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Becoming a Member

Using the Website

General Questions About the Institute

Becoming a Member

Who is the Institute for? How do I know it's right for me?
The Institute has been created to further the success of anyone involved in marketing at retail. Whether you market cookies or computers, pharmaceuticals or pop, the Institute can help ensure your brand succeeds at the point-of-purchase. And if you serve clients in the consumer packaged goods industry -- as an agency, p-o-p supplier, or merchandising vendor -- you will also find the Institute to be an invaluable source for ideas, information, contacts and proven strategies for your business. Virtually anyone associated with the process of retail marketing -- retailers, brand marketers, ad agencies, P-O-P manufacturers, merchandising agencies, consultants, research firms, educational institutions -- will find value in membership. (Top.)

Why should I join?
Chances are, if you have made it this far, you don't need to ask. But if you do... To increase your brand's effectiveness at retail. To enhance your expertise and knowledge about marketing. To find new ideas, contacts, resources, and strategies that will be pivotal in your future and your brand's future. To understand what your clients needs are and how to meet them better than anyone else. To enjoy a position of leadership -- and all of its rewards and advantages -- within your field of competition. To find the answer to that looming challenge that keeps you awake at night. To ensure your next rollout is a huge success. To learn how to prove your next rollout was a huge success. To meet other experts, thought-leaders, and innovators who will make your job easier, your career more fulfilled and your brand better. To become a leader in your field. (Top.)

What does membership cost?
For details on categories of membership and related benefits, click here. (Top.)

What sort of payment do you accept?
Membership dues in the Institute can be paid through credit card (Visa, Master Card, or American Express) or via invoiced billing. Applications choosing invoiced billing option cannot be activated until payment has been received and processed. (Top.)

What kind of discounts do I get?
All Institute members receive discounts on Institute educational events and publications. These discounts will vary from event to event, but are typically 10% off regular price. All members also receive free subscriptions to Shopper Marketing and P-O-P Design. For complete details on membership and related benefits, click here.. (Top.)

Am I required to attend anything or do anything?
While we highly recommend taking full advantage of the community aspects the Institute offers, as an Institute member, you are under no obligation to attend any events or participate in any activities. (Top.)

What are dues used for?
Your dues are vital to the fulfillment of our industry-oriented mission. As our most significant source of funding, your membership dues will be applied toward cutting-edge programming, effective and innovative networking events, and the pursuit of practical and useful research studies. Your dues will also help support the constant growth and evolution of the most comprehensive online database of knowledge on in-store marketing at www.instoremarketer.org. (Top.)

How long does my membership last?
Approximately one year...actually a little more. Our membership cycles expire every two months (on June 1, August 1, October 1, December 1, February 1, and April 1). Your membership will begin as soon as your payment is approved and will run at least 12 months, expiring at the next expiration date AFTER your 1 year anniversary. (Top.)

How do I renew my membership?
Approximately 2 months prior to the expiration of your membership, you'll be sent a simple renewal application, through both the mail and via email. You can also choose to renew online anytime you log onto www.instoremarketer.org. If you prefer, you can also renew by phone by calling Lisa at (847) 675-7400, ext. 175. (Top.)

So how can I get an application?
You can apply quickly and easily online, or download a printable application form. You may also request more information here. (Top.)

I have many people at my company who would benefit. Is there some sort of volume discount?
If several people at your organization would benefit from access to the wealth of information the Institute offers, Corporate Membership is the correct option for you. Through this membership, you can sign up to 10 individuals to have access to www.instoremarketer.org. If you need more than 10, simply contact us and additional licenses are available for a nominal fee. (Top.)

Are memberships transferable?
While no memberships can be transferred from one company to another, Corporate memberships entitle the applicant company to up to 10 licensed users, the names of whom can be changed at any time during the life of the membership. Individual Memberships are not transferable (they cannot be traded among employees within a company, but rather belong only to the original applicant). (Top.)

Can I get a refund or cancel my membership? How?
Membership dues are non-refundable. Because of the sensitive nature of content provided to members through this website, and because the value of membership is dramatically increased over time, refunds are unfortunately not available. Corporate Membership benefits, however, can be transferred to others within your organization. If you would ever like to cancel your membership, cancellation requires written notice from the primary contact for the membership sent directly to the Institute's mailing address. (Top.)

