American Association of Advertising Agencies
Trade organization representing the advertising agency business.

Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau
Trade group site has information, research reports and other materials related to advertising on cable television.

Council of Public Relations Firms
Trade organization mostly for PR firms (as opposed to freelancers). Site includes firm rankings, career resources and directory for locating members.

Direct Marketing Association
Leading professional association for direct marketers.

Mailing & Fulfillment Service Association
Supports the interests of mailing service companies.

National Mail Order Association
Focuses on support for small and midsize mail marketers.

Public Relations Society of America
Society for those engaged in PR activities.

Radio Advertising Bureau
Trade group site with good information and research reports.

Customer-Focused Marketing

American Teleservices Association
Trade group that is focused mostly on the telemarketing industry.

Word of Mouth Marketing Association
Supports those using referral methods to achieve marketing objectives.

Internet Marketing

Interactive Advertising Bureau *Not-for-profit trade association focusing on advertising issues across all interactive formats.

Mobile Marketing Association
Focus of this group is on marketing via wireless means including advertising and SMS messaging through cell phones and PDAs.

Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization
Professional group site that is dedicated to improving the understanding of search engine marketing.

Marketing Research

Council of American Survey Research Organizations *Trade group whose mission is to improve the ethics and practice of survey research.

Marketing Research Association
US-based organization dedicated to promoting excellence in marketing and opinion research. Offers news/event information, links to leading research firms and more.

The Marketing Research Society
UK group which claims "largest professional body for individuals employed in market research."

Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals
This association's site includes FAQs about CI, job opportunities, chapter listings and educational options.

Product Issue

Corporate Design Foundation
An association that believes and teaches that organizational interest can be served through the effective use of design disciplines.

Product Development & Management Association
rade and academic group whose mission includes improving "the effectiveness of people engaged in developing and managing new products - both new manufactured goods and new services."

Retailing

American Association of Franchisees and Dealers
Site contains information about owning a franchise, rights of franchise owners and other materials for those thinking of buying a franchise.

International Franchise Association
Mission "is to enhance and to safeguard the business environment for franchisees and franchisors worldwide."

National Retail Federation
This site from the leading retail trade group is well stocked with information for those interested in traditional retailing and includes a supplier guide, listing of state, retail associations and other information. Is also home to several other trade groups including Shop.org, a trade association for Internet retailers and e-tailers, and Retail Advertising & Marketing Association, a group that focuses on marketing and promotion issues at the retail level.

Sales & Sales Management

Center for Exhibition Industry Research
The main benefit offered by this group is the wide range of fee-based research reports available to both members (cheaper) and non-members covering many industries.

National Association of Sales Professionals
*Relatively new group that is pushing for salesperson certification.

Professional Society for Sales and Marketing Training
A professional association of sales training executives.

Society of Incentive and Travel Executives
Association for those in the incentive industry.

Trade Show Exhibitors Association
Association for "professionals who use exhibits to promote and sell their products". While members get access to special services, there are many free areas including a nice exhibits tips section, career area, buyer's guide and more.

Others

Association of Directory Marketing
This trade groups supports marketers engaged in activities related to revenue producing directories such as yellow pages and online listing services.

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
Association of travel sales and marketing professionals in industries such as hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, car rental agencies, theme parks and attractions.

The Information Technology Industry Council
A society of U.S. providers of information technology products and services.

International Newspaper Marketing Association
An association for the advancement of newspaper marketing activities. Includes a research section that offers case studies and links to international newspapers and to newspaper associations.

Professional Pricing Society
This is a society that provides tips on establishing a pricing strategy. Intended for "both pricing professionals and executives seeking solutions to their pricing challenges."

Society for Marketing Professional Services
While the name sounds like it covers a lot of ground, this trade group appears to limit its coverage to those interested in marketing issues related to architects, engineers and contractors.

Above info from: http://www.knowthis.com/groups/tradelist.htm