Industry Trade Groups
Many entrepreneurs can benefit from participating in organizations where they can network with other entrepreneurs, learn about industry standards and best practices and receive mentorship. mpaqt has compiled a directory of trade groups and industry bodies that we hope will be a valuable resource to our partners.
Scroll To TopToy
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American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
ASTRA is a nonprofit association that provides resources and support for specialty toy retailers, including strategies for working with larger retailers (Events in America).
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Toy Association
The Toy Association is a major trade association for the toy industry, representing toy manufacturers, retailers, and inventors. They offer resources, advocacy, and events like the Toy Fair, which is a key platform for showcasing new toys and games (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
ASTRA focuses on the specialty toy industry, providing resources, networking, and education for toy retailers and manufacturers. They support independent toy stores and creators of unique toys and games (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
GAMA is a trade organization for the tabletop game industry, including board games and card games. They offer events, networking opportunities, and resources to support game inventors and publishers (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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ChiTAG (Chicago Toy & Game Group)
ChiTAG promotes the creation and development of toys and games through events like the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. They offer networking and educational opportunities for inventors and industry professionals (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT)
WiT is a global organization focused on supporting women in the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries. They provide networking opportunities, educational resources, and mentorship programs (Events in America).
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Board Game Designers Forum (BGDF)
While not a traditional trade group, BGDF is an online community where board game designers can share ideas, collaborate, and receive feedback on their game designs (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA)
GHTA is a trade association for the gift and home industry, offering resources and networking opportunities for companies producing home goods and accessories (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
Automotive
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Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA)
Now known as the Auto Care Association, this organization represents the automotive aftermarket industry, providing resources and advocacy for companies producing car gadgets and accessories (Events in America).
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Telematics Industry Association (TIA)
TIA focuses specifically on telematics and connected vehicle technologies, providing resources and networking opportunities for companies and inventors working in this field (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas) (Events in America).
Craft
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American Craft Council (ACC)
The ACC is a national nonprofit organization that promotes craft and its makers. They provide resources, exhibitions, and educational programs to support the artisan community (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Handmade Business
This organization offers resources and information for artisans and crafters looking to start or grow their businesses. They provide articles, tips, and guidance on marketing, selling, and managing a craft business (Events in America).
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Craft Industry Alliance (CIA)
The CIA is a trade organization for craft industry professionals, offering education, community, and industry news. They provide resources for building a successful craft business and connecting with other industry professionals (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Etsy Seller Community
While not a traditional trade group, Etsy provides a platform and community for small batch producers and artisans to sell their goods online. They offer forums, resources, and tools to help sellers succeed (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas) (Events in America).
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National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA)
NAIA supports artists who exhibit and sell their work at art shows. They offer resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for artists looking to expand their reach (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Artisan Alliance
Part of the Aspen Institute, the Artisan Alliance supports artisans around the world by providing resources and connecting them with global markets. They focus on economic development and promoting sustainable practices (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Artisan Resource
While not a traditional trade group, Artisan Resource is an event that connects international artisanal producers with U.S. and global buyers, providing opportunities for small furniture and home goods creators to expand their market reach (Events in America).
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National Stationery Show (NSS)
While focused on stationery, the NSS also includes gift products in its offerings. It provides a platform for gift product inventors to showcase their products to buyers and retailers (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Association for Creative Industries (AFCI)
The AFCI is a trade association for creative professionals, including those involved in the design and production of novelty and specialty gifts. They offer resources, networking opportunities, and events to support creative entrepreneurs (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Colorado Creative Industries
Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) promotes, supports and expands the creative economy in Colorado through various programs and funding opportunities. Learn about the Colorado Arts Relief Fund, the Colorado Creates Grant, the Colorado Poet Laureate and more.
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Tools
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Hand Tools Institute (HTI)
HTI is a trade association for manufacturers of non-powered hand tools and tool manufacturers. They offer resources, industry standards, and advocacy to support inventors in the tool industry (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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National Hardware Show (NHS)
While not a traditional trade group, the NHS is an annual event that provides a platform for inventors of tools and hardware to showcase their products, network with industry professionals, and learn about market trends (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
Fitness
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Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)
The SFIA is one of the leading trade associations for the sports and fitness industry, representing manufacturers, retailers, and marketers. They offer industry research, advocacy, and networking opportunities to help inventors and companies succeed in the sporting goods market.
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National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA)
The NSGA supports retailers, dealers, and manufacturers in the sporting goods industry. They provide industry insights, market research, and advocacy to help members succeed in the sports equipment market.
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Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)
For inventors focused on outdoor sports equipment, the OIA provides advocacy, research, and education. They focus on sustainability and advancing the outdoor recreation economy, offering resources for product development and market entry.
Retail
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National Retail Federation (NRF)
National Retail Federation (NRF): The NRF is one of the largest retail trade associations in the world, representing retailers from all sectors, including eCommerce. They provide resources, advocacy, and educational opportunities for retailers to improve their business operations and adapt to the changing retail landscape .
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eCommerceFuel
eCommerceFuel: This community is specifically designed for independent eCommerce store owners. It offers a private forum, educational resources, and networking opportunities to help eCommerce businesses grow and thrive. NO SERVICE PROVIDERS, eCommerce merchants only!
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Internet Retailer (IR)
Internet Retailer (IR): This organization offers research, analysis, and events focused on the eCommerce industry. They provide insights into market trends and strategies for online retailers to succeed.
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Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA): RILA represents leading retailers and provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for businesses in the retail and eCommerce sectors.
