The Boards of Directors of POPAI (Point of Purchase Advertising International) and A.R.E. (the Association for Retail Environments) have voted to consider a merger. At their respective board meetings held during GlobalShop in Las Vegas this week, both not-for-profit groups agreed that they would be better able to serve their members and advance the industry as a combined organization. Both associations will now enter a due diligence phase, including a vote from all POPAI active members, and work in good faith toward an agreement to merge.
According to Michelle Adams of Marketing Brainology, the current elected Chairman of POPAI, "It is clear to us that the memberships of both organizations have much in common, and that the entire industry will benefit greatly from our combining forces."
A.R.E.'s elected president Bob Rosean of TJ Hale added, "This is a true unification of equals. These two venerable associations bring complementary strengths to the table. Together, it will be a case of 1 plus 1 equals 3."
POPAI, established in 1936, is the leading not-for-profit global association for the in-store marketing industry. International in scope, its membership consists of leading retailers, CPGs, brand agencies, producers and educators who are committed to relevant shopper marketing research and education. Established in 1956 as the National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers (NASFM), A.R.E. is the not-for-profit trade association representing the retail environments industry. ARE member companies include retail design firms and suppliers of store fixtures, visual merchandising products, materials, equipment and services.
The two associations will work together in the months ahead to accomplish the legal unification of the associations under a new name. A search will begin immediately for a CEO of the new combined association. Current A.R.E. Executive Director Todd Dittman will become COO of the combined association. The new association will be headquartered in Chicago and maintain offices in both Chicago and Hollywood, FL.
www.popai.com
