(CelebrityAccess News Service) –- The International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) reached an all-time high of 3,624 members in 2004. The figure is especially impressive as it comes during a time when many organizations are tightening their budgets and even downsizing their staffs. "The fact that IAAM's membership numbers continues to grow indicates that members receive value for their dues," said IAAM President Mike Kelly, CFE, executive director of NCC (New Zealand) Ltd.
"IAAM has always been conscious of the fierce competition within the industry for member loyalty," said Kelly. "We have worked hard to find
a reasonable balance between the professional and commercial benefits
for our members. In addition, we have worked hard and have invested our future in the growth of our profession in the educational sector. The existence of several student chapters is the best indication of this focus."
Formed in 1924 with six charter members, the association has maintained a growth spiral that in recent years has escalated. For example, it was just four years ago that IAAM topped the 3,000-member mark, meaning that the numbers have grown 20 percent since 2000. Going back to 1992 when membership stood at 1,600, the numbers have more than doubled in just over a decade.
"The IAAM story is one of continuing success and growth," said Kelly. "It is significant because it comes at a time when associations are fragmenting to follow more specialized interest groupings or otherwise shrinking because of commercial pressures on their current and potential members."
Kelly attributes another reason for the growth IAAM's commitment to expand its partnerships and visibility beyond the traditional alliances and boundaries. "We have chosen to focus on leadership outside of the more comfortable confines of our immediate profession," he says. "Our strong advocacy of industry interests cuts across not only several industry sectors from exhibitions to professional sport but also geographically from within continental North America to Asia and Europe."
IAAM Membership 1925-2004:
1925 6
1927 26
1945 75
1954 100
1968 400
1975 700
1992 1,600
1996 2,500
2000 3,000
2004 3,624
–Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
On the web: http://www.iaam.org
