John Fisher’s article in Sept/Oct edition of Meetings mag entitled ‘ The Trouble with Associations’ says it all.
Most of us in the MICE industry have challenges in grasping the differences between a trade association and an occupational association. Yet the differences can be worlds apart hence the industry should understand the differences in order not to be disillusioned as an association member.
Trade associations bring the supplier/services company sector together under one banner to network as a form of assured potential business-to-business series of opportunities. Trade associations gather a wide range of competitors together on a perceived level playing field – hopefully with the intention of improving industry standards for the greater good of the myriad of clients out there.
Perhaps one of the regrettable aspects of most trade associations is that board/committee decisions can be less than outward looking for the betterment of a wider industry. It is rare for a trade association to commit beyond the Code of Conduct to the actual monitoring and recourse mechanisms which would give serious clout in the eyes of the potential client out there..
In comparison – occupational associations are made up of a particular designated sector such as: mechanical engineers, marketing managers, accountants, purchasing managers and the like. Occupational association membership are individual with the association’s decision-makers having clear objectives to progress the sector’s discipline for the individual. Due to the very nature of board participation not being in any way of a competitive nature – the objectives are maintained and prosper to the member’s satisfaction going forward.
So before rushing-off to become a member of an association – determine initially the current membership base in relation to your particular objectives for becoming a member in the first place.
It is prudent to heed Fisher when he says: ‘ Trade associations are great fun for the committee, but the jury’s out on how effective they are for their members’.
Wise words indeed.
