Whether you’re new to your field, near retirement, or anywhere in between, there’s always something new to learn. The mark of a true professional is a commitment to growth and development. And professional associations—located right here in our Southern Arizona backyard—can be the exact spot for you to do this.
Reputable and industry-specific professional associations are where you can meet and collaborate with like-minded people in your field.
Not only are they good for networking, but they can boost your professional reputation, offer meaningful educational opportunities, and help you access important information and resources.
To help find one that’s right for you, we compiled a list of 16 options here in Southern Arizona.
Why Join a Professional Association?
Love or hate the term, but networking is an important part of professional growth and development. And, it’s a key reason why professional associations can be so beneficial to workers in any industry.
In a professional association, you can meet and collaborate with other professionals in the same field as you. Networking events, conferences, skills workshops, and other opportunities allow you to share ideas and build relationships.
Besides the opportunity to network, there are a few key benefits of joining a professional association:
- Education and professional development: If you want to move to the next level in your career or take on something new at work, you may be able to access high-quality educational opportunities through your professional association. They offer opportunities for ongoing learning and are on top of the latest trends and research in the industry.
- Professional recognition: Being part of a reputable professional association can build your name in the industry. It demonstrates your commitment to the work and professional ethics and standards that go along with it.
- Advocacy and representation: Professional associations represent their members. They do this by shaping policies, standards, regulations, and other factors that impact your work.
- Information and resources: Industry professional associations gather and disseminate relevant information to your field. This is where you can access publications, data, articles, research, or anything else that may help you in your work.
General Professional Associations in Southern Arizona
1. Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce
We’ve regularly partnered with the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce for events and initiatives here at The Post and around Tucson. They are an amazing organization that supports and empowers over 600 businesses in our community.
Location: Tucson
Membership: Annual fees based on the number of employees; starts at $300.00/year
Key features: To connect professionals, they host a full calendar of events ranging from happy hours to networking mixers to business summits.
2. Tucson Metro Chamber
The Tucson Metro Chamber has been advocating for and representing over 1,500 businesses in the Tucson area. They’re committed to connecting leaders, supporting business growth, and strengthening the community.
Location: Tucson
Membership: Five levels of membership, starting at $495.00/year
Key features: Opportunities to be part of various councils, committees, and task forces. Regular events, chamber meetings, workforce development opportunities, and community resources.
3. Marana Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1987, the Marana Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to be “the voice of business that works to build economic growth and quality of life in our community.” They work with the Marana business community to provide resources, support, and relationships to support their business goals.
Location: Marana
Membership: Multiple membership tiers beginning at $295.00/year
Key features: Members have access to regular events like the monthly networking breakfast or mixers in addition to affordable advertising, business education and resources, and access to local and regional leadership.
4. Arizona Small Business Association
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the ASBA is a non-profit organization that is committed to serving all Arizona small businesses through nonpartisan advocacy and resources.
Location: Phoenix
Membership: Three tiers of membership options, starting at $350.00/year
Key features: Extensive resources for small businesses, including a job board, regular events and webinars, and advocacy work.
Service Professional Associations in Southern Arizona
5. Arizona Nurses Association
AzNA is a statewide membership-based organization that supports all licensed nurses through training, resources, and advocacy. Through their work, they ensure nurses can provide adequate healthcare to all Arizonans who need it.
Location: Phoenix
Key features: Members receive discounts on professional liability insurance, certification exams, and registration for AzNA events. They also offer regular networking and professional development opportunities.
6. Arizona Professional Educators
The AZPE supports all school personnel, including administration, teachers, and support staff. Their mission is to foster leadership and instruction to strengthen schools and communities.
Location: Chandler
Key features: AZPE offers liability insurance, grants, scholarship, advocacy, and legal services to its members.
7. Arizona Counseling Association
The AzCA is dedicated to promoting the development of individual professional counselors and advancing the profession. In doing so, they help improve the quality of life for Arizona’s citizens through the practice of counseling.
