Members in a professional association are in the unique position of being drivers of change and opportunities within their industry. PAMA offers its members the chance to reap knowledge from established members; to identify and go after client prospects; to increase demand for awnings throughout the U.S.; to increase visibility and respect for member companies; and to network with peers. But to find and profit from these opportunities, members must be actively involved in the organization. The best part? Gaining these benefits doesn’t have to take a lot of time.

Here's how to use your PAMA opportunities.

ATTEND PAMA EVENTS | Gain industry knowledge

PAMA workshops give you an opportunity to network with your peers, learn valuable industry tips, and fresh business ideas. Use your member discount and meet knowledgeable attendees from awning shops of all sizes from multiple geographic locations.

During IFAI Expo, PAMA events include: the PAMA Annual Meeting, the awning symposium and IFAI Expo social events, where you can meet and network with other dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic and problem-solving members of PAMA.

BE A RESOURCE | Increase visibility; share expertise

Volunteer to be an at-large industry expert for one of the many PAMA task forces. Chances are that there are particular awning industry problems you deal with or tools you need in your everyday marketing, sales or operations. You can help develop PAMA tools and industry solutions. Volunteers participate on conference calls; respond to questions related to the task force projects; and send appropriate data as needed to the PAMA Managing Director.

Volunteer to help staff the PAMA booth when a trade show is in your area. This has a triple advantage: You will meet other PAMA professionals; get a feel for the local market and what potential customers are looking for; as well as boost visibility for your company.

Participate in IFAI-sponsored programs such as the International Acheivement Awards competition, write articles for IFAI magazines (Specialty Fabrics Review or Fabric Architecture), submit an entry to the “ReVision” feature of Fabric Architecture, and provide critique and testimonials to IFAI editors and marketing staff.

BE A LEADER | Discover and promote new industry-wide opportunities

Apply to serve on the PAMA board. PAMA Board positions rotate annually. Board members help guide PAMA's initiatives and activities throughout the year. You will find the PAMA Board Application and Board Policy guidelines on www.awninginfo.com.

Be a presenter at a PAMA workshop. The majority of presenters for the many PAMA workshops are members. Generally, we try to choose presenters who have expertise on particular topics. They may or may not be from the geographic region where the workshop is presented. If you are interested in becoming a presenter at a future PAMA workshop, contact Michelle Sahlin, PAMA Managing Director. We frequently need presenters from small shops because a majority of PAMA members have small businesses.

Participate on grassroots outreach projects of the Awnings Today campaign. Last year several PAMA participating members were instrumental in coordinating a professional photo shoot of residential awning projects. In FY 2009, there will be opportunities to be quoted in news stories, act as local industry experts, participate in special events, use communications tools to build the Awnings Today story in your area and be interviewed for audio podcasts that will be used on the Awnings Today Web site.

THE TANGIBLE |

Of course there are plenty of tangible benefits PAMA members receive as well, including newsletters, subscriptions to industry magazines like Review and Fabric Architecture, and discounts for educational programs, conferences and business services.

If you want to get the most benefit from your PAMA membership, contact Michelle Sahlin, PAMA Managing Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or +1 651-222-2508. Visit the PAMA Web site at www.awninginfo. com, and Awnings Today campaign, www.awningstoday.com.

"As a member of PAMA, I have been able to stay on the leading edge of the ever-changing custom awning industry. Because of my involvement, my business sets the tone for my market area."
-Greg Schmieler, vice president, Laurel Awnings