Gail Chiasson, North American Editor
When I saw the recent news from the Digital Signage Federation that it now exceeds 500 individual active and engaged members, I couldn’t help but be somewhat amused.
The DSF, the independent not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry, had – until now, apparently – always prided itself as having company memberships, rather than individuals.
However, it turns out that all companies that join the DSF do so on a paid basis and are entitled to list up to five full-time employees as individual members as part of their organizational membership. That count as of May 1/14 was 216 organizations, which together represent a total of 513 individual members.
Those who have joined are compelled by real business benefits including professional development opportunities such as professional certification. While any individual member may sign up for certification at a $50 discount at any time during the year, at the time of enrollment (or renewal), member organizations have 60 days to enroll up to two registered members at no cost.
Shaneeka James, chairman of the Membership Committee, which has consistently set member enrollment records since mid-2013, says, “The DSF gives professionals active in the DS industry an opportunity to play an active part in shaping policy and the future of the industry, and a chance to network with over 200 member organizations.”
Was this new push an honest move to stress the advantages of DSF membership among existing members and to potential members? Or could it be in reaction to rival Digital Screenmedia Association’s recent free membership offer?
I guess, as the saying goes, ‘You pays your money and you takes your choice.’ Or maybe it’s a little bit of both!
DSF’s Mission is to support and promote the common business interests of the world-wide digital signage, interactive technologies and the digital out-of-home network industries. It promotes professional recognition through certifications, continuing education, conferences, publications, and presentations offered by the DSF and affiliate groups; provides government lobbying to leverage the collective strength of members and represent their interests at the higher levels of government and the community; and provides leadership and networking opportunities focused on building a strong foundation for the advancement of the digital signage industry.
For more information about the Digital Signage Federation, its benefits of membership, or to join the DSF, click here.
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