International Association of Plastics Distribution

What International Association of Plastics Distribution does

IAPD (International Association of Plastics Distribution) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1956 and headquartered at 6734 West 121st Street in Overland Park, Kansas. It serves the performance plastics distribution industry by convening distributors, fabricators, manufacturers, and suppliers of plastic materials and products. The association operates under three stated strategic pillars — Grow (industry advocacy), Learn (workforce capability development), and Distribute (positioning the distribution channel as the path of choice). It is run by a 5-person professional staff led by CEO Susan E. Avery, CAE, with a small back-office covering membership, marketing, meetings, and program management.

The core product surface is a platform-plus-services model. IAPD University, hosted on the TopClass learning management system, delivers certificate programs (Performance Plastics Level I/II, Excellence in Sales Level I/II across inside and outside tracks, and TopClass Certification), technical resources (Introduction to Performance Plastics manual, Material Property Tables, Thermoplastics Rectangle), and the Top 26 Markets informational sheets covering verticals from aerospace to water/waste water. In 2026, IAPD launched IAPD GPT, a member-only AI-powered sales research assistant that performs knowledge retrieval against the association's domain corpus. The association also publishes a bi-monthly Performance Plastics Magazine, runs an ongoing webinar series, and operates the iapd.org website with integrated e-commerce and a member portal. The flagship annual event is the IAPD Annual Convention, which includes the connecX Trade Show and is staged at venues such as the 2026 location at The Starling Atlanta Midtown.

The business model combines recurring membership dues from member companies, one-time fees for certificate exams and training materials, convention registration and sponsorship revenue (tiers range from $99 distributor/fabricator one-day passes to $1,899 nonmember full delegate registration, with sponsorships from $800 newsletter placements to $8,000 wine sponsorships), and supplemental donations and scholarship contributions. GTM is event-driven and inside-sales-led: staff drive membership acquisition and renewals, and the annual convention and connecX trade show serve as the principal moments of member engagement and revenue capture.

Name

International Association of Plastics Distribution

Legal name

International Association of Plastics Distribution

Website

https://iapd.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

IAPD is a 70-year-old nonprofit trade association serving the performance plastics distribution industry, providing certificate training, technical resources, an AI sales assistant, a bi-monthly magazine, and an annual convention with the connecX Trade Show.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Overland Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees for companies in the performance plastics distribution industry including distributors, fabricators, and manufacturers.
2. Training and Certification Programs: Revenue from certificate programs including Performance Plastics Level I ($129 member), Level II, Excellence in Sales courses ($129 member), and TopClass Certification ($249). Training materials such as Introduction to Performance Plastics manual also sold.
3. Annual Convention and Events: Registration fees for the Annual Convention ranging from $99 (distributor/fabricator member one-day) to $1,899 (nonmember full delegate), plus sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor booth fees, supplier meeting room rentals, and trade show passes.
4. Publications and Digital Content: Performance Plastics Magazine, digital e-newsletter sponsorship ($800), and archived articles covering industry topics.
5. Donations and Scholarships: General fund donations and scholarship fund contributions from members and supporters.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

IAPD is a 501(c)(6) trade association that sells annual memberships to companies in the performance plastics distribution channel and monetizes those members through paid certificate programs (Performance Plastics Level I/II, Excellence in Sales Level I Inside and Outside, Level II, TopClass), paid training manuals, the annual IAPD Convention and connecX Trade Show, sponsorships, advertising, and donations. Members also receive access to exclusive industry intelligence such as Top 26 Markets informational sheets, Material Property Tables, and the proprietary IAPD GPT AI sales research assistant.

Product overview

IAPD (International Association of Plastics Distribution) is a professional association for the performance plastics industry that operates as a platform-plus-services model. The core offerings include IAPD University for training and education, featuring multiple certificate programs (Performance Plastics Level I and II, Excellence in Sales Level I and II), technical resources (Material Property Tables, Thermoplastics Rectangle), and informational resources (Top 26 Markets for Plastics). The association also provides an AI-powered tool called IAPD GPT for sales research. Additional services include Performance Plastics Magazine (bimonthly publication), webinars, and the annual IAPD Convention with the connecX Trade Show. IAPD also offers sponsorship and advertising opportunities through its store.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Performance Plastics Level I Certificate Program Entry-level certificate exam based on broad understanding of performance plastics industry, covering materials, properties, fillers and enhancements. Open-book exam with a 60-day completion window and 85% passing score required. Member price $129; non-member $299; bundle with Introduction to Performance Plastics manual $164 (member). Designed for sales professionals, technicians, and managers entering or working in the performance plastics distribution channel.
• Performance Plastics Level II Certificate Program Advanced certificate program that builds on Level I by applying knowledge to applications from various performance plastics markets, testing technical knowledge, research skills, and business acumen. Open-book exam with 60-day completion window and 85% passing score required; special pricing for 3+ applicants. Requires Level I completion and is targeted at experienced performance plastics professionals.
• Excellence in Sales Level I: Inside Sales Certificate Program Certificate program covering The Customer, The Call, and Negotiating, preparing inside sales representatives to handle daily calls, qualify prospects, determine customer value, and apply company assets effectively. Includes study guide/course material; 60-day completion window; 85% passing score (68/80). Member price $129; non-member $179.
• Excellence in Sales Level I: Outside Sales Certificate Program Certificate program covering Territory Management and Value Selling, preparing outside sales representatives to prospect for new business, qualify potential customers, and create value-based sales plans. IAPD member price $129 with special pricing for bundles of 3+ applicants.
• Excellence in Sales Level II Certificate Program Intermediate certificate program addressing seven industry-based scenarios: Prospecting, Developing New Accounts, Combatting Competitive Efforts, Restoring Account Confidence, Solving Process Problems, Winning New Business, and Solving Product Problems. IAPD member price $129; designed for experienced sales professionals in the performance plastics industry.
• TopClass Certification Standalone certification offering under the TopClass banner, priced at $249, distinct from the Performance Plastics Level I/II and Excellence in Sales Level I/II programs, targeted at performance plastics professionals seeking additional credentialing.
• Introduction to Performance Plastics Manual Comprehensive training manual focused on broad understanding of the performance plastics industry, covering materials, properties, fillers, enhancements, and sustainability. The latest edition features color-coded material-related resources and reorganized chapters. Priced at $75 (a 69% discount from the $245 regular price) and available in a bundle with the Level I exam for $164 (saving 20%). Targeted at industry newcomers and training programs at distributor and fabrication firms.
• IAPD Annual Convention Annual flagship event for the performance plastics industry held in Atlanta in 2026 at The Starling Atlanta Midtown, featuring business development, industry-focused education, keynote sessions, networking, committee meetings, and the connecX Trade Show. Registration tiers range from $99 (distributor/fabricator member one-day) to $1,899 (nonmember full delegate), with member and hotel-block discounts available. Includes sponsorship and exhibitor booth sales.

