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Join the IBDEA
IBDEA is a 50-year-old trade association made up of beverage dispensing experts. Our specialties are networking and education. We hold an annual spring conference that includes a product fair and networking events around industry trade shows (such as the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago). Educational opportunities include a comprehensive carbonation school, refrigeration/electricity school, and basic and advanced draught beverage schools. We have an online membership directory and Knowledge Center that contains Safety and Compliance documents on our website. Additionally, we send out a monthly newsletter.
Associate vs. Regular Membership — What’s the Difference?
At IBDEA, our membership consists of two categories: regular and associate members. These member categories both gain access to an array of exclusive opportunities such as the IBDEA membership directory, annual conventions, virtual open forums, educational opportunities and workshops, digital advertising opportunities, in-app networking, beverage consulting resources, member coupons/discounted services, and many other valuable benefits. (Visit the IBDEA benefits section of our web page here: IBDEA Member Benefits for more detail).
However, before joining the association, it is important to recognize which membership category is right for you as it further determines the best resources and benefits for your business and/or individual needs.
Below, we highlight the key differences between these membership categories to better aid our partners in choosing the right membership.
IBDEA Associate Members are defined as any individual, partnership, association, or business engaged in beverage equipment manufacturing, industry supply, and/or selling their products to our regular members. These equipment manufacturers provide their offerings for use in restaurant and beverage applications. These members look to regular members to carry their equipment/products for distribution or as an additional service provider.
IBDEA Regular Members are defined as any individual, partnership, or business that goes into bars, breweries, restaurants, and other establishments that sell and service beverage equipment and provide beverage products, CO2, and other beverage gases. These companies are fundamental and commonly engaged in the distribution of gases and/or the sale, rental, or leasing of beverage dispensing equipment. These members look to associate members to sell their equipment, services, or product offerings through distribution channels.
*Servicing beverage dispensing equipment is a pre-requisite for qualification as a regular member*