Here at ThymeBase, we’ve compiled an up-to-date, comprehensively researched guide to Event Planning Associations, including information on their fees, social media sites, and descriptions.
If you’re wondering why you should join event planning associations, you would probably want to know which membership benefits and opportunities are on offer? Well, read on, and we’ll let the guide do the talking.
Why Should Event Pros Join Event Planning Associations?
When joining a professional organization for event professionals or any event industry group, it should first of all be beneficial to you and your career. In exchange for the annual fee, you ought to be receiving value beyond a badge on your website. So, in evaluating any membership in event planning associations, try to look for the following opportunities.
Training and Certification programs
Membership in event planning associations should grant you access to career development programs. These should include advanced courses, certifications, and industry-specific insights. And whether the courses focus on task management, event timelines, team collaboration or business management, up-skilling is one of the main reasons to get involved with an association.
Benefits Programs
Event industry associations should create a membership program that includes benefits like perks, software deals, and discounts with associated businesses that serve the event planning industry.
Membership Directories and Networking
Something that is incredibly advantageous in joining event planning associations is the ability to expand your professional network. You should have access to a broad network of event industry professionals, whether in the form of a directory with contact details, warm introductions, or live networking events.
Volunteering
Many event planning associations give back to the community. And while it might be through fundraising drives or in-person volunteering, associations should be involved in organizing activities that nourish your soul as well as your business ventures.
Mentorship
Many event planners talk about how indebted they are to their mentors, those with years of experience, who taught them their trade. Event planning associations and groups should offer the opportunity to experienced planners to impart insider knowledge to newcomers. By doing this, the newbies get to learn from their event planning elders.
So, if your association isn’t offering you all, or at least some, of the benefits mentioned above, we’d recommend looking elsewhere. Or at least getting involved with the event planner association and launching these programs yourself.
And without further ado, we present to you the ThymeBase 2021 Event Planning Associations Guide. You can view our previous year’s guide to event planning associations here.
1. WIPA — The Wedding International Professionals Association
WIPA is a not-for-profit event planning association for leading wedding professionals in North America and soon worldwide. Its mission is to provide industry-leading education for its members, produce inspirational networking events and advance the ethical standards of the wedding industry.
Memberships:
WIPA offers four types of memberships:
- The Corporate Elite Membership, directed at corporate groups, is offered at $500 (for the first 2 members) and $200 for each additional member, plus a $50 application fee.
- The Elite Membership, directed at somewhat experienced individuals, is offered at $300, plus a $50 application fee.
- The Young Leadership Membership, which is mainly directed at inexperienced individuals, is offered at $225, plus a $50 application fee.
- WIPA offers a student membership, which is only priced at $50 per year.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: no
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
2. NACE — The National Association for Catering and Events
Established 60 years ago, the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) is the go-to resource and community for catering and event professionals nationwide. With more than 40 chapters across the country and 3500 members and growing, NACE empowers catering and event professionals by providing them with industry-leading education, tools and resources, and a vibrant community to learn and grow from.
NACE is the first non-profit national organization for caterers, event planners, and event professionals that provides education, certification, and a network of resources for members in all segments of the hospitality industry.
With 3,500+ members and 42 chapters across the country, local NACE chapters provide local networking and professional development opportunities through monthly programming. Membership to your local chapter is included in your national dues.
Memberships:
NACE is currently offering several membership promotions for new and renewing members.
- Professional membership costs $415. Available to individuals currently employed, self-employed, or supplying to the catering, event, or hospitality industries. Professors and teachers of accredited, college-level courses relating to the catering, special events, and hospitality industries may also join.
- Corporate membership is $315 per employee. This membership category is available to businesses with three or more people at the same billing address. The company must maintain at least three members at all times.
- Student membership is $55 and is available to individuals enrolled as students in an accredited college or university hospitality undergraduate or graduate program.
- Young Professional membership is: $255 and is available to individuals 18- 26 years of age and under in the event and hospitality industries.
- Non-profit membership is $330.
Social Media Links:
- Instagram: NACE Houston, NACE Boston, NACE Hawaii, NACE Atlanta, NACE at UCF
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
3. MPI — Meeting Professionals International
Meeting Professionals International is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide. Founded in 1972, MPI provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities, and business exchanges and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry.
