I was online and came across the "ARA". my question is, is it beneficial to join the ARA or not? if anyone has some advice can you please tell me. we want to attend the Feb. 2007 vegas show to be an exhibitor. but i found out that i must be a member to exhibit.does anybody here belong to the ARA? are the publications used by many engravers?
thanks,
mark garcia

Well I am a member of the ARA and manage to attend Las Vegas every other year. I have found it a good benefit and have learnt a lot from the seminars. The show is very interesting for me, cos we have nothing like it in the UK, so I pick up good ideas. Not so sure about the magazine though, more general interest, probably more use if you live in the States. If you are an engraver, then EJ has more in it than RR in my opinion. I think the fees are reasonable, taken over a five or ten year period, I bet you gain more than you loose financially.

Simon Cork
Sheffield UK

Mark,

The Recognition Review is the ARA trade magazine that comes with a membership.

In the hierarchy of trade magazines, it's further down the totem pole than A&E or EJ, but it does have some valuable content.

Even though it seems to be shrinking, like it or not, the ARA International Awards Market, held in Las Vegas every year, is our industry's "Greatest Show on Earth."

Some industry suppliers will bypass other shows, throughout the year, and elect to exhibit at the Las Vegas show.

In a short answer to your question, if you plan to make a dent in this industry, even if you never exhibit at another, ARA Las Vegas will be the show for you.

The other valid reason to attend, is that the Las Vegas show is where the largest contingent of our foum members converge every year, for a face-to-face meeting.

We'd love to see your face at our annual Beach Party. :-) 

IF you are in the industry you must be a member of ARA. Whether you are a dealer or supplier ARA is important. Their shows are excellent and the information they provide is excellent.
By all means, it is worth the money.
Larry

Mark,

If you are serious about your new venture, than joining the ARA should be on the top of your to-do list. It will add credibility to your business and provide you the exposure you will need, especially as an upstart company.

Being somewhat familiar with your new product offerings and also that of your competition, your investment in a booth at the ARA Show will pay for itself exponentially. You would be remiss not to do it.

I know that LaserSketch has been a member of ARA. As your most direct competition, they certainly see some value in doing so.

Mark,
I would recommend joining ARA.....you WILL develop a network by participation and attendance.....there ARE educational activities, although as a supplier your biggest benefit would be to start a "chapter" of the ARA in your area.......
Either way, I have met many great people, ( a lot of whom are members of this forum) by my participation with ARA.

Just my two cents. Want change?

Hi Mark,

The ARA is the center of our industry. You have read what most feel about our organization (I am a member of the membership committee). If I weren't a major supporter of the ARA, I would not give my time, efforts and endorsement to them. I have been around this industry so long I know how much one gains from RECOGINITION REVIEW, their shows, especially Las Vegas, the educational opportunities and the associations and fellowship. Joining the ARA will be one of the best things you will do in this industry. Should you have questions of seek more information, check their web site, http://ara.org/
or contact me and I'll be happy to assist you in any way I can.

Come join in!

Best,
Tom

TO EVERYONE, that has replied to my question about the ARA. thanks for all the input and advice. i guess i'll have to join because it would be great to meet some of our currenet customers and our future ones. though i do feel it is a bit "pricy" for the membership. but i know we will recoop the monies quickly through recognition of being a member. plus we plan on advertising in the magazine as well.....Tom thanks.

thanks again,
mark garcia
granite wholesaler
www.artistic-laser.com

Welcome to the ARA, I'll be delighted to meet you and learn more about you and your fine company!

Sincerely,
Tom

Tom,

Maybe you could even be their east coast rep. ;-) 

G-Man It comes down to the bottom line. I have been an exhibitor
in the past. And at that time 2000- 2002 it saved a few Franklins to be a member. Good luck standing there, Lost Wages has the HARDEST concrete anywere in the world!

If ARA dose not work out for you look in to putting together a catalog of finished marble, Ect. ASI and PPAI have far and away worked out better for myself.