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American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)
American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA): The AAFA represents apparel and footwear retailers, including eCommerce businesses. They focus on policy advocacy, supply chain management, and industry best practices .
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Electronic Retailing Association (ERA)
Electronic Retailing Association (ERA): Although its focus is broader than just eCommerce, the ERA provides resources and advocacy for companies selling goods and services through electronic means, including online retailers.
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Independent Retailer Conference
This organization offers conferences and online resources specifically for independent retailers, focusing on best practices, growth strategies, and ways to connect with larger retailers (Events in America).
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Fashion Industry Association (FIA)
For those in the fashion industry, the FIA offers resources and networking opportunities to help place products in larger retail settings (Events in America).
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American Marketing Association (AMA)
While not exclusively for retailers, the AMA provides resources and networking opportunities that can help small businesses market their products effectively and approach larger retailers (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Global Market Development Center (GMDC)
GMDC is a trade association focused on connecting retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers in the general merchandise and health, beauty, and wellness industries (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
Furniture
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American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA)
AHFA represents furniture manufacturers and suppliers, providing advocacy, market research, and networking opportunities for companies involved in the home furnishings industry (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas) (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA)
NHFA supports furniture retailers and manufacturers with resources, education, and networking opportunities to help businesses thrive in the home furnishings market (Events in America).
Inventors
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United Inventors Association (UIA)
United Inventors Association (UIA): The UIA is a national non-profit organization that provides educational resources and support for inventors. They offer guidance on patenting, marketing, and bringing inventions to market.
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Inventors Groups of America (IGA)
Inventors Groups of America (IGA): IGA is dedicated to helping inventors by connecting them with local inventor clubs and providing educational resources. They focus on networking and sharing best practices among inventors.
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National Academy of Inventors (NAI)
National Academy of Inventors (NAI): The NAI is an organization that recognizes and supports academic inventors. They promote the visibility of inventors and foster the development of innovative technologies in collaboration with universities and research institutions.
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Edison Nation
Edison Nation: This organization helps inventors develop and commercialize their ideas. They offer a platform for inventors to submit ideas and potentially partner with companies for development and distribution.
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American Innovators for Patent Reform (AIPR)
American Innovators for Patent Reform (AIPR): AIPR advocates for patent reform and aims to protect the rights of inventors. They focus on policy issues affecting the patent system and provide resources for understanding intellectual property laws.
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InventHelp
InventHelp: InventHelp assists inventors in patenting and marketing their inventions. They provide a range of services to help inventors navigate the process of bringing a product to market.
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Association of Patent Law Firms (APLF)
Association of Patent Law Firms (APLF): While not exclusively for inventors, the APLF provides resources and networking opportunities for those involved in patent law, including inventors seeking legal assistance.
Kitchen
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International Housewares Association (IHA)
The IHA represents the global housewares market and provides resources, education, and events like the International Home + Housewares Show, which is a major platform for launching and showcasing new kitchen products (Events in America).
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Housewares Export Council (HECNA)
Part of the IHA, HECNA focuses on supporting U.S. companies in the housewares industry to expand their international business. They offer resources for marketing and exporting kitchen products (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Cookware Manufacturers Association (CMA)
The CMA is dedicated to the cookware industry, providing research, technical expertise, and standards to support manufacturers of cookware and kitchen products (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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American Society of Baking (ASB)
For kitchen product creators focused on baking equipment, the ASB offers resources and networking opportunities in the baking industry, including technical support and industry insights (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Gourmet Catalog & Buying Group
This organization connects independent kitchenware retailers and manufacturers, offering networking opportunities, marketing support, and education to help promote and sell kitchen products (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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Specialty Food Association (SFA)
For creators focusing on specialty food products and related kitchenware, the SFA offers resources, events, and networking opportunities to help grow and promote their products (PARCEL Forum 24 Dallas).
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International Housewares Association (IHA)
The IHA represents the global housewares industry and provides resources, educational programs, and events like the International Home + Housewares Show, where inventors can showcase new home goods and tools (Events in America).
Manufacturing
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Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)
The IDSA is a professional organization for industrial designers, providing networking opportunities, conferences, and resources to support the design community.
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Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG)
AMUG is dedicated to the advancement of additive manufacturing and 3D printing. It provides a forum for users to share expertise, best practices, and technical advancements in the field.
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Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
SME offers resources and networking opportunities for professionals involved in manufacturing, including 3D printing and prototyping. They provide educational programs, industry news, and events.
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3D Printing Industry
While not a traditional trade group, 3D Printing Industry is a major media platform providing news, insights, and analysis on the latest trends in 3D printing and additive manufacturing, connecting professionals in the industry.
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American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ASME supports the engineering community with resources, conferences, and technical standards relevant to product design and prototyping, including 3D printing technologies.
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National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (America Makes)
America Makes is a collaborative organization focused on advancing additive manufacturing technologies. It connects industry, academia, and government to foster innovation and research.
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Design Management Institute (DMI)
DMI focuses on design management and innovation, providing resources, conferences, and publications to help professionals integrate design thinking into business practices.
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Association of Rotational Molders (ARM)
For inventors focusing on products made through rotational molding, such as certain types of sports equipment, ARM provides industry-specific resources and networking opportunities.
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American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ASME supports engineers and inventors working on mechanical innovations, including sports equipment. They offer technical resources, conferences, and networking opportunities.
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National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
NAM is one of the largest manufacturing associations in the United States, providing resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for manufacturers, including those creating tools and home goods (Events in America).