MPI has a global community of 60,000 meeting and event professionals, including more than 17,000 engaged members and its Plan Your Meetings audience. It has More than 70 chapters and clubs in 75 countries worldwide.
Memberships:
If you are applying as a Planner or Supplier, MPI’s tiered membership approach gives you the ability to choose your membership experience. MPI offers three types of memberships, with each membership having a sub-category:
- Planner
- Essential Planner — Best option if you don’t have a chapter in your area. Price: $295
- Preferred Planner — Automatically become part of your local MPI chapter. Price: $375
- Premier Planner — VIP access and discounted rates (when available) to MPI signature events. Price: $465
- Supplier
- Essential Supplier — Best option if you don’t have a chapter in your area. Price: $415
- Preferred Supplier — Automatically become part of your local MPI chapter. Price: $495
- Premier Supplier — VIP access and discounted rates (when available) to MPI signature events. Price: $585
- Student & Faculty
- Student: $40
- Faculty: $199
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
4. ACCED-I — Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors – International
The Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International consists of over 1,400 campus professionals who design, market, coordinate and plan conferences and special events on colleges and universities worldwide. Since 1980, ACCED-I has increased the visibility and enhanced the stature of the collegiate conference and events profession.
Memberships:
- Individual membership is $375
- Institutional membership allows for up to four currently employed individual professional members and one student member.
- Annual membership fee – $850
- Additional representatives – $100 each
- Additional student representatives – $35 each
- Student membership is $35
- Gap membership is $35 for those between jobs in the event industry.
- Alumni membership for retired event professionals is $175.
- Any non-profit association or organization is eligible for an Associate Membership.
- Annual membership fee – $495
- Additional Representatives – $100 each
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
5. ILEA — The International Live Events Association
ILEA is a community centered around celebrating all aspects of live event production and management. This enables their members to deliver the very best work to their clients through collaboration, thought-leadership, and idea-sharing.
ILEA members include event planners/producers, caterers, meeting planners, decorators, audio-visual technicians, convention coordinators, entertainers, educators, journalists, photographers, hotel sales managers, and more.
About 56% of their members are event planners, producers, and coordinators. The rest is made up of varying event professionals in catering, decor, and other service providers.
Memberships:
- Individual: $450
- Corporate Primary: $450
- Corporate Additional: $350. If your company already has a current Corporate Primary ILEA membership, you can add yourself to the company membership at a discounted rate.
- Nonprofit: $350
- Emerging Event Professional: $250. Recent graduates from a two or four-year accredited college or university, or those with less than five years of experience, are eligible for this discounted membership type.
- Student Membership: $50
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
6. AEP — Academic Event Professional
For more than 12 years, the Academic Event Professional Conference has offered a forum for sharing best practices and exchanging ideas to help develop and hone professional event skills in an educational environment. With a program designed by academic event planners for academic event planners, AEP provides an invaluable experience where both seasoned planners and newcomers alike can learn from their academic peers.
The AEP is really more of a conference, but we felt that it applies here. Keep your eye out for upcoming meetings.
Social Media Links:
7. ESPA — Event Services Professionals Association
For 30 years, ESPA (formerly ACOM) has been the only association and voice representing event service professionals from CVBs, hotels, and convention centers from across North America. It is a community for CSMs, an educational resource, a network of your peers, a place, and a forum for event service professionals to be heard and learn. An organization that advocates for the role and impact event service professionals have on the success of events and destinations, hotels, and convention centers. Through education and networking, members learn skills to be more effective service managers, better understand the breadth of their role, and learn about planners’ expectations and build career-long connections.
Memberships:
ESPA offers a variety of membership options.
- Active Member – This category is for representatives at event and convention facilities, hotels, or convention and visitor bureaus whose primary function is in servicing events or oversight of servicing events. Active members can join at 1 of 2 levels: Individual or Organization.
- Individual member: $300
- Organizational member — for multiple services managers from one location. Up to 3 individuals from one property: $720
- Corporate Level: $3,250
- Allied Member – a representative of companies and organizations that supply services and products to the conventions, meetings, and exhibitions industry. Membership is $300.
- Meeting Professional Member – individuals who plan meetings and conventions for associations, corporations, government agencies, and other business entities. Membership is $225.
- Student – any student engaged in hospitality or convention management study at an accredited college or university. Membership is $250.
