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It’s tough sailing for industry associations. Tight times alwaysforce some re-assignment of precious corporate capital, a directthreat to conference attendance and even membership, and given theseverity of this slump it certainly is no different now. But thechallenges extend far beyond the choice of which associations tokeep and which to shuck. The very industry these groups representis in the midst of a major redefinition, with changing tenant/ownerrelationships, a dearth of deals in most markets and a hugequestion mark hanging over the timing of a transaction-renewingrecovery.

The leadership of the Washington, DC-based Society of Industrialand Office Realtors isn’t passive in its position on thesechallenges. In fact, the group, 3,000-plus-members strong,has mounted a multi-tiered strategy to keep its roster ofprofessionals engaged; to offer content in its semi-annual worldconferences, webinars and market reports that is pertinent to thestruggles they are facing; and to grow its base of members. Yet,despite troubling times, SIOR holds firm to the strict applicationsprocess incoming members must face, never, as one of its leadersputs it, “sacrificing quality for quantity.”