Protecting Your ROI in IAMC

By J. Tate Godfrey, CEcD, President & CEO

As you may have seen, we recently shared an update to IAMC’s Non-Solicitation Policy ahead of the Fall Forum in Indianapolis. You can review the full policy here: https://www.iamc.org/About/Policies-Notices/No-Solicitations-Policy

I’d like to take a moment to highlight why this policy exists – and how it protects the investment each of you makes in the IAMC community.

At its core, soliciting meetings with Corporate members during our Forums undermines the value of the experience for everyone. When a company requests an unsanctioned meeting, it often pulls a Corporate member out of scheduled programming. That absence not only affects the session, but it limits meaningful interaction with fellow participants – something we all count on at IAMC.

Just as important, our Corporate members have been assured by staff and the Board that IAMC provides a low-pressure, low-sales environment. Without clear policies and consistent oversight, those members could quickly grow frustrated by persistent sales outreach and begin questioning whether attending our events is worthwhile.

We are also seeing concerns around private events being scheduled during – or directly overlapping with – official IAMC programming, receptions, and dinners. This is a direct violation of IAMC policy. More than one-third of IAMC’s revenue comes from our Sponsors, who invest in elevated visibility and are guaranteed protection from competing activities. Bronze-level and higher Sponsors are welcome to host private events, provided they do not conflict with sanctioned IAMC programming, typically dinners on Monday or Tuesday evening.

Attempting to schedule an event that competes with official Forum offerings, including but not limited to sessions, meetings or receptions, is not permitted. These guardrails protect our Sponsors’ investment and ensure Corporate members are never placed in the uncomfortable position of choosing between sanctioned and unsanctioned events.

IAMC’s policies are designed with one goal: to support a fair, professional and valuable experience for all members. When you join IAMC, your investment in the organization is protected by these policies of non-solicitation and our commitment to a low-sales environment. 

Thank you for your partnership and for upholding the standards that keep IAMC strong.

Tate.