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POV: Ten Ways to Maximize InfoComm Membership

For 70 years, InfoComm International has been serving the needs of the professional AV industry. InfoComm is 5,000 members strong and growing each year.

POV: Ten Ways to Maximize InfoComm Membership

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM,
By Duffy Wilbert, CTS

For 70 years, InfoComm International has been serving the needs of the professional AV industry. InfoComm is 5,000 members strong and growing each year. As with all member organizations, InfoComm members often ask how they can get the most value out of their membership. This year, it is expected that more AV professionals and employers will closely examine what they can expect to receive from their trade association beyond the InfoComm show in June.

The following are 10 ways AV professionals can leverage their InfoComm membership for maximum benefit. This is not meant to be a comprehensive look at the complete value proposition of belonging to InfoComm, but it highlights some newer programs and others that you might not be aware of.

InfoComm created a new free Wednesday Webinar series in 2009 that includes topics of interest to business owners, human-resource directors, general CTS exam candidates, and CTS holders seeking renewal units.

Members asked for it, and InfoComm listened. InfoComm will relaunch its website on March 31 with a dynamic new look. The new and enhanced website makes it even easier to get information and resources. After months of planning and usability testing, the new site boasts easier navigation, an improved look and feel, and enhanced members-only features.

Now, more than ever, it is important to network with peers to stay competitive. The InfoComm Community, an online social network for AV professionals, is the answer. It’s convenient, instantaneous, and free. You can blog, join special-interest groups (SIGs), and peruse online resource libraries. Join the InfoComm Community atcommunity.info
comm.org
.

In light of economic conditions, InfoComm is so committed to helping you in these tough times that we are stretching the EduBucks program. For those renewing their 2009 membership at their previous rate or higher, or joining as a new member, InfoComm will double the allotment of EduBucks. For example, platinum members will receive 5,200 EduBucks instead of 2,600. Similar doubling applies in other member categories and in other currencies. You may continue to use EduBucks at InfoComm, in our classroom courses, and via the InfoComm Academy online.

InfoComm provides members with many different ways to interact with their peers in the AV industry. Whether it’s at a regional roundtable, at a local or international tradeshow, as part of a council or committee, through a webinar, or through its online social network InfoComm Community, InfoComm members always have a way to learn, grow, and connect. Take time to participate and watch your network grow.

InfoComm has a turnkey marketing service for AV professionals that is both affordable and simple to implement. New in 2009, InfoComm has partnered with Eclipse Marketing to provide a full suite of customizable marketing materials: brochures, websites, door hangers, advertisements, stationery, newsletters, logos, vehicle wraps, and decals.

Make full use of InfoComm’s iQ to reach thousands more potential customers. Customers can find services, providers, and products geographically through the iQ online catalogs. Dealers receive Dealer iQ Smart Search for free. Manufacturers receive a complimentary Basic iQ Showroom.

Expanded insurance coverage is available at a discount to InfoComm members. The InfoComm International Business Insurance Program offers affordable premiums and broad coverage for owned, leased, or rented AV equipment; workers’ comp; general liability; and business automobiles. InfoComm now offers discounted group long-term disability, short-term disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, and group long-term-care insurance.

Take advantage of discounted rates for posting your AV job openings on InfoComm’s improved and tightly targeted job site. Job seekers post resumes and search for free. In April, the InfoComm job site will have new features and an updated look. Visit www.infocomm.org/careers.

All visitors to the InfoComm website can access the online InfoComm International Membership Directory, a valuable resource to find AV providers by region. Your membership includes a free listing in this directory, which is updated daily. In saddition, a digital InfoComm International Membership Directory for members only can be downloaded to your desktop as a handy reference to who’s who in the AV industry. Please contact the membership department for details on how to download the digital directory.

I hope you will take time to participate in InfoComm’s programs in the coming year. Please visit www.infocomm.org to stay updated on changes and developments.

Duffy Wilbert, CTS, is senior vice president of membership of InfoComm International.

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