Why is certification important? Professional certification through the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) indicates that an awning professional has complied with voluntary industry standards for safety, construction and installation. Certification indicates that the work meets the highest standards of quality and that the products are durable, well-built and of exceptional craftsmanship. To learn how to become certified visit PAMA’s Certification Web page and IFAI’s online certification program.

How do I Find a Certified Awning Professional? To find certified awning professionals look for individuals listed as Industrial Fabrics Managers (IFM), Awning Specialty Master Fabric Craftsman (MFC). , Certified Project Planner (CPP).

What role does PAMA play in standard setting? PAMA actively participates on the IFAI Code Committee to ensure that the awning industry has representation at the International Code Council proceedings. PAMA representatives have attended ICC meetings. PAMA’s has also been active with the California Fire Marshal’s Fire Code revisions in an effort to mitigate the effect of revisions on the industry and to keep PAMA members informed of what is happening.

PAMA developed and published the Fabric Awning & Canopy Building Code Reference to serve as a guide for its members. A companion publication, Applying for a Permit Reference Guide outlines the various types of permits and permit requirements and various scenarios PAMA members might encounter depending on the local jurisdiction. The Code Reference is available through the IFAI Bookstore, the Applying for a Permit Reference is available on the Members Only section of the Awning Info.com website.

How does PAMA help me market my company and products? PAMA actively markets its members through a number of marketing communications tools, for example:
- Company listings on the Awning Info.com business locator
- Press and matte releases to targeted audiences
- Providing an exclusive American Institute of Architects (AIA) accredited lunch and learn program
- Facilitating the Awning Specialty Master Fabric Craftsman (MFC) Certification program PAMA members use to differentiate themselves in the marketplace
- Providing residential and commercial marketing brochures and videos for use at trade shows, in show rooms, online and on TV
- Hosting educational workshops and symposiums on sales and marketing techniques
- Coordinating grass roots letters to Congress for inclusion of fabric awnings and canopies in energy and home renovation legislation.
- Using internet and social media to promote fabric awnings and solar shades

PAMA members can gain visibility by having a project featured in the Fabric Architecture magazine ReVision column, or featured in articles about the IFAI International Achievement Awards (IAA). Some PAMA members have been quoted in press releases and in magazine articles as a result of the Awnings Today public relations campaign. PAMA offers a networking platform for its members to share ideas, tips, national collaboration on awning issues and installation assistance.

What educational opportunities are available through IFAI and PAMA? PAMA members can keep up-to-date and learn new techniques by attending awning symposia, workshops and shop tours.

IFAI and PAMA host the Awning Symposium every fall during the IFAI Expo Americas. These symposia focus on strategic topics to help PAMA members grow their companies and remain competitive. IFAI and PAMA also host hands-on demonstrations held on the show floor. Past topics include metal welding of awning frames, fabric welding, fabric graphics, sewing and other awning manufacturing processes.

PAMA offers workshops several times a year in different parts of the United States. While PAMA has workshops held in conjunction with Northeast Canvas Products Association (NECPA), Midwest Fabric Products Association (MWFPA), Canvas Products Association Zone 7, Southwest Industrial Fabrics Association (SWIFA), Western Canvas Products Association (WCPA), and Canvas Products Association Virginia/Carolinas Zone 4. Past topics include Employment Strategies, Metal Fabrication for Fabric Awnings & Canopies, Sales & Marketing, Quality Process Management, Installation, Business Management and Fabric Canopy Design and Installation.

PAMA hosts Awning Shop Tours in conjunction with the IFAI Expo Americas.

