About the Association Forum of Chicagoland

The Association Forum of Chicagoland is the "association of associations" in Chicago. Founded in 1916, the Association Forum has:

• Approximately 3,000 members.
• These members represent more than 47,000 association professionals from nearly 2,000 Chicago organizations.  
• These organizations serve 37 million members, have 9 million donors and generate $22 billion annually in global economic impact.

We’re an independent organization and incorporated under the Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation Act and tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• Our Mission: To advance the professional practice of association management.
• Our Purpose and Major Goals: To improve the quality of practice of association management, enhance the places where association management is practiced and ensure the freedom to practice association management. 
• Our Promise: To provide our members with essential learning, compelling experiences and powerful resources.

We’d like to get to know you and for you to get to know us. Keep reading to learn more about:

• Our Bylaws: If you’re a member, be sure to read our bylaws. Bylaws are the heart of our association governance and structure.
• Our History: Did you know we were the FIRST “association of associations”? It’s true! We were founded in 1916. Check out our important milestones. Find out  just how far we’ve come!
• Our Leadership: We’re governed by a 14-member board. Meet our board members or learn how to and nominate someone for our next election.
• Our Committees: Learn more about the 15 member committees that govern everything from our annual meeting and awards program to our association governance and advocacy initiatives.
• Our Staff: Meet our 17-member professional staff.
• Our Members: We have approximately 3,000 members from more than 1,100 regional associations, non-profits and supplier partner companies.  
• Our Headquarters: Next to Washington, D.C., Chicago is the nation’s leading association headquarters city.  Find out more about our office, including where we’re located.
• Our Public Policy Positions: As part of our mission, we focus action on legislative or regulatory matters affecting Chicago associations. Learn how we set public policy priorities.
• Our Foundation: Learn more about the Association Forum of Chicagoland Foundation, a separate organization founded in 1987 in order to enhance our programs and services with new education, research and scholarship initiatives.How to Contact Us: Whether you have questions, comments or kudos, find out how to contact the Association Forum by phone, fax or e-mail.