- Contributing member– a person interested in learning or staying abreast of ESPA and/or Services industry education and trends, yet does not currently fit into another member category. Membership is $225.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
8. GMIC — Green Meeting Industry Council
The only active GMIC chapter is in North California. The GMIC-NC facilitates monthly events to leverage their sustainable industry knowledge to guide and motivate event organizers towards a sustainable, climate-neutral world.
The website offers sustainability resources to attempt to improve your event’s impact on the natural world.
GMIC is actively seeking volunteers and doesn’t seem to charge for membership.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: no
- Benefits Programs: no
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: no
9. CEMA — Corporate Event Marketing Association
CEMA is a thriving community of corporate event marketers. They serve all senior-level event marketers in a corporate environment. CEMA members engage in person through educational and networking opportunities offered each month around the country. CEMA Study Tours are their most popular professional development opportunity, providing behind-the-scene knowledge sharing about industry events.
Memberships:
- Client Side: Client Side Event Marketers are employees of brand side companies that pay agencies and vendors to assist with their events, e.g.,” planners.”
- Individual Event Marketer — Membership for 1 client side event marketer is $325.
- Corporate Event Marketer — Membership for 4 Client Side Event Marketers in the same company is $995.
- Industry Partner: Industry Partners are employees of agencies, vendors, companies that sell their products or services, e.g.,” suppliers .” New Members will need a client side recruit to activate the membership.
- Individual Industry Partner — Membership for an event pro or has 5 or fewer employees is $495.
- Corporate Standard Industry Partner — For 2 individuals from the same agency or vendor company is $1,000.
- Gold Membership — All Advantages of standard Corporate IP Membership are $5,000.
- Industry Champion — This plan offers exclusive access to Brand side members (20 guaranteed) via virtual roundtable/webinar, amongst other benefits, and costs $10,000.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: no
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: no
- Mentorship: no
- Scholarship: no
10. IAVM — International Association of Venue Managers
Representing public assembly venues from around the globe, IAVM’s 6,800+ active members include managers and senior executives from auditoriums, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centers, university complexes, amphitheaters, and fairgrounds. IAVM’s mission is to educate, advocate for, and inspire public assembly venue professionals worldwide.
Memberships:
- Professional – As a member, you can learn from the experiences of several thousand venue management professionals around the world and from the wisdom of industry experts. Price: $495 + $150 New Member Initiation Fee = $645
- Young Professional – IAVM’s affordable membership level for professionals aged 30 and under. Price: $250
- Professional Group – IAVM membership to up to 20 members of your venue at a significantly reduced rate. Price: $3,150 for up to 20 Members.
- Allied – As an IAVM allied member, you’re connected to qualified prospects in your region, nationwide, and around the world. Price: $655 + $150 New Member Initiation Fee = $805
- Allied Group. Price: $2,000 – Tier 1: Up to 5 employees, or $4,000 – Tier 2: Up to 10 employees
- Faculty – As an IAVM faculty member, you’re connected with industry thought-leaders, armed with the latest research and benchmarking data, and kept up-to-date on new perspectives. Price: $180
- Student – As an IAVM student member, you have access to educational programs that bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, including internships and one-on-one mentoring from seasoned pros. Price: $75
Certifications:
IAVM offers two certifications: the Certified Venue Executive (CVE) and the Certified Venue Professional (CVP). CVEs hold the top two positions within a venue or organization with titles including CEO, President, Executive Director, General Manager, or Senior Management. They are active in the industry as leaders and innovators. CVPs are recognized professionals in middle to senior-level management positions of public assembly venues.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
11. IACC — International Association of Conference Centers
IACC is primarily a venue-based association, which certifies residential and non-residential meetings and conference-focused venues. Their venues rank in the top 1% of small and medium-sized meeting venues in the world for creating unique events, meetings, and conferences.
Memberships:
There are 5 categories of membership available globally which have eligibility criteria as follows:
- Full (venue) – Available to residential and non-residential conference and meeting venues. This includes hotels, conference centers, corporate, academic, and other commercially available training, and meeting venues.
- Associate (suppliers) – Available to companies who supply goods and services to IACC venues.
- Individual (meeting planners) – Reserved for individuals who do not qualify for other membership categories.
