The Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals

What The Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals does

The Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals (AIMP) is a nonprofit professional association founded in February 2018 by David Bruce, a 43-year meeting industry veteran and owner of CMP Meeting Services. Headquartered in Granbury, Texas, AIMP operates with 1-10 staff and a 13-member Board of Advisors comprising senior hospitality and meeting planning executives. Its core function is to advocate for independent meeting planners and connect them with hospitality suppliers (hoteliers, CVBs, AV companies, DMCs) across the US and Canada.

AIMP's business model is a tiered annual membership subscription: independent/corporate/association planners and association executive directors pay $249/year, while hoteliers, CVBs, AV companies, DMCs, and agencies pay $499/year, each with a one-time $50 processing fee and May 1st annual renewal. Revenue is generated almost entirely from membership dues, supplemented indirectly by the affiliated AIMP Foundation (a separate non-profit charity that channels a portion of dues into an emergency-assistance escrow for member planners). Beyond dues, AIMP monetizes through strategic partnerships that deliver member-exclusive discounts (Avis/Budget, Carey's transportation, PMSI PROMOS, Print Place, Knight Wi-Fi), a SALA Healthcare Program, and an RFP/sourcing directory partnership with ConventionPlanit.com.

AIMP's go-to-market is sales-led and direct-to-consumer: membership is acquired through the organization's website (independentmeetingprofessionals.com), supplemented by email marketing, LinkedIn presence, and presence at industry trade shows (notably Connect Marketplace). The platform operates with minimal proprietary technology, relying instead on a portfolio of third-party partner integrations (HopSkip for hotel sourcing, Stayker for booking, Trippus for event management) to deliver member value. Geographic reach is North American (US and Canada), and the organization has no subsidiaries, no outside funding, and no disclosed revenue figures.

Name

The Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals

Legal name

Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals

Website

https://independentmeetingprofessionals.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals (AIMP) is a nonprofit professional association founded in 2018 that provides tiered annual memberships ($249 planners, $499 suppliers) connecting independent meeting planners with hospitality suppliers across the US and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Granbury

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, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues - Planner Tier: Annual membership dues for independent planners, corporate/association planners, and association executive directors at $249/year with a one-time $50 processing charge. Revenue is recurring on annual basis with renewal due May 1st each year.
2. Membership Dues - Supplier Tier: Annual membership dues for hoteliers, CVBs, AV companies, DMCs, and agencies at $499/year with a one-time $50 processing charge. Higher revenue tier for supplier organizations that benefit from networking with planners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

AIMP is a membership-based professional association serving independent meeting planners, corporate/association planners, and hospitality suppliers (hoteliers, CVBs, AV companies, DMCs). It sells tiered annual memberships ($249 for planners, $499 for suppliers) that deliver advocacy representation, networking between planners and suppliers, educational resources, exclusive partner discounts, and access to a charitable foundation for member emergencies.

Product overview

The Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals (AIMP) operates as a professional association offering a membership-based platform with multiple tier levels. The core offering consists of annual membership programs organized by user type: Independent Planners, Corporate and Association Planners, Association Executive Directors (all $249/year), and Hoteliers/CVBs/AV Companies/DMCs and Agencies (both $499/year). These memberships provide access to a network connecting planners with supplier organizations, advocacy representation, educational resources, and member benefits. The organization supplements its core membership with add-on services including a member benefits program (offering exclusive discounts on travel, transportation, A/V, printing, WiFi, and event tools from partners like Carey's, Trippus, and Knight Wi-Fi), the SALA Healthcare Program for insurance alternatives, RFP Valet/ConventionPlanit.com partnership for destination and vendor sourcing, professional services directory (legal, accounting, risk consulting), and a charitable foundation providing emergency financial assistance to members. AIMP also provides resource content including COVID-19 re-opening guidelines and virtual event platform comparisons.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AIMP Annual Membership (Planner Tier) Annual membership for independent meeting planners, corporate and association planners, and association executive directors. Provides access to the AIMP planner network, supplier partnerships, advocacy representation, educational resources, member benefits, and the SALA Healthcare Program. Priced at $249 annually with a one-time $50 processing fee and annual renewal due May 1st.
• AIMP Annual Membership (Supplier Tier) Annual membership for hoteliers, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), AV companies, destination management companies (DMCs), and other agencies. Provides direct access to AIMP's independent planner network, business development opportunities, and exclusive partner discounts. Priced at $499 annually with a one-time $50 processing fee and annual renewal due May 1st.
• Member Benefits Program Portfolio of exclusive partner discounts and services bundled with AIMP membership, including Avis/Budget car rental rates, Carey's ground transportation commissions, Crystal Audio Visual equipment rental discounts, PMSI PROMOS 5% commission on promotional products, Print Place printing discounts (6-10%), Knight Wi-Fi savings up to 50% with up to 25% commission, and Trippus event management tool commissions.
• SALA Healthcare Program Exclusive healthcare alternatives offered to AIMP members through the Small Association Leadership Alliance (SALA), providing customized, comprehensive, and affordable insurance options. Funded in part by membership dues. Not currently available in VT, WA, AK, NY, and IL.
• Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals Foundation Non-profit charity organization providing loans and emergency financial assistance to member planners facing hardship or crisis situations that impede their ability to focus on business. A portion of all membership dues is placed in an escrow account to fund member-emergency distributions.