Location: Scottsdale
Membership: Multiple tiers of options, starting at $75.00/year
Key features: Multiple training and event options, including a wellness retreat. AzCA also offers a career center, resources, and advocacy for its members.
Trades Professional Associations in Southern Arizona
8. Southern Arizona Home Builders Association
SAHBA represents the residential construction industry in Southern Arizona. They represent and support builders, contractors, suppliers, and other related professionals with networking opportunities, resources, and advocacy.
Location: Tucson
Key features: Monthly industry newsletters, community service initiatives, events and mixers, annual awards banquet, member-only pricing, and discounts.
9. Arizona Technology Council
The ATC is Arizona’s premier networking and trade association for science and technology companies. They are the driving force behind making Arizona the fastest-growing technology hub in the nation.
Location: Phoenix, Tucson
Membership: Multiple options based on company size; starts at $380.00/year
Key features: 100+ in-person and virtual events per year, access to the Association Health Plan, discounted tuition rates, and opportunities to join multiple industry committees.
10. The American Institute of Architects
The Southern Arizona chapter of the AIA advocates for the value of architecture by advocating for and supporting architects. They have rigorous ethical and professional standards for members, demonstrating a long history of bettering the world through the profession.
Location: Phoenix
Membership: Options available based on profession; joining incentives available
Key features: Annual conferences, design awards, and a lot of resources for members to utilize.
Hospitality & Tourism Professional Associations in Southern Arizona
11. Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association
The AzLTA is a statewide public policy organization that advocates for travel, lodging, arts, and sports industries in Arizona. Their mission is to advance the field by offering collaboration and education opportunities to businesses.
Location: Phoenix
Membership: Multiple tiers of membership based on industry and profession
Key features: Regular calendar of events, including an annual gala. The AzLTA has an extensive job board and resource collection, too.
12. Arizona Restaurant and Hospitality Association
The ARHA is committed to educating and supporting Arizona’s restaurateurs and their employees on the industry’s latest trends, management techniques, and regulations.
Membership: $375.00/year
Key features: Savings for common line items like payroll, insurance, linen supplies, and healthcare. Online and in-person education and training for restaurant employees.
Business Professional Associations in Southern Arizona
13. American Marketing Association
Established more than 50 years ago, the local chapter of the AMA supports Arizona-based marketing professionals through networking opportunities and career-building resources.
Location: Phoenix
Membership: Multiple tiers are available starting at $29.00/year for undergraduate students and $119.00/year for professionals.
Key features: Monthly, quarterly, and yearly programs, events, workshops, and discussions that introduce the latest industry trends and developments.
13. Southern Arizona Public Relations Society of America
PRSA supports public relations professionals’ access to growth opportunities and development. This is done through a variety of courses, events, awards, accreditation, and a vibrant network of practitioners.
Location: Tucson
Membership: National dues range from $60.00-$260.00/year plus an additional $60.00/year for chapter dues.
Key features: Courses, events, awards, and accreditation for public relations professionals in a variety of industries.
14. Society for Human Resources Management (Southern Arizona Chapter)
SHRM’s mission is to inspire, influence, and foster the professional development and leadership skills of members in the HR industry. This is Southern Arizona, Tucson-based chapter of a country-wide professional association.
Location: Tucson
Membership: Three levels of membership starting at $150.00
Key features: Regular workshops, webinars, and events for members as well as an extensive resource library.
16. Project Management Institute
The Tucson chapter of PMI supports those in the project management field through a variety of events, resources, and advocacy.
Location: Tucson
Membership: $119.00/year
Key features: Supports the certification of project managers through ongoing professional development and provides an active forum to meet and exchange ideas.
Joining a professional association in southern Arizona may be the next right step for your business and work. They offer excellent networking opportunities with like-minded professionals and access to resources, information, and advocacy that can benefit your career.
And if you’re looking for a productive and professional workspace here in southern Arizona, contact us to book a tour of The Post today and see what we’re all about.