The information below covers what is specifically required of the Board of Directors in the ILDA Bylaws. It also includes Association policy when it comes to the responsibilities and commitment of Board Members.

While some of the duties below sound like hard work (and sometimes there is hard work), Board service is also very rewarding. You'll broaden your horizons by interacting with a variety of companies and people. You'll be able to shape important issues within ILDA and the laser display industry -- one person can make a difference! And you'll have a better feel for the laser show business, which will spill over into your own day-to-day business.

In its first 20 years, ILDA has had 25 directors. (They are all listed on the timeline on the Board webpage.) Check out the material below, and consider joining this list of industry leaders!

The ILDA Executive Director and Board, at the membership meeting held during the 2006 Conference in Rimini, Italy. L-R, Patrick Murphy (Executive Director), Peter Mayer, Dirk Baur (President), William R. Benner, Jr., Craig Nelson. (Photo courtesy L. Michael Roberts)

ILDA Bylaws (excerpt)

Members who accept the responsibility to serve as members of the Board of Directors must not abuse their power by taking advantage of privileged information.

The members of the Board of Directors and the Officers of the Corporation shall serve without compensation.

The members of the Board of Directors and the Officers of the Corporation shall be indemnified against any claims arising from the ordinary conduct of the business of the Corporation as set forth in these Bylaws, or from or in connection with any of its membership. [E.g., ILDA carries directors' insurance]

There shall be three (3) regular meetings of the Board of Directors. The first meeting will be held immediately following the first day of the Annual Conference. The second regular meeting shall be held at anytime between the first and third meeting. The third meeting shall be held immediately preceding the Annual Conference. [In practice, the Board meets approximately once per month by telephone conference call. The call lasts roughly an hour.]

The term of office shall be for two (2) years and shall be overlapping among Directors, with one-half (1/2) the number of Directors being elected at each Annual Conference. Each Director shall hold office until the expiration of the term of which (s)he was elected, and until his/her successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his/her prior resignation or removal as hereinafter provided.


Association Policy

Overview

The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring the Association’s long-term financial stability while fulfilling the association’s strategic mission.

Responsibilities

• Support ILDA’s mission.
• Read and understand the financial statements and otherwise assist the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility.
• Attend board meetings and actively participate in decision-making through conference calls, attending the annual conference, and promptly responding to emails and phone calls regarding important board issues.
• Share your area of expertise with the board and staff.
• Be an advocate for the organization; promote it in ways appropriate to your profession and contacts
• Maintain your membership, and in addition to membership, assist ILDA in developing new sources of income and soliciting new members.
• Participate in regular assessments to improve board performance.
• Participate in strategic planning activities.
• Prioritize and monitor programs and services.
• Select the executive director and review his/her performance.
• Partner with the executive director to accomplish the mission.
• Serve on at least one committee or task force each year.
• Work to develop new leadership and recommend potential board members to the board development committee
• Avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest
• Participate in the organization’s conferences and meetings.

For more information about possibly serving on the Board, contact a Board member or the Executive Director. For information about how to place your name in nomination, and how Members vote for Board candidates, click here.