Let’s see how many acronyms I can cram into one sentence: NACTA, ASTA, CCRA, WTTC, IATA, IATAN, CLIA, ACTE, GBTA, UNWTO—just to name a few. Then let’s add Virtuoso, Signature, Travel Leaders and Ensemble into the mix. Is your head spinning?

There are so many choices when it comes to travel associations, host agencies and consortia. Which one do you choose? How do you choose? Do you even need to choose?

This decision has long been one that agents struggle with. Should you belong? There isn’t one blanket solution for everyone. Each travel agent or travel agency has individual wants and needs from these organizations—and has a reason, or reasons, for joining or not.

While it is great to speak to agents and ask why they joined certain organizations to determine what they are getting out of their memberships, you yourself need to first make your own checklist for what you hope to receive from an organization prior to conducting your research.

Here are some items to consider including on the list:

—How will the group address a need that you currently don’t have a solution for? How long does it take to receive a general response to your inquiries?

—Are your preferred suppliers in line with those of the group?

—Can anyone join, or must you meet certain requirements to be considered for membership?

—Can the group save you money on your existing partnerships or is it laser-focused only on its existing partnerships and preferred suppliers?

—Does your sales volume have to be generated by its preferred suppliers in order to meet sales levels for membership?

—Does the group train and nurture entrepreneurs or does it focus on education that puts the spotlight on its preferred suppliers?

—Are its marketing initiatives affordable for you?

These are just a few of the issues you should consider when listing your priorities as you assess your options. The most important thing to remember is that your agency is yours to mold and curate as you see fit—whether or not you partner with an association, host agency or consortium.

Embrace the “I” in “independent” and write your own ticket to success!