trade association with a membership that produces about 80% of the total advertising volume placed by agencies nationwide. Take advantage of networking opportunities with a lot of experts by signing up for AAAA events online. International Advertising Association (IAA) is a global network of agencies, advertisers, the media and related services. The group promotes networking through events, conferences and seminars. Use the interactive map to access IAA events.

Pay annual dues to belong to advertising professional organizations

Advertising organizations' dues range depending on the membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment your company is willing to give.
Try: The Outdoor Advertising Association of America, Inc. (OAAA) is the top trade organization among outdoor advertising professional associations. It promotes, protects and advances outdoor advertising interests in the U.S. There are five membership categories, and dues range from $500 to $2500. The Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) strives to promote marketing and media research. The group provides opportunities for industry leaders to challenge, debate, network and collaborate. Complete a registration form to become a member.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining advertising organizations

When you join professional organizations for advertising, you get access to many career development tools such as newsletters, business reports, a career center, courses and seminars. They allow you to advance your skills, increase your knowledge, optimize your performance and position your career.
Try: Association of National Advertisers (ANA) is open to small and large companies. ANA has a Marketing Insights Center, which is a knowledge database for professionals. It contains the latest marketing issues and provides members with the insight they need to make better business decisions faster. There's also an around-the-clock online database, staffed by experts and workshops available by region. Information Technology Services Marketing Association (ITSMA) specializes in helping companies market and sell solutions and services. The organization provides consulting, research and training to professionals. ITSMA holds sales training and marketing training programs.

• Use member directories offered by advertising professional organizations to make the most of your networking opportunities.