Private associations have been around for centuries, and their primary purpose has always been to promote events. These organizations are typically membership-based, and they use their collective clout to negotiate better terms with suppliers, raise awareness for their industry, and lobby for favorable legislation.

Private associations are key players in the development of tourism. They are usually nongovernmental organizations that are set up for the purpose of promoting and protecting the interests of a particular industry or sector. In the case of tourism, private associations work to promote the destinations, businesses, and attractions that make up the tourism industry.

They also lobby for policies that support the growth of the Tourism industry and work to create an environment that is conducive to Tourism. In addition, private associations often organize events and conferences that bring together key stakeholders in the Tourism industry. These events provide an important platform for networking and exchanging ideas, and they can have a major impact on the development of Tourism.

Some of the most well-known private associations in the events industry are Meeting Professional International (MPI), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), Events Industry Council (EIC), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), and International Association of Exhibition and Events (IAEE) 

These organizations play a critical role in the success of the events industry, and they continue to evolve as the needs of their members change. For instance, MPI recently launched a task force to address racial inequity within the organization and the event industry at large. And ASAE is spearheading an initiative to make it easier for members to find and connect with each other. 

As the events industry continues to grow and evolve, private associations will play an increasingly important role in its success. These organizations provide a valuable service to their members by advocating on their behalf, negotiating better terms with suppliers, and raising awareness for the industry as a whole. If you’re involved in the events industry, chances are good that there’s a private association that can help you achieve your goals. 

1. Meeting Professional International (MPI)

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is a global association for meeting and event professionals. The organization has over 17,000 members in 90 countries and offers a variety of resources, including educational programs, networking opportunities, and industry research.

“MPI serves the entirety of the meeting and event industry, regardless of need, audience or specialization. MPI delivers leadership and education that are not only credible—they’re actionable. We empower our community to visualize and execute one-of-a-kind experiences that inspire people to evolve their outlooks, reexamine their preconceptions and take positive action.”

Membership Tiers:

• Planner: 155 – 240 USD/year
• Supplier: 215 – 300 USD/year
• Student: 20 USD/year
• Faculty: 100 USD/year
• Corporate (Depends on the number of individuals): 263 – 364 USD/pp/year

Join Membership Program: https://www.mpi.org/membership/join

2. Events Industry Council (EIC)

Events Industry Council (EIC) is a trade association for the events industry. The organization has over 30 member organizations, 120,000 individuals, and 19,500 firms in 100 countries and provides a variety of resources, including educational programs, industry research, and networking opportunities.

“The Events Industry Council’s vision is to be the global champion for event professionals and event industry excellence. It promotes high standards and professionalism in the events industry with the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) programme and signature programme activities. The CMP credential is recognised globally as the badge of excellence in the events industry.”

Membership Tiers:

• Under 500.000 USD in revenue: 1.800 USD/year
• 500.000 – 1.000.000 USD in revenue: 2.800 USD/year
• 1.000.000 – 2.500.000 USD in revenue: 3.800 USD/year
• 2.500.000 – 5.000.000 USD in revenue: 4.800 USD/year
• 5.000.000 – 10.000.000 USD in revenue: 5.800 USD/year
• Over 10.000.000 USD in revenue: 7.500 USD/year

Application form: https://www.eventscouncil.org/Portals/0/Membership%20Application%202022_1.pdf

3. International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)

International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) is a global trade association for venue managers. The organization has over 500 allied companies in 70 countries and offers a variety of resources, including educational programs, networking opportunities, and industry research.

“Representing public assembly venues from around the globe, IAVM’s active members include managers and senior executives from auditorium, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centers, university complexes, and amphitheaters.

Mission: To educate, advocate for, and inspire public assembly venue professionals, worldwide.”

Membership Tiers:

• Professional: 150 USD New Member Fee + 495 USD/year
• Young Professional: 250 USD/year
• Professional Group Membership: 3.150 USD/year for 20 members.

Join Membership Program: https://iavm.org/membership/

4. American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)

American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) is a trade association for association professionals. The organization has over 45,000 members in 100 countries and offers a variety of resources, including educational programs, networking opportunities, and industry research.