Are there any qualifications needed to join the Institute?
No. Institute membership is open to anyone and everyone who is interested in the art of effective in-store marketing. Brand marketers of consumer products and services, however, qualify for Individual Membership option if they prefer. Corporate and Charter Memberships are available to any type of organization. (Top.)

Are membership dues paid annually? One-time fee? How do I pay? Can you bill me?
Membership dues are paid at the date of application in one annual fee, either by credit card or check. Applicants may be invoiced if they request, though that option will delay activation of your membership while payment is processed (allow 2 weeks). (Top.)

How long will it take to process my membership?
If you join online, membership will be processed immediately. You'll be given immediate access to the website and a user ID and password will be established immediately. We will verify your membership credentials and contact you should we need further clarification or if we find a problem with your application or payment. You'll usually receive a complete membership kit within 2 weeks.

If you apply via mail or fax, your membership may take 1-3 weeks to process before you are sent your initial User ID and password. You will also receive at that time your full membership kit in the mail.

If you apply over the phone, your membership will be processed immediately and you'll be given a User ID and password over the phone. We will verify your membership credentials and contact you should we need further clarification or if we find a problem with your application or payment. You'll receive a complete membership kit within 2 weeks. (Top.)

When will I receive membership materials?
All members will receive their Institute Member Kit in the mail approximately 2 weeks after joining (either online or via mail/fax). (Top.)

Is there a special rate for academic professionals?
Academic professionals employed at accredited universities or colleges can purchase a $500 academic membership. Please contact Lisa Kass at (847) 675-7400, ext. 175 with any questions. (Top.)

Are international memberships available?
Yes. International memberships function in the same way domestic (U.S.) memberships do, although a small surcharge (subscription fee) applies to cover mailing and shipping fees. (Top.)

Can people outside the U.S. join the Institute?
Yes, applications from foreign countries are encouraged. (Top.)

Using the Website

What browser or software do I need to view the website?
Generally, we recommend current versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Mozilla's Firefox or Apple's Safari browsers. More specific requirements include:

  • 128-bit encryption software is required to join with a credit card.
  • Javascript is utilized to enhance the browsing experience.
  • Cookies are used to process user log-ins.
  • Some files attached to articles, including multimedia presentations or attached documents, require additional software such as Adobe Flash player or Adobe Acrobat. In most cases, these are available as a free download from the manufacturer's website. In those cases, instructions for how to download and view the file will be provided within the text of the article.
  • If you are running software that disables pop-up advertisements, you may experience difficulty following any hyperlinks that lead off the Institute website. Disabling the software temporarily may improve your browsing experience. Note: The Institute does not use pop-up windows for advertisements.

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How do I log onto the website?
When you become a member, you will be taken directly to a logon screen where your logon ID and password will be provided. You can then change your password to whatever you like and create your account, as well as any other licensed users you have on your account. (Top.)

I've forgotten my password, or my password isn't working. What should I do?
Be sure your CAPS LOCK is not enabled on your keyboard, as that may cause you to enter incorrect information in the log-in screen. If you're still having difficulty, you may reset your password here. (Top.)

How can I view attached files or Lecture Hall presentations?
Some files attached to articles, including multimedia presentations or attached documents, require additional software such as Adobe Flash player or Adobe Acrobat Reader. In most cases, these are available as a free download from the manufacturer's website.

To download the latest versions, visit the appropriate website below and follow the instructions for downloading the version compatible with your browser and operating system:

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My search isn't returning any results. What should I do?
Please refer to the Search Tips area for suggestions on how to search the site. (Top.)

Can I advertise on your site?
The Institute's website does not currently accept any advertising. We derive no revenue from online banner advertising and prefer to keep commercial messages off of our site. Instead, we have chosen to deliver as much content, and ONLY content, to members through this state-of-the-art website. For advertising opportunities through Institute publications and events, contact Harold Fischer at (847) 675-7400, ext. 106. (Top.)

Am I going to get spammed or end up on a mailing list?
We respect the privacy of our members and observe a strict privacy policy. Your information remains confidential and will not be distributed, rented or sold to any outside companies for any purposes. You will still, however, receive information and updates from us on Institute events or studies, unless you opt out of those valuable communications. (Top.)

