Membership FAQ's

1. As a member, what do I receive for my membership fee?
 The tangible benefits are, often, the first benefits that come to mind:

  • Educational Seminars/Webinars
  • AboutFace Newsletter
  • Membership in your local chapter
  • Online Buyers Guide
  • Industry Research, such as the Annual Exhibit Management Survey
  • Your Advocate for your rights as an exhibitor

Of equal value are the intangibles such as

  • Networking,
  • Resources and industry information,
  • Leadership development,
  • Personal and professional growth, and
  • Ideas that can reduce the bottom line and increase returns on event participation.

Members also benefit indirectly from the many ways TSEA supports its chapters. For more information, see join TSEA

2. Does changing jobs affect my TSEA membership?
If you have an individual membership you may transfer your membership. If you are a company member you must reapply for membership with your new company.

3. I just lost my job. Can I continue my membership?
Yes, if you become unemployed during a year of paid membership, you are eligible to continue your TSEA Active Membership for 180 days as a regular member, provided you aren't serving as a consultant or vendor and are not otherwise employed.

4. What happens if I no longer qualify for membership, yet my annual dues were recently paid?
As with most associations, dues are not refundable.

5. I am retiring. Can I continue my TSEA membership?
Yes. If you are not otherwise employed and your dues are paid, you can retain a membership. Contact David Brull, dbrull@tsea.org, to see if you qualify for reduced dues.

6. How often is the About Face Professional Newsletter published?
It comes out twice a month. We also electronically publish a News Flash, as needed, for breaking industry news, upcoming webinars, and other TSEA and industry related information.

7. What is the employment profile of TSEA members?
Most Active TSEA members are exhibit and event managers, employed by companies that exhibit in business-to-business (B-to-B) trade shows. Our Allied Members are industry suppliers, companies that provide products and services to companies that exhibit. Visit our Buyer’s Guide to see the wide range of products and services available and represented by our Allied members.

8. What is a TSEA chapter?
A TSEA chapter consists of a group of TSEA members organized and chartered on a local basis to advance TSEA's Mission and Goals in a manner consistent with the policies of the association, and which is established and operated in accordance with TSEA's bylaws and its guidelines, standards, and objectives for chapters. Once you become a TSEA member, you may join one of our chapters. If there is no chapter in your area, contact us about helping you start one.

9. Is my membership transferable?
If you have an individual membership, it is yours and yours alone. It may not be transferred. Company memberships are transferable within a company.

10. Do you accept credit card payments for membership fees, products and services?
Yes. TSEA accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express as a means of payment. TSEA also accepts checks/cheques and money orders. Purchase orders are not accepted.

11. Are membership dues deductible?
Contributions or dues to TSEA are not deductible as charitable contributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, dues payments are deductible by U.S. members as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Member dues are not used for lobbying expenses.
Donations to the TSEA Foundation are tax deductible as charitable contributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

12. What types of membership does TSEA offer?

  • Active membership is for corporate exhibit managers/coordinators/directors, sales and marketing managers/directors, advertising and communications coordinators/managers/directors, meeting and events planners, Chief Marketing Officers, etc
  • Allied membership is for industry suppliers
  • Student membership is for full time students interested in becoming part of the exhibition industry
  • Academic membership is for accredited professors of face-to-face marketing

13. Can I belong to a local chapter without also being a member of the association?

You may attend a chapter meeting without being a member of the association but membership is highly encouraged. You must be a member in order to serve on the chapter board.

14. If I have left TSEA or the profession in general, can I rejoin later?
Yes, you can rejoin if you again qualify for membership.

15. Can I join more than one chapter?
Yes, with the permission of each participating chapter.