“ASAE is the essential organization for association management, representing both organizations and individual association professionals. We believe associations have the power to transform society for the better. Our passion is to help association professionals achieve previously unimaginable levels of performance. We do this by nurturing a community of smart, creative, and interesting people: our members. In short, we are the Center for Association Leadership.”

Membership Tiers:

• Association Professionals: 325 USD/year
• Consultant Membership: 475 USD/year
• Industry Partner Membership: 475 USD/year
• Young Professional Membership: 150 USD/year
• Organization (Depends on the number of Staff): 395 – 9.995 USD/year.

Join Membership Program: https://www.asaecenter.org/membership

5. Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is a global association for meeting professionals. The organization has over 7,000 members in 59 countries and offers a variety of resources, including educational programs, networking opportunities, and industry research.

“PCMA educates, inspires, and listens, creating meaningful experiences where passion, purpose and commerce come together. We are the world’s largest community for Business Events Strategists, providing senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. Headquartered in Chicago, IL PCMA has 17 North American Chapters, regional communities in APAC, EMEA and LATAM, and members in 59 countries.”

Membership Tiers:

• Business Event Organizer: 360 USD/year
• Business Event Organizer Next Gen (< 30 years old): 120 USD/year
• Business Event Supplier: 485 USD/year
• Business Event Supplier Next Gen (< 30 years old): 120 USD/year
• Faculty: 205 USD/year
• Student: Free

Join Membership Program: https://www.pcma.org/membership/join-pcma/

6. International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)

ICCA is the leading international association for the meeting industry, with over 1,000 member companies and organizations in 100 countries around the world. The ICCA represents the interests of the meeting industry and promotes the development of meeting tourism.

“ICCA is the global association leader for the international meetings industry and specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, education, communication channels, and business development and networking opportunities. Since its establishment in 1963, ICCA represents the world’s top destinations and most experienced suppliers specialised in handling, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events… “

Membership Tiers:

• As of 2020, the membership fee is 3.131 Euros.

Join Membership Program: https://www.iccaworld.org/benefits/how-to-join-icca.cfm

7. International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO)

IAPCO is a global association of professional congress organizers, with over 800 members in 60 countries. The IAPCO represents the interests of professional congress organizers and promotes the development of meeting tourism.

“IAPCO is a not-for-profit membership association, registered in Switzerland. Our Members are Professional Congress Organisers (companies, not individuals) that have qualified for Membership under the detailed application process by demonstrating that they consistently deliver PCO services to their clients and partners at high quality standards. They retain their membership through annual quality checks and reviews by the IAPCO Quality Committee.

Mission Statement

The IAPCO mission is to raise the standards of service amongst its members and other sectors of the meetings industry by means of continuing education and interaction with other professionals.”

Membership Tiers:

• One office – €2720
• One office, with additional offices with country of One Office – €2930
• Any number of offices in up to three countries €3100
• Any number of offices in up to six countries €4500
• Any number of offices in up to ten countries €8500

Join Membership Program: Application Form

8. International Association of Exhibition and Events (IAEE)

IAEES is a global association for exhibition and event services providers, with over 12,000 members in 50 countries. The IAEES promotes the development of exhibition and event services and provides education and resources for exhibition and event service providers.

“Over 50 percent of IAEE’s members are directly involved in the planning, management, and production of exhibitions and buyer-seller events. The remainder of our membership consists of those who provide products and services to the industry. IAEE values and promotes diversity of membership, in terms of company size, products, and geographical area. Each active member organization is given one vote, regardless of size. Benefits of IAEE Membership include professional development, industry news and publications, industry and professional resources, service partner discounts, advocacy before government and media, leadership development, and local chapter membership.

Mission Statement:

IAEE globally promotes the unique value of exhibitions and events and is the principal resource for those who plan, produce and service the industry.”

Membership Tiers:

• Under 500.000 – 1.000.000.001 USD in revenue: 609 – 47.209 USD/year

Join Membership Program: Information

Application Form: https://members.iaee.com/cvweb/cgi-bin/memberdll.dll/info?wrp=org_membershipapp.htm

Conclusion

Ultimately, private associations play a vital role in the Tourism industry, and their work is essential for its continued growth and development. If you’re involved in the events industry, chances are good that there’s a private association that can help you achieve your goals.