Other Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Businesses Trade Associations

American Alliance of Museums (AAM)

U.S. museum field’s umbrella association providing advocacy, standards, research, professional development, and accreditation programs for museums and museum professionals.

https://www.aam-us.org Membership: 35,000

American Public Gardens Association (APGA)

Connects and advances public gardens; convenes nearly 600 member institutions and 11,000+ professionals for networking, benchmarking, training, and advocacy.

https://www.publicgardens.org Membership: 550

Association of Children's Museums (ACM)

Global professional society for children’s museums; offers research, convenings, and field-wide advocacy to enrich children’s learning through play.

https://childrensmuseums.org Membership: 470

Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP)

National service, advocacy, and membership organization for the performing arts presenting, booking, and touring ecosystem; produces the APAP|NYC conference and year‑round programs.

https://apap365.org Membership: 1,600

Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)

Global network of science centers, museums, and allied organizations advancing public engagement with science through convenings, resources, and advocacy.

https://www.astc.org Membership: 600

Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)

North American association and accrediting body for zoos and aquariums, setting rigorous standards and coordinating conservation, education, and animal‑care programs.

https://www.aza.org Membership: 251

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)

The worldwide trade association for the attractions industry—theme and amusement parks, water parks, FECs, zoos, aquariums, museums, suppliers—offering expositions, education, research, safety resources, and advocacy.

https://iaapa.org Membership: 8,113

International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)

The largest association for the exhibitions and events industry; provides standards, education (including the CEM credential), research, and advocacy for organizers, suppliers, and partners.

https://www.iaee.com Membership: 12,000

International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)

Represents public assembly venues (arenas, convention centers, stadiums, PACs, fairgrounds, etc.) and professionals; delivers education, certifications (CVE/CVP), research, and advocacy.

https://iavm.org Membership: 7,800

International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA)

Global association for producers and suppliers of festivals and events; provides education (CFEE credential), networking, resources, and best‑practice exchange.

https://www.ifea.com Membership: 3,000

International Live Events Association (ILEA)

Community of creative event professionals across 35+ countries focused on education, standards, and networking for live event design and production.

https://www.ileahub.com Membership: 2,000

Motion Picture Association (MPA)

Trade association of major film studios and streaming services; leads global advocacy on content protection, market access, and operates the U.S. film ratings system.

https://www.motionpictures.org Membership: 7

National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO)

Trade association for movie theater owners and operators, representing the cinema exhibition sector on technology, distribution, and policy; spans 600+ member companies and 46,000+ screens worldwide.

https://theatreowners.org Membership: 600

National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)

Trade association for independent performance venues, promoters, and festivals; provides federal/state advocacy, cost‑saving programs, research, and a national member network.

https://www.nivassoc.org Membership: 1,500

National Ski Areas Association (NSAA)

Trade association for U.S. ski area owners/operators and supplier companies; provides industry research, safety initiatives, education, and advocacy.

https://www.nsaa.org Membership: 800

Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA)

Represents the mobile amusement industry (carnivals, circuses, concessionaires); focuses on advocacy, safety, workforce, and business resources for traveling shows.

https://oaba.org Membership: 2,500

Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)

U.S. recording industry trade group supporting record labels; certifies Gold/Platinum awards and advocates on copyright, policy, and market issues.

https://www.riaa.com Membership: 1,600

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)

Global network of creators, developers, designers, producers, and operators of themed entertainment and immersive experiences; offers industry conferences and the Thea Awards.

https://www.teaconnect.org Membership: 1,600

World Waterpark Association (WWA)

International trade association for waterparks and aquatic venues, providing education, safety resources, networking, and the annual WWA Show.

https://www.waterparks.org Membership: 1,000

Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD)

Organization of art museum directors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; advances professional standards, policy, and leadership for art museums.

https://aamd.org Membership: 246