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  Frequently asked questions
  about ILDA's proposed Gold-Silver-Bronze
  member recognition program

 

For a detailed discussion of the Gold-Silver-Bronze program, click here. Below are listed specific questions and answers about the GSB program.
 

Q: Will there be an even higher level, for the largest companies in the industry?

A: There are no current plans for a higher level above Gold. But if  large companies are still reluctant to join, there may need to be an additional level -- "Platinum" for example. This level would require even higher dues and would have even more stringent requirements. (One major laser company (a non-ILDA member) has suggested dues so high that an inspector could be hired to randomly check shows for safety, performance quality and other criteria.)

The Board would wait to see how the Gold-Silver-Bronze system works, before actively considering a higher level.

Q: Will dues go up?

A: There are no current plans to raise dues. However, this is always a possibility. One reason is that ILDA's dues structure has been the same for 20 years, without any adjustments for inflation.

To account for inflation, ILDA's top billings requirement of US $1,000,000, originally set in 1986, would need to be raised to $1,713,000 in 2006 dollars. And the $1000 in Corporate dues at the top level in 1986 only buys $583 worth of goods today. So there is the possibility of raising the billing revenue levels (tiers) and correspondingly raising dues. (Of course, this would be debated by the Board before making any decision.)

But even before raising dues, ILDA must ensure that it is delivering value to its members. While there are some great benefits such as the ILDA Awards program, the annual Conference, ILDA-member discounts, and insurance, the Association wants to do more. One significant step on this path to add membership value is the Gold-Silver-Bronze program.

Q: How many members does ILDA have now in each category?

A: ILDA currently has:

  • 4 Gold Level members (US $1,000,000 or more in annual billings)
  • 10 Silver Level members ($250,000 to $999,999)
  • 79 Bronze Level members (below $250,000)

(We expect to have more, but these are the members paid up as of March 15 2006.)

We believe that some members have understated their billings, to get a lower member rate. IILDA's estimate is that after the GSB system goes in place, members will want to be in higher levels, and we could expect to see:

  • 8 Gold Level members
  • 15 Silver Level members
  • 70 Bronze Level members

This would result in a net increase of US $3250 in dues -- more than 10% -- simply by encouraging more accurate reporting.

Q: When a member claims they have $1,000,000 (or whatever) in annual billings, who checks this?

A: The annual billings are self-reported. ILDA does not check or certify that this figure is correct. We must trust in our members.

(Note that if a member feels another member is misrepresenting their billings, they can file a complaint with ILDA's Ethics Committee. As part of its procedures, the Ethics Committee could ask for financial statements, tax returns or other supporting documents. These would be kept confidential, of course.)

Q: How are ILDA Awards counted?

A: The exact procedures have not been set. Probably, all ILDA Awards will be counted as equal, whether first place or honorable mention, and whether artistic or technical. The ATW "Product of the Year" awards would also be included in the count.

Awards should be credited to the company(ies) that submitted the award, not to an individual. For example, if artist Bob at Company B helped win four awards, and he is hired by Company C, Bob's awards would not move to Company C.

Q: How are years of ILDA membership counted?

A: ILDA adds up all years that a company pays dues to ILDA in the Corporate or Affiliate category.

There was some discussion about having this be consecutive years of membership. This is ideal for ILDA since it encourages members to continue their membership. But ultimately members need flexibility. A founding member of ILDA who misses a renewal should not be penalized and start at zero,  just because they were out for a year.

Q: Currently, there are three Corporate levels and two Affiliate levels. Will Affiliate levels be added?

A: Yes. A new Affiliate level will be added. This will make the Corporate and Affiliate billings requirements and dues payments be identical.

The only difference between the two categories is that Corporate members produce laser displays, and Affiliate members do not (they are suppliers or other non-display companies with an interest in laser shows).

Q: Can a member who does laser shows and sells equipment be listed in both the Corporate and Affiliate categories?

A: Yes. There would be an additional fee, such as paying half-price for the second listing. The exact fee has not yet been set.