- Faculty / Student – Reserved for those delivering or undertaking education in hospitality and/or venue management.
- Management Company – Available to management companies operating one or more IACC-certified venues.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
12. IAEE — International Association of Exhibitions and Events
Organized in 1928 as the National Association of Exposition Managers to represent the interests of trade show and exposition managers, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events is the leading association for the global exhibition industry. Today IAEE represents over 12,000 individuals in 50 countries who conduct and support exhibitions around the world.
The Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) designation is a globally recognized designation that demonstrates the highest professional standard throughout the exhibitions and events management arena. It was first created in 1975 to raise professional standards in the event industry. It continues to be the premier mark of professional achievement.
Memberships:
- Industry Membership – Dues are based on annual exhibition and events revenues derived from the industry.
- Event Facility Membership – Dues are based on gross square footage of exhibition, conference, and meeting space.
- Outside North America Membership – $579
- Individual Member Outside United States – $299
- Educational Institution Membership – $579
- Corporate Event or Exhibit Marketer Membership – $579
- Faculty Membership – $160
- Student Membership – $35
- Retired Membership – $60
- Auxiliary Membership – $99
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
13. SEPA — Student Event Planners Association
The Student Event Planners Association is a professional organization that caters to millennials in the event planning and hospitality industry. Our mission is to develop students into event professionals through our chapters, programs, partners, and opportunities.
SEPA serves as a professional outlet for members to gain knowledge and experience, develop skills, and network.
Social Media Links:
14. PCMA — Professional Convention Management Association
The PCMA was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the Professional Convention Management Association and previously operated from Birmingham, Alabama. PCMA has 8,400 professional and student members and a global audience of over 100,000 business event stakeholders across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
With 17 chapters and activities in 40 countries, PCMA is a global leader in business events.
Memberships:
- Event Professional – $360
- Supplier – $485
- Faculty – $205
- Student– FREE
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
15. APA — American Planning Association
APA offers opportunities and resources for planners, students, commissioners, educators, engaged citizens, and allied professionals — everyone who is committed to creating communities that thrive and prosper.
The American Planning Association consists of more than 40,000 members from 90 countries and 47 chapters throughout the United States. They have 22 divisions that embrace a wide range of planning.
Memberships:
- New Member/Introductory – APA offers a reduced two-year introductory rate of dues for first-time members and students who have completed their studies within the past year.
- APA dues: $79 per year
- APA Chapter dues: $20 per year
- AICP dues: $70 per year
- US Student Member – Membership in APA, APA Chapters, and AICP is free for all full- and part-time degree-seeking students.
- Group Planning Board Membership – Agencies can pay a participation fee of $121 and sign up an unlimited number of planning commissioners, zoning board members, or elected officials for $68 each.
- Academic Membership – With a group participation fee of $420, schools can pay reduced membership dues of $150 for each member.
- Reduced Member Dues – APA offers special reduced rates for unemployed, in-transition, retired, and life members.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
16. ICCA — International Congress and Convention Association
ICCA is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.
They specialize in the international association meetings sector, offering data, education, communication channels, business development, and networking opportunities. Since its establishment in 1963, ICCA represents the world’s top destinations. Most experienced suppliers specialized in handling, transporting, and accommodating international meetings and events. It comprises over 1,100 member companies and organizations in almost 100 countries and territories worldwide.
Memberships:
- New Member Package: Entrance Fee EUR 1,996.00 + Membership Fee EUR 3,130.00
- Annual Membership Fee: EUR 3,130.00
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
17. NCBMP — National Coalition for Black Meeting Planners
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated primarily to the training needs of African American meeting planners.
The organization is committed to the improvement of the meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and conventions they manage. Members of NCBMP include meeting planners from numerous business, civil rights, church, and fraternal organizations. Since its founding, NCBMP has significantly impacted the hospitality community by identifying the sizeable purchasing power and impact of the African American convention.
Memberships:
- Meeting Planner/Association Executive: $225
- Supplier: $400
- Academic Professional: $225
- Third Party Planner: $225
- Student: $125
Scholarship:
Apply for the Student Program of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals. Each year NCBMP selects talented students from a top ten hospitality program in the US. This opportunity allows the selected students to receive a specialized program, work with a mentor, and network with industry executive leadership and professional organizations.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: no
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
18. SGMP — Society of Government Meeting Professionals
The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) was founded in 1981 and is the only national organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to individuals who plan and execute government meetings.
