How to Maximize Your ARDA Membership

Insights for this month’s article provided by John Locher, Vice President, Strategy & Solutions at Asgard Software and Alex Glover, Director of Communications at Vacation Innovations

Question: How can new members of ARDA get the most out of their membership?

According to Alex Glover, being an ARDA member offers a world of benefits, but it is what you make of it. Regardless of your position within your organization, maximizing your ARDA membership involves showing up and actively participating in industry events, engaging with other ARDA members, and utilizing available resources. 

Alex shares more about how members can get the most out of ARDA below. 

At Vacation Innovations, we’ve seen the benefits of ARDA membership firsthand. Based off that experience, and my personal experience as a Chairman’s League member, here are a few tips on how you can make the most of your ARDA membership:

Engage at ARDA Events 
Networking is a cornerstone of the ARDA experience, and the association offers a wide range of events throughout the year, from conferences to monthly WIN meetups. These events are designed to keep you informed about the latest industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices, while also providing valuable opportunities to connect with industry peers, leaders, and potential partners. Building a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations, and this is really where you can maximize your personal and professional benefits from membership. 

Our team attends as many ARDA events as possible, and if you haven’t been, you’re missing out. Not sure if your organization would support your attendance? Be your own advocate and have that discussion with your leadership. I hope to see you there!

Explore Sponsorship 
If you’re looking to engage at an even higher level, sponsorship and individual membership opportunities are great ways to deepen your level of involvement. Vacation Innovations is proud to be an active sponsor of multiple ARDA events, including a Signature Sponsor of the past several Spring Conferences, and is also represented by two Trustee members and one Chairman’s League member. We have seen tangible benefits for our business because of this engagement and consider our ARDA membership a key element of our outreach efforts.

Utilize Research and Industry Reports 
ARDA provides access to comprehensive research and industry reports that offer in-depth analysis of market trends, consumer behavior, and economic impact studies related to our industry. These resources are incredibly helpful for making informed business decisions, understanding market dynamics, and staying ahead of the curve in a competitive landscape. Even better—ARDA provides these reports free of charge for members.

Stay Informed of Advocacy Efforts 
One of ARDA’s key roles is to advocate on behalf of the industry at the state, federal, and international levels. Members can benefit from these advocacy efforts not only through the legislative policies and actions that result, but also by staying informed about issues affecting the industry and what’s on the horizon.

Understand the Full Suite of Benefits 
ARDA membership also includes benefits such as access to member directories, discounted event registrations, and opportunities for professional recognition through the annual ARDA Awards program, which we look forward to each year. Explore all the benefits your membership offers and take full advantage of them to enhance your professional standing and success in the industry. 

For the Vacation Innovations team, ARDA membership has been a game changer. What are you waiting for? Get involved and see what your ARDA membership can do for you.

John Locher, a 23-year ARDA member, echoes Alex’s sentiment that getting and staying involved with ARDA has long-term benefits for your professional development in the timeshare industry. 

An Olympics aficionado, John likens the Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter,” meaning “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together” to his Experience with maximizing his ARDA membership. 

FasterYou must proactively accelerate awareness, visibility, and connections for yourself and your organization. Whether you’re a new or longstanding member, numerous actions can propel your initiatives forward, from promoting new products to fostering collaborative ventures within the industry.

• Show up. Make consistent appearances at events; your active participation and support matter.
• Speed up. Commit to initiatives with passion, proactivity, and authenticity. Remaining passive will yield limited results, but practicing active patience will yield dividends.
• Seek assistance when needed; ARDA has many resources, including dedicated staff and experienced VIP members, ready to help you succeed. Ask for help. Ask me. Ask a member or ARDA staff.
• Stay engaged through social media and communication channels; listen, engage, share, and connect frequently.
• Stay up with industry standards by leveraging technology and data delivered and serviced with human expertise.

Higher 
Elevate your involvement in the industry community to maximize your visibility and immersion. If you’re committed to your membership, fully embrace it. 

• Consider upgrading to VIP Memberships to enhance your profile and opportunities.
• Explore sponsorship opportunities at various levels and for different events and programs.
• Utilize digital advertising platforms for broader reach and visibility.
• Participate in Committees and Groups, seeking out opportunities for involvement even if initially closed; reach out to staff liaisons for guidance.
• Submit speaker suggestions and proposals; ARDA staff can assist you.
• Engage in advocacy efforts of ARDA and ARDA-ROC initiatives, actively participating in legislative conversations and campaigns as appropriate. See the Advocacy section of the website.
• Allocate resources to facilitate meaningful interactions and partnerships with other organizations.
• Communicate effectively about your organization’s achievements and thought leadership in ways that benefit the industry as a whole.
• Contribute your expertise, time, and resources to ARDA initiatives, amplifying your impact and influence within the industry.

Stronger 
Strength lies in numbers, and the collective participation of your organization with industry players is crucial. 

• Encourage additional staff and leaders from your organization to join ARDA events and initiatives.
• Nominate deserving candidates from your organization for the ARDA Awards, recognizing their contributions to the industry.
• Support your teams’ involvement in ARDA events; their participation sparks more growth and development for your organization and the industry.
• Leverage educational resources and research offered by AIF to deepen your understanding of industry trends and dynamics.
• Support ARDA staff leadership by openly sharing your challenges and successes and encouraging their active engagement with your organization. Together, you’ll facilitate mutual support and collaboration for mutual benefit. Help them help you.

As ARDA evolves to address the changing needs of our industry, now is the opportune moment to take action to derive more from your membership. Through active engagement, connection, and contribution, you’ll succeed faster, ascend higher, and become stronger. This embodies Communiter in action, promoting collective growth and advancing our industry “together.”