Industry Associations

Industry associations are frequently referred to by their  initials; here's a list of the major players:

ADME The Association for Destination Management Executives supplies information to corporate and association meetings professionals regarding member destination marketing companies (DMCs) in their locale or a locale in which they will be managing meetings, events, incentive programs, etc.

CIC The Convention Industry Council represents more than 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. It offers many tools and programs designed to support the industry and meet its challenges; facilitate the exchange of information and ideas; and educate the public on its profound economic impact.

GMIC The Green Meeting Industry Council is the premier global community solely dedicated to sustainability not only through education but also by spearheading research, policy and standards for the meetings and event industry.

HSMAI Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International is the hospitality industry’s source for knowledge, community, and recognition for leaders committed to professional development, sales growth, revenue optimization, marketing, and branding.

IACC The International Association of Conference Centres, which operates more than 300 conference centers in the countries of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The association creates certain standards for meeting space to which conference venues must adhere to achieve “IACC certification.”

IAEE The International Association of Exhibitions and Events, formerly the International Association for Exhibition Management (IAEM), is a trade association established to promote the growth and expansion of the world wide exhibition industry. This includes professionals who organize, conduct, and support trade shows, exhibitions, meetings, and events at private and public venues. IAEE accomplishes its mission through education and advocacy programs that serve more than 6,000 members in 52 countries. In addition to hundreds of individuals, IAEE's serves partner vendors and service organizations that have business interests in the exhibition industry.

ISES The International Special Events Society educates, advances, and promotes the special events industry and its network of professionals.

MPI Meeting Professionals International is a global community of meeting and event professionals, comprising more than 24,000 members that belong to 71 chapters and clubs worldwide.

PCMA The Professional Convention Management Association represents approximately 6,000 meeting industry leaders including planner professionals, suppliers, faculty and students. Aside from students and faculty, members are categorized as either a professional or supplier based on their position.