SGMP delivers its membership value of education, resources, and networking to nearly 2,000 members in 19 chapters across the country.
Affiliation with a local chapter is available to every member at no additional charge. All chapter members receive additional member benefits exclusively through that chapter. Each monthly chapter meeting provides member benefits in all three areas — education, resources, and networking.
Memberships:
- Government Planner: $45
- Contract Planner: $115
- Supplier: $350
- Educator/Student Applicants: $25
- Retiree Applicants: $25
Certifications:
The Certified Government Meeting Professional designation (“CGMP”) is designed for planners and suppliers whose work is governed by the federal government’s rules and regulations. Many government contracts now require planners working on the contract have their government certification.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: no
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
19. AACWP — American Association of Certified Wedding Planners
The American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) is a professional organization for trained or certified wedding planners. The organization provides support, resources, and networking for wedding planners, as well as professional development, certification, and continuing education.
AACWP began in 2007, created by wedding professionals who saw the need for an organization dedicated to the education of those seeking to become wedding planners and elevate those already in the field through certification and continuing education.
Memberships:
- Trained Wedding Planner: $195
- Certified Wedding Planner: $195
- Certified Master Wedding Planner: $195
- AACWP Individual Membership: $195
- AACWP Corporate Membership
- Up to 3 members – $495
- Up to 5 members – $790
- Over 5, the fee is calculated at $158 per person
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: no
- Mentorship: no
- Scholarship: no
20. ABC — Association of Bridal Consultants
Since 1955, the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) has provided educational and networking resources to uphold the premier standard of wedding consultation. The Association of Bridal Consultants allows certified and experienced professionals to create a cherished and relaxed wedding experience for brides- and grooms-to-be.
Memberships:
- Registered Wedding Planner – Someone just starting out and who plans to pursue their education and upgrade to the Certified membership. Price: $185 / year + initial fee $35
- Registered Wedding Vendor – A non-consultant wedding professional providing wedding-related goods or services. Price: $225 / year + initial fee $35
- Student Membership: $75 / year
- Corporate Member – This is a simple program to raise your visibility in front of our ABC Wedding Planners. Price: $2 500 / year
For memberships in Latin America, please visit their Latin America Website for details.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: yes
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: no
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
21. NAEP — National Association of Event Planners
The National Association of Event Planners is dedicated and promises to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, raising the level of education and ensuring uniformity, and promoting career success on a national basis in the wedding and special event industry.
Memberships:
- Bronze – membership is free. Benefits include access to lists of venues, DJs, catering companies, and other tools.
- Gold – Gold membership packages include all the Bronze benefits plus exclusive one-on-one help from a professional certified wedding planner or event coordinator.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: no
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: no
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: no
22. AFWPI — Association of Wedding Professionals International
AFWPI is an international community of wedding and special event professionals, providing marketing resources and exposure to members, education opportunities, and support for the wedding industry.
The AFWPI exists to develop the wedding and event industry into a respected and prosperous entity through building relationships between and among professionals, brides, the media, and the general public, throughout the world.
Memberships:
- Regular Basic Membership: $175 / per year
- Associate Membership: $395 / per year
- Student Membership: $65 / per year
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: no
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: yes
- Mentorship: yes
- Scholarship: yes
23. NAWP — National Association of Wedding Professionals
The mission of the National Association of Wedding Professionals is to support, enhance, and connect wedding professionals throughout the United States and the greater wedding industry through continuing education, professional development, and increased commerce through marketing and referral.
Memberships:
NAWP individual membership and vendor membership are priced at $250.
Social Media Links:
ThymeBase Benefits Checklist:
- Training and Certification program: no
- Benefits Programs: yes
- Membership Directories and Networking Opportunities: yes
- Volunteering: no
- Mentorship: no
- Scholarship: no
A Closing Thought
There are many other event planning associations, organizations, meetups, and courses that you might consider and that we’d even recommend. However, we’ve chosen to leave out some places whose sites appeared non-functioning, gave unclear details, or were commercial operations rather than event planning associations. It’s absolutely possible that we’ve missed some, and we will be happy to update this list with any suggestions.
If you’re ever unsure about event planning associations, event planning software, or organization, just reach out.