How do I get involved in PAMA? PAMA members are encouraged to be active participants in the association’s programming and strategic initiatives. PAMA members who are active participants experience a higher level of satisfaction being a member. There are a number of ways to be involved:
- PAMA members attend symposia, workshops and shop tours. These educational programs have the added benefit of providing networking opportunities.
- PAMA members serve on the board, or as at-large experts on committees and task forces. At-large task force members have contributed to the development of publications such as the Codes Reference, and the development and maintenance of the PAMA website.
- PAMA members can share ideas and respond to the business-related requests of other members through the Ask Your Peers function on the PAMA website, or on PAMA’s LinkedIn group.
- The newly revised Master Fabric Craftsman Certification program depended heavily on the expertise of at-large PAMA members input. PAMA members can serve as judges for the IFAI International Achievement Awards (IAA), or as mentors, judges and test proctors for the MFC Certification program.
- PAMA members have presented at workshops and symposium, or offered their shop as a destination for the awning shop tour
- PAMA members have assisted at major trade shows such as the American Institute of Architects national convention
- PAMA members have provided comments, expertise and photos for educational programs, articles for magazines, and the website.

If any of these programs or initiatives interest you contact a Board Member or PAMA’s Managing director, Michelle Sahlin, awndiv@ifai.com

What are the initiatives of PAMA’s committees?

EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Identifies the needs of the industry and the community at large and direct the preparation, development and implementation of educational programs

Education Task Forces:
● Architects, City Official Education -- Develops program material that demonstrates to architects and city officials that using awnings is beneficial.
● Awning Tour -- Provide continuing experiential education for the awning professional
● Codes -- Analyzes awning code issues, works to change code issues that effect the awning industry
● Energy -- Creates Awning energy information that can be utilized on a national and local level
● Marketing Plan (Both Marketing and Education)--Updates PAMA’s two year marketing/business plan
● Specifier’s Guide -- Reviews, revises and publishes on an annual basis the Awning and Canopy Fabric Specifiers Guide
● Workshops-- Provides excellent experiential learning opportunities for the awning professional

MARKETING COMMITTEE
Markets the association to its membership, potential association members and the community at large through promotions, trade shows, web sites. E-newsletters, publications, seminars and other vehicles.

Marketing Task Forces:
● Brochures -- Creates and offers effective, affordable brochures that benefit and provide information to PAMA members
● Publications/Newsletter-- Illustrates that PAMA is the recognized leader for information and programs for the awning industry. Provides industry and association news to PAMA members.
● Trade Shows --Promotes the awning industry to trade show attendees who may have an interest in purchasing awnings. Promotes PAMA membership to potential members.
● Web Site --Positions PAMA as the first source of awning information. Provides information on membership, membership activities. Educates the residential and commercial markets about awnings and awning benefits. Features tools such as the Fabric Specifier’s Guide, design gallery, videos, links to other websites and articles, member directory and store locator, and answers to commonly asked questions.

IFAI PROGRAMS WITH PAMA REPRESENTATION
● Certification – Implements and maintains the Awning Specialty Master Fabric Craftsman (MFC) program of IFAI’s Certification Program
● Codes -- Represents PAMA on the IFAI Code committee, keeps PAMA members abreast of new code information, provides a report for PAMA’s Board of Directors Meetings.
● IFAI Expo Americas Awning Symposium -- Provides expertise and presenter recommendations to IFAI’s Conference Management Department to develop and implement a high quality awning symposium at the annual IFAI Expo Americas and provides a report at PAMA’s Board of Directors Meetings.

How do I join a task force or committee? Contact a Board Member or PAMA’s Managing director, Michelle Sahlin, awndiv@ifai.com

I have a great idea for PAMA, who do I contact? Contact a Board Member or PAMA’s Managing director, Michelle Sahlin, awndiv@ifai.com

What is IFAI? How is that different than PAMA? Why do I need both memberships? The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a business trade association promoting the products and innovations of the specialty fabrics industry since 1912, and is comprised of 1,900 member companies in 54 countries. Visit ifai.com for more information.

PAMA is a division of IFAI. While IFAI represents multiple types of businesses in the specialty fabrics industry, PAMA focuses its support and representation to the fabric awning and canopy industry.

PAMA depends on IFAI for a number of benefits and services such as professional staff, the IFAI Expo Americas trade show and convention, market research, sourcing, business services, publications such as the Specialty Fabrics Review and Fabric Architecture, membership recruitment and collaboration with other divisions and country sectors. Because IFAI provides this high level of support, PAMA can focus its efforts on programs and services specifically for the awning industry.