How do I submit content?
Submitting content for seminars, the website, or other publication is easy and rewarding. The first step is supplying us with an overview of what content you would like to provide. Find out more about that process here. (Top.)

I have a question not on this list? What do I do?
Contact us with your question and you'll get an answer within 2 business days (and usually a lot faster than that). (Top.)

About the Institute

Who exactly is the Institute?
The In-Store Marketing Institute is a membership-based association of marketing professionals from throughout the country. The Institute also produces Shopper Marketing and P-O-P Design magazines and sponsors the In-Store Marketing Expo, In-Store Marketing Summit and other events. Click here for more information. (Top.)

Who is POPAI?
Point-of-Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) is a non-profit trade organization serving the point-of-purchase industry. POPAI is located in Washington, D.C., and can be contacted through their website. (Top.)

How can I get more involved?
In addition to membership, there are several ways to get involved with the Institute and its mission. If you qualify, you can apply for membership on the Executive Advisory Council. You can also be a content-provider to the Institute and contribute to the organization and the industry through your expertise. There are a plethora of events and activities in which you can participate. Finally, you can always provide us with your feedback, good, bad or indifferent, by contacting us. (Top.)

Who are the Institute Benefactors and what do they do?
Leading companies in the in-store marketing industry serve as the In-Store Marketing Institute's Benefactors, underwriting our web initiative and serving on the Executive Advisory Council. Without the participation from these companies, many of the benefits Institute members enjoy would not be possible. (Top.)

Does the Institute publish any magazines, and if so, how often? Yes, please check our publications page for more information. (Top.)

Does the Institute have a code of ethics?
Yes. The Institute is committed to elevating the excellence of marketing at retail and therefore encourages its members to aspire to higher levels of achievement and character in all aspects of their business lives. The complete code of ethics can be found here. (Top.)

How many members are in the Institute?
To respect the privacy and interests of our member organizations, we choose not to release specific information about our membership. To get a good idea of the types of organizations and individuals who have joined the Institute, check out our advisory council or call us at (847) 675-7400, ext. 145. (Top.)

Do you have a membership directory?
We currently do not publish a Member Directory. We may produce one in the future, but given the priorities of the benefits members would like to receive, a directory has been slated for later development. (Top.)

Is the Institute's mailing list available for rental?
No. The Institute does not sell, rent or in other ways make available its membership database to other parties. We value our members privacy and will not rent our lists. If you are interested in reaching the membership of the Institute through sponsored events, publications or other means, please contact Maureen Macke at (847) 675-7400, ext. 127. (Top.)

How can I become a speaker?
The Institute is always in search of great speakers and relevant presentations for educational events such as the In-Store Marketing Summit, The In-Store Marketing Expo, and other functions. Please review our content submission guidelines and/or contact Maureen Macke at (847) 675-7400, ext. 127 for more information on speaking opportunities that may be available. (Top.)

Does the Institute have a job bank?
Yes. Our Job Mart is an ideal place for job searchers to look for in-store-related positions or for employers to post openings at their companies. Access to the Job Mart is free to members and non-members alike and anyone may post an ad for a position (a discount applies for any Institute members). (Top.)

Does the Institute work with any other organizations?
Yes. The Institute has reciprocal working agreements with a number of other organizations which can help us serve our members better, such as the New York AMA. If you are interested in exploring such an alliance with the Institute, please contact Maureen Macke at (847) 675-7400, ext. 127. (Top.)

Can I still attend Institute events without being a member?
Yes. Attendance at almost all Institute events is open to non-members. Some of these events are restricted to those in the trade and not open to the public, but brand marketers, agencies, retailers, and manufacturers are welcome. Non-members are required to pay full-price for any admission fees or seminar tickets while Institute members will receive substantial discounts off of regular price. (Top.)

Are there any volunteer opportunities I can get involved in at the Institute?
There are many ways to get more involved with the Institute's mission. The first is joining. In addition to membership, you may consider a role on our Executive Advisory Council or one of its Committees as a great way to contribute to industry advancement while networking with peers. Other opportunities - such as serving as an Event Host or Volunteer for the Women In P-O-P Benefit or serving as a Judge in the Design of the Times Competition - are excellent ways to increase your level of involvement in the Institute and the amount of value you get from your membership. (Top.)