VRMA's success and growth is due, in part, to our commitment to the organization's mission, values, and standards of business ethics. While a variety of opportunities are provided for business development to our members, overt solicitation, use of the membership directory for business development or marketing, or sharing of member information with non-members without the prior approval of VRMA is strictly prohibited.
VRMA has developed the following guidelines on member behavior in regards to solicitation:
- There are no list rental opportunities, as we don't make our member information available for purchase; we will distribute sponsored emails on behalf of companies interested in reaching our membership electronically. VRMA has final approval of content in emails, and we will not distribute vendor surveys.
- It is contrary to the purpose for which VRMA was founded for any member or to realize a monetary gain through business transactions, by virtue of their membership.
- Members and guests shall conduct themselves in a professional manner at all VRMA events. Mass solicitation and solicitation during events is prohibited unless authorized in advance by VRMA. This prohibited solicitation includes, but is not limited to, the following:
It is not appropriate to distribute business cards to everyone with whom you come in contact, or to approach another member for the specific purpose of marketing or selling a service/product.
Members and guests are not to leave promotional materials on meeting tables or openly distribute such during events without prior approval from VRMA.
Members and guests are not permitted to record video or audio footage, or to solicit other members and guests to participate in video or audio recording, without VRMA's consent which may be denied or revoked at any time.
Any member whose invited guest engages in unwanted solicitation or obtains names of other members without VRMA's consent for future solicitation for the purpose of realizing a monetary gain is in violation of this policy.
- Members and guests are not to use the names in the membership directory for solicitation.
Newsletters and similar marketing or educational materials should only be sent to members with whom you have established a direct relationship. VRMA does not permit the surveying of members or the distribution of surveys to collect information from members.
- Acceptable solicitation behaviors:
Building relationships, working on committees, and lending your expertise to projects and programs. Through professional support, you can better understand the needs of VRMA members, and through networking, they can understand what you have to offer.
Becoming a VRMA sponsor. Please contact Kevin McDonnell at +1 (202) 367-1259 or kmcdonnell@vrma.org for more information.
Members are encouraged to report violations of VRMA’s non-solicitation policy in writing to vrma@vrma.org. VRMA’s policy is to investigate any complaint fully and, when in doubt, to err on the side of ensuring that its non-solicitation policy is fully adhered to by all of its members. Violation of this policy could result in immediate cancellation of your membership, without refund, and loss of all rights and privileges. Self-Regulation and Code of Ethics from “Antitrust Guide for Association Members” by Arthur Herold