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered platinum, minor and core.

• MCGplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Anniversary Celebration Sponsor for the 2026 IAPD Annual Convention in Atlanta. MCG provides sponsorship support for IAPD's 70th anniversary celebration event.
• Jarrett PlasticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel Key Card Sponsor for the 2026 IAPD Annual Convention.
• Asahi AmericacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDual sponsorship role: connecX Lunch Sponsor and Networking Breakfast and Lunch Sponsor for the 2026 IAPD Annual Convention. Significant presence at the industry's premiere event.
• Gallina USAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConvention Recognition Sponsor for the 2026 IAPD Annual Convention.
• ITR Economics (Alan Beaulieu)minorOthersITR Economics economist Alan Beaulieu serves as a keynote speaker at IAPD conventions, providing economic forecasting and business strategy insights for the performance plastics industry.
• George Southard, CPMR, G S SalesminorOthersPresenter of IAPD webinar on Food and Beverage Processing applications, contributing industry expertise on one of IAPD's Top 26 Markets.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Industrial Distribution Association (IDA): IDA serves industrial distributors and manufacturers across multiple categories with conferences, training, and research. It is comparable to IAPD as a peer trade body that supports distribution channel professionals, with similar GTM motions including annual events and certification programs.
• Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE): SPE is a global professional society for plastics engineers, scientists, and industry professionals. It is comparable to IAPD as a peer organization in the plastics space, with overlapping membership from industry professionals, though SPE emphasizes technical/engineering expertise rather than the distribution channel.
• American Chemistry Council (ACC): ACC represents US chemical companies, including plastics producers. It is comparable to IAPD as an industry association serving plastics supply chain stakeholders with advocacy, research, and industry intelligence, though ACC operates at the chemicals/manufacturing level rather than the distribution channel.
• Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS): PLASTICS is the broader US trade association for the entire plastics industry supply chain, including manufacturers, processors, and distributors. It is broadly comparable to IAPD as a trade association serving adjacent segments of the plastics value chain, though it covers a wider scope than IAPD's performance plastics distribution focus.
• National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED): NAED is a leading trade association for electrical distributors, providing training, certification, and an annual convention. It is a comparable peer to IAPD given its similar association business model focused on a specific distribution channel, with overlapping GTM motions (events, certificates, member benefits).
• National Association of Distributors (NAD): NAD is a US trade association for the distribution industry across multiple verticals. It is comparable to IAPD as a distribution-focused association offering similar member services, training, and networking, though it operates across a broader distribution base rather than performance plastics specifically.

Regional players

• Plastics Recyclers Europe: PRE represents plastics recyclers in Europe and is a regional industry association. It is comparable to IAPD as a peer trade body in the plastics ecosystem, though it operates in a different geography and focuses on recycling rather than distribution.
• Association of Plastics Manufacturers (PlasticsEurope): PlasticsEurope represents plastics material producers in Europe with advocacy and industry research. It is comparable to IAPD as a regional industry association serving the plastics value chain, with similar advocacy and industry intelligence functions but a different geographic and segment focus.

Direct peers

• European Plastics Distribution Association (EPDA): EPDA is the European counterpart focused on plastics distribution, with overlapping membership tiers (IAPD convention offers EPDA Member pricing). It is the most direct functional peer, operating in a different geography but serving the same plastics distribution channel with similar member services and events.

Emerging players

• SPE Foundation: The SPE Foundation is the educational and scholarship arm of the Society of Plastics Engineers. It is comparable to IAPD's scholarship and training activities, particularly the IAPD University and scholarship fund, though it focuses more on engineering education than the distribution channel.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IAPD1956
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TheIAPDTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-association-of-plastics-distribution

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Association of Plastics Distribution