Named customers20 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SALA Healthcare Program (Small Association Leadership Alliance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSALA Healthcare Program provides healthcare alternatives for AIMP members through the Small Association Leadership Alliance. This creative program offers proven insurance alternatives including customized, comprehensive, and affordable healthcare options. A portion of membership dues funds this benefit. Currently unavailable in VT, WA, AK, NY, and IL.
• Avis/BudgetcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAIMP members receive one of the best rates Avis/Budget offers anywhere. Links are available through the member portal that pre-populate correct rates for member or client use. This is an exclusive discount program for members.
• Carey's Meetings & Event ServicescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCarey's provides expert ground transportation logistics for meetings and events. AIMP members receive exclusive competitive commission on all non-discounted base rates. Carey's manages complex logistics with access to 15,000+ executive and luxury vehicles in 1,000+ cities worldwide, orchestrating 5,000+ meetings and events annually.
• Crystal Audio VisualminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCrystal Audio Visual offers discounts on rental equipment to all AIMP members.
• HopSkipcoreTechnology or IntegrationHopSkip is a technology company focused on empowering independent meeting planners to save time and money when sourcing events. The platform strengthens relationships between planners and hotels by connecting them with preferred supplier partners without replacing existing relationships.
• Meeting Production ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMeeting Production Services provides custom technical meeting support solutions with over 50 years combined experience. Services include room diagrams, custom set designs, A/V production, site visit assistance, speaker ready services, app development, internet solutions, and exhibit support.
• PMSI PROMOSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPMSI PROMOS offers commission to all AIMP members and their clients - 5% commission on all orders placed with registered coupon code. Commission based on product only, excludes screen charges, setup fees, rush charges, or freight.
• Print PlaceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrint Place is an excellent printing company that ships materials to shows or offices. AIMP currently uses this vendor and members receive 6% savings currently, growing to 10% as membership uses the offer.
• ConventionPlanit.comcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConventionPlanit.com is a popular online search directory and RFP portal for the meetings industry. They formed a strategic partnership with AIMP for mutually beneficial exposure. The site provides efficient registration-free online search directory and RFP Portal. RFP Valet combines personalized assistance with comparative quotes tool.
• ThumbtackminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAIMP members automatically receive opportunities through the Thumbtack association. Completed booking fees are paid by the association for members. Supplier members also receive leads when requests pertain to their business.
• Knight Wi-FiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKnight Wi-Fi offers alternatives to overpriced in-house internet/WiFi with savings up to 50%. Provides commission up to 25% on all orders for creating WiFi sponsorship for clients.
• KPG CreativeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKPG Creative is a full-service video and event production company that takes production burden off planners. They minimize A/V risks, maximize audience impact, and deliver solid ROI.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Destination International (formerly DMAI): Association for destination marketing organizations (CVBs/DMOs), which are key supplier-side members of AIMP. Comparable as a peer professional association in the meetings ecosystem, though focused on the supplier/DMO side rather than planners.
• Site (Society of Incentive & Travel Executives): Global association for the incentive travel and motivational events industry. Comparable to AIMP in serving a specialized meetings/events professional community with networking, education, and advocacy.
• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA): Global community for business events strategists with membership, education, and industry advocacy. Overlaps with AIMP in serving meeting planners and offers a similar professional association model with deeper resources and broader geographic reach.
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI): The largest global association for meeting and event professionals, offering membership, education, and certification. Directly comparable to AIMP as a professional association serving the meeting planner community, though MPI serves a broader membership base and is far larger.
• International Live Events Association (ILEA): Association for live events professionals serving event planners, producers, and designers. Comparable to AIMP in offering membership, networking, and education for event professionals, with broader scope covering live events beyond meetings.
• International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE): Association for the exhibitions and events industry with membership, certification (CEM), and advocacy. Adjacent to AIMP as a peer professional association in the meetings/events ecosystem serving a different but overlapping professional segment.

Broad incumbents

• ASAE (American Society of Association Executives): Leading association for association management professionals, with broad membership across industries. Includes meeting-planning-adjacent membership and serves as a broader incumbent in the membership-organization space relevant to AIMP's model.
• Events Industry Council (EIC): Federation of over 30 event-industry organizations that sets standards and certifications (CMP, CEM). Operates as a broad incumbent in the events/meetings industry with standards-setting authority that AIMP members are subject to.
• GBTA (Global Business Travel Association): The world's largest business travel association serving corporate travel managers and buyers. Relevant peer to AIMP in the broader meetings/business travel ecosystem, with substantially larger scale and corporate-buying-side membership.

Emerging players

• CCRA (Corporate Commission on Travel and Meetings): Network focused on hotel commission payments for travel agencies and meeting planners, with technology supporting commission tracking. A relevant peer given AIMP's stated focus on commission-structure issues for independent meeting planners.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-alliance-of-independent-meeting-professionals

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 The Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals