For-Profit Partner Guidelines for IABC Chapters and Regions
IABC chapters and regions have traditionally partnered with other local not-for-profit organizations (e.g. PRSA, CPRS, SHRM, or other national professional associations) on professional development events, exchanging planning and marketing responsibilities for financial, public relations and other benefits.
In recent years, this partner model has expanded to for-profit organizations (e.g. Ragan Communications, Melcrum Publishing) seeking to expand their market share by recruiting IABC members as customers. While these partnerships can also benefit chapters or regions, they can create some unexpected problems. In negotiating any partnership, chapters or regions should consider value to members, financial return, growth potential and exposure the partnership offers to IABC’s membership and reputation.
These guidelines are intended to help chapter and regional leadership as they consider whether to enter into a partnership agreement.
Value to membership
In developing partner relationships with for-profit organizations, negotiate an agreement that provides significant value to members and your chapter/region. For-profit partners want access to IABC’s primary assets—our membership and brand. Ensure the partnership is worth the exchange. If the partnership does not offer high return (e.g. significant member discounts, fee to the chapter, use of marketing or registration list for membership recruitment), decline the opportunity to participate.
Partner agreements should offer these benefits to the IABC chapter:
- Minimum 15-percent registration discount to chapter or regional members.
- Standard partner fee of US$750 – 1,500 per event paid to chapters within 30 days of event.
- For-profit organization may suggest a fee per member who attends (e.g. US$100). Ensure this fee is based on the full registration list, and not based on members who use a specific marketing code to register.
- One-time use of the organization’s registration list for membership recruitment provided within 30 days of event.
- IABC chapter or region logo (not IABC international logo) on all marketing materials, plus IABC description in the brochure.
- IABC display table at event, or IABC materials in attendee pouches/binders.
- IABC representative (chapter president or other board member) has visible role at event during welcome remarks, as emcee, etc.
- Two or more complimentary registrations.
Respected, trustworthy partner
In exploring any partner relationship, consider the reputation of the for-profit in the community or communication industry in addition to the financial and marketing return the partnership provides. Partner with organizations that share IABC’s ethical standards and customer service orientation.
Local (i.e., chapter or regional), not international, relationship
Any partnership between an IABC chapter or region and another organization is a local agreement that does not bind IABC as an association. Develop a contract that specifically outlines the terms of the agreement (responsibilities and benefits), and ensure that all commitments are delivered locally (e.g. link from chapter web site, mention in chapter newsletter, brochures sent to chapter membership list). Important: Stipulate that the agreement is between the partner organization and IABC chapter/region (not IABC as an association) as part of the contract.
Use IABC chapter or region name
Use the IABC chapter or region name on all marketing (brochures, web sites, e-mails). Do not use the IABC name, as this use implies an association-wide endorsement. Use of the chapter or region name demonstrates that the professional development program is supported locally, but is not endorsed by IABC headquarters. Please specify in the agreement that the name/logo use is limited to the IABC chapter or region.
Member e-mail addresses cannot be shared
Per IABC policy, member e-mail addresses may not be provided to any party. Chapter leaders are strongly encouraged to incorporate any electronic or print promotions on partnered events into regularly scheduled chapter communication.
Member mailing addresses should not be provided directly to the partner organization
Providing member mailing addresses directly to the partner organization can result in inappropriate reuse of the chapter/region member list. The chapter/region mailing list should only be sent to a bonded mailing firm with specific instructions on approved use (e.g. one time use for mailing of [name of brochure]). IABC HQ has had experience with some partners who’ve incorporated IABC’s mailing list in their database despite agreements and no longer partners with these organizations.
Partner organization benefits
In exchange, the for-profit organization may request these benefits from the IABC chapter:
- Brochure mailing to chapter or regional members, with for-profit covering printing/postage costs. (Ensure the membership list is provided to a bonded mailing firm with use instructions and not directly to the partner organization.)
- Link from chapter/regional home page, and listing on events page.
- Promotion in electronic newsletters or other scheduled emails to chapter or regional members.
- Mention in print newsletter to chapter or regional members.
- Brochures and verbal promotion at chapter meetings.
If you have questions about these guidelines, wish to discuss a specific partnership request or would like a sample agreement, we urge you to contact your regional director or Chris Grossgart, IABC senior vice president, Education
( or +1 415.544.4716).
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