A
trade association, also known as an
industry trade group,
business association or
sector association, is an organization founded and funded by
businesses that operate in a specific
industry. An industry trade association participates in public relations activities such as
advertising,
education,
political donations,
lobbying and
publishing, but its focus is collaboration between companies. Associations may offer other services, such as producing conferences, networking or charitable events or offering classes or educational materials. Many associations are
non-profit organizations governed by
bylaws and directed by officers who are also members.