METRO ATLANTA PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) is the oldest national advertising trade association, representing 40,000 professionals in the advertising industry. The AAF protects and promotes the well-being of advertising through a nationally coordinated grassroots network of advertisers, agencies, media companies, local advertising clubs and college chapters.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC/G) is a non-profit, voluntary, self-governing organization, incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia to advance the profession of consulting engineers in private practice. Member firms of ACEC/G have as their principal business the practice of consulting engineering, environmental, technical, and management services.

The American Marketing Association (AMA) is an international professional organization for people involved in the practice, study and teaching of marketing. AMA Atlanta is the country's fourth largest chapter with almost 1,000 members - made up of marketing professionals from diverse areas including research, marketing technology, non-profit, public relations, advertising, direct marketing, interactive and more.

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) ia a professional association advancing learning, quality improvement, and knowledge exchange to improve business results. The Greater Atlanta Section offer products, services, and information to help people address issues like total quality management, benchmarking, productivity, and more.

The American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) is the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals. ASTD provides resources for learning and performance professionals, including research, analysis, benchmarking, online information, books, and other publications.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international organization with the primary mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a not-for-profit professional organization that promotes the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences throughout the world.

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is the oldest and largest professional safety organization. Its members manage, supervise and consult on safety, health, and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education.

The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) is the world's largest association for training and development professionals, with over 55,000 members worldwide. The Greater Atlanta Chapter of ASTD, is one of the five largest with nearly 600 members, and is a regional association of workplace performance professionals, providing members with a forum for the exchange of professional development opportunities and resources as they strive to improve workplace learning and performance.

The American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA) was organized to enable women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional and economic potential and to contribute to the future development of their profession.

The Association for Corporate Growth is a global association for professionals involved in corporate growth, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions. ACG promotes the professional interests of its members, by offering a forum for quality programs, education and networking, and provides a strong network for executives involved in middle-market business growth and development.

The Association for Operations Management is a not-for-profit international educational organization respected throughout the world for its education and professional certification programs. APICS has more than 70,000 individual and corporate members in 20,000 companies worldwide. Atlanta APICS is one of the largest chapters within APICS, and serves over 800 members in the Greater Atlanta and North Georgia area.

The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering is a leading professional society for cost estimators, cost engineers, schedulers, project managers, and project control specialists. AACE International is the largest organization serving the entire spectrum of cost management professionals. AACE International is industry independent, and has members in 78 countries and 71 local sections.

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the world’s largest organization serving the professional and business interests of attorneys who practice in the legal departments of corporations, associations and other private-sector organizations around the globe. The organization promotes the common interests of members, contributes to their continuing education, helps them succeed in their careers and provides a voice on issues of national and international importance.

The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) offers opportunities for Information Technology (IT) leadership and education through partnerships with industry, government and academia. AITP provides quality IT related education, information on relevant IT issues and forums for networking with experienced peers and other IT professionals.

The Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) is a not-for-profit professional association and the authority on managing records and information, paper and electronic. ARMA members include records managers, archivists, corporate librarians, imaging specialists, legal professionals, IT managers, consultants, and educators, all of whom work in a wide variety of industries, including government, legal, healthcare, and financial services.

Atlanta Ad Club exists to advance and enrich the Atlanta advertising community, by acting as a catalyst for idea exchange, professional development, and creative energy. Atlanta Ad Club is a local member organization of the American Advertising Federation.

The Atlanta Claims Association (ACA) is the largest claims association in Georgia. The organization conducts educational seminars and helps guide members new to the claims community, as well as allowing their members opportunity for fellowship.

The Atlanta Economics Club was formed as a forum for discussion of common interests of economists connected with private business enterprise, with federal, state or local government activity, or with business related academia, and is a local affiliate of the National Association for Business Economics (NABE).

Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association members are dedicated to improving the quality of electrical services available to the industry and the general public. AECA is the Atlanta chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), one of the oldest and most respected organizations in the electrical industry. NECA was founded to represent, promote and advance the interest of the electrical contracting industry, all of its branches, and the public it serves.

The Atlanta Human Resource Leadership Forum is a non-profit professional association and network of human resource executives and senior level professionals, and is an affiliate of The Human Resource Planning Society.

Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association (AiMA) is a dedicated group of new media and interactive marketing professionals focused on providing the Atlanta interactive marketing community a place to network, share, and learn about proven leading-edge interactive strategies and tactics.

The Atlanta Quality Assurance Association (AQAA) is a not-for-profit organization which is organized to share state-of-the-art Quality Assurance methods, tools and techniques among its members. Their membership is comprised of professionals working primarily in the information systems industry. The AQAA is a Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Federation Chapter.

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is a service organization for business-to-business marketing and communications professionals. The Atlanta chapter of the BMA is made up of marketing executives from a variety of industries and backgrounds.

The CFA Society of Atlanta was founded to serve the practitioner's need for specialized knowledge, advanced studies, and information on new developments in investments and financial management. Members enjoy a variety of benefits, including access to member firm job postings and the ability to network with other members at monthly luncheons featuring guest speakers. Nationally, the society is a member of the CFA Institute.

Commercial Real Estate Women of Atlanta is a commercial real estate organization providing members with informative programs and seminars, national and local networking opportunities, leadership training and meaningful community development.

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals provides educational, career development, and networking opportunities to individuals involved in supply chain management.

The Customer Relationship Management Association (CRMA) is a a national organization focused on the trends, strategies, and technologies that help companies build and grow successful client relationships. CRMA-Atlanta provides educational meetings and networking events with the goal of improving business practices within the industry.

The Direct Marketing Association is the leading trade association of businesses and nonprofit organizations using and supporting direct marketing tools and techniques. DMA Atlanta advocates industry standards for responsible marketing, promotes relevance as the key to reaching customers and prospects with desirable offers and cutting-edge research, education and networking opportunities to improve results throughout the entire direct marketing process.

Financial Executives International is an organization of financial policy-making executives, and serves as a spokesman for the private financial sector of the business community to governmental, professional and academic communities. Membership is limited to individuals holding senior management positions, but other finance professionals are permitted to join if they meet certain criteria set by the organization.

The Georgia Game Developers Association (GGDA) is a non-profit trade association of businesses and professionals of the video and electronic game manufacturing industry of Georgia. The organization's mission is to promote the growth and success of game manufacturers in Georgia by providing oversight and guidance of government and academic involvement, identification and availability of resources, creation and application of best practices and certifications.

The Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE) is the state's only professional association for the executives of non-profit organizations representing business, industrial, professional and community service organizations. GSAE's purpose is to enhance association professionalism in Georgia through connections and community with a focus on knowledge exchange, strategic leadership and innovation.

The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA) is the premier professional organization for CPAs in the state of Georgia. The purpose of the GSCPA is to promote the study of accountancy and applicable laws, provide continuing professional education, maintain high ethical and work standards, and provide information about accounting issues to the membership and the public.

The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) is the leading state organization that promotes the engineering profession to protect public health, safety and welfare. GSPE is the state society of engineering professionals from all disciplines that promote the ethical and competent practice of engineering, advocates licensure, and enhances the image and well-being of its members. GSPE is a state society of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).

The IEEE Computer Society is dedicated to advancing the theory, practice, and application of computer and information processing technology. Through its conferences, applications-related and research-oriented journals, local and student chapters, distance learning campus, technical committees, and standards working groups, the Society promotes an active exchange of information, ideas, and technological innovation among its members.

The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners. ISSA provides educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill and professional growth of its members.

The Institute for Professionals in Taxation is a non-profit educational association serving over 4400 members representing approximately 1450 corporations, firms, or taxpayers throughout the United States and Canada. The institute educates, certifies and establishes strict codes of conduct for state and local income, property and sales and use tax professionals who represent taxpayers.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology. The organization is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics among others. Members rely on IEEE as a source of technical and professional information, resources and services.

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is the world's leading organization dedicated to empowering management accounting and finance professionals to drive business performance. IMA provides a dynamic forum for management accounting and financial professionals to develop and advance their careers through its Certified Management Accountant (CMA) program, professional research and practice development education, networking, and the advocacy of the highest ethical and professional practices.

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is the world’s largest association for administrative support staff. The association works in partnership with employers to promote excellence. Its members include administrative assistants, executive secretaries, office coordinators, information specialists, and related administrative professionals. Many corporations, educational institutions, students, and international affiliate organizations also belong to IAAP.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a professional network of business communication professionals. IABC/Atlanta members include public relations and communication professionals from Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, communication agencies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies as well as freelance writers and consultants. All have a commitment to continue professional development and a desire to network with other communicators.

The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) is the leading international association dedicated to improving productivity and performance in the workplace. ISPI's mission is to develop and recognize the proficiency of our members and advocate the use of Human Performance Technology. Performance technologists, training directors, human resources managers, instructional technologists, human factors practitioners, project managers, and organizational consultants are members of ISPI. They work in a variety of settings including business, academia, government, health services, banking, and the armed forces.

The International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) is an interactive community providing educational resources, innovative thinking and collective wisdom to help members excel and prosper in their careers. The organization is for those who have earned the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Group Benefits Associate (GBA), Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) and Compensation Management Specialist (CMS) designations.

The Atlanta/Southeast Chapter of the Marketing Research Association promotes professionalism and ethics within the marketing research industry, serves to heighten public awareness of the purpose and integrity of marketing research and protects the industry's interest in the marketing research environments.

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is devoted to the educational and professional needs of people in the meeting industry. MPI serves both meeting planners and suppliers to the industry, carefully maintaining an equal balance of both in the membership. The Georgia Chapter of MPI (GaMPI) offers educational opportunities including retreats and workshops, and coordinates several social outings annually as well as networking receptions prior to each monthly meeting.

The National Association of Black Accountants was established to address the concerns of minorities entering the accounting profession and to make a commitment to professional and academic excellence. The organization continues to create opportunities for the purpose of enlarging the pipeline of African-Americans into every level of accounting and finance.

The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) offers professional development by providing continuing legal education, certifications, information, and training to those choosing the legal services industry as their career. NALS members represent every area of the industry from paralegals and legal assistants to legal administrators and office managers.

The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) is a non-profit organization of minority MBAs, business professionals, entrepreneurs and MBA students. NBMBAA is dedicated to developing partnerships that result in the creation of intellectual and economic wealth in the black community.

The National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) is a non-profit organization that exists to foster Hispanic leadership through graduate management education and professional development. NSHMBA works to prepare Hispanics for leadership positions throughout the U.S., so that they can provide the cultural awareness and sensitivity vital in the management of the nation's diverse workforce.

The Professional Pricing Society (PPS) nurtures a growing community of pricing professionals committed to disseminating pricing expertise throughout the business world, providing a multi-platform forum through which experts can exchange cutting edge pricing strategies, tactics and technology. PPS acts as the voice of the pricing profession and provides pricing strategies, publications, research and other pricing resources.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in the management of projects. PMI membership is open to anyone actively engaged or interested in the application, practice, teaching, and researching of project management principles and techniques. PMI Atlanta Chapter serves the North Georgia and Metro Atlanta area. Ranked among the top five chapters in the world for membership, PMI Atlanta's 3,700+ members are employed across all industries, with a majority in the IT and telecommunication fields.

The Georgia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA|GA) is the second largest chapter of public relations professionals in the United States with approximately 850 members. It is an organization dedicated to developing and enriching the professional lives of Georgia's public relations practitioners.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest professional association devoted to human resource management. Their mission is to serve the needs of HR professionals by providing the most current and comprehensive resources, and to advance the profession by promoting HR’s essential, strategic role.

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) represents a network of marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, planning, interior design, construction, and specialty consulting firms. SMPS' mission is to advocate for, educate, and connect leaders in the building industry. The Atlanta Chapter works in concert with the SMPS National staff to achieve the society’s mission by providing business development, networking and education opportunities throughout the year.

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is an individual membership organization dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of technical communication. Its members include technical writers and editors, content developers, documentation specialists, technical illustrators, instructional designers, academics, information architects, usability and human factors professionals, visual designers, Web designers and developers, and translators. Society membership provides opportunities for ongoing learning and professional networking.

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of the state's technology industry and provides leadership in driving initiatives in the areas of policy, capital, education and giving. TAG also brings the technology community together through events, initiative programs and networking opportunities.

The Turnaround Management Association (TMA) is the only international nonprofit association dedicated to corporate renewal and turnaround management. TMA members are a professional community of turnaround and corporate renewal professionals who share a common interest in strengthening the economy through the restoration of corporate value.