Categories of Membership

The WA offers six membership classifications for companies within the wallcoverings industry.  All categories have members from both the commercial and residential sectors:

• Manufacturer
  Companies that manufacture commercial or residential wallcoverings products.
• Distributor / Converter
  Companies that sell wallcoverings products to retailers, designers, and consumers.
• Associate / Supplier
  Firms engaged in supplying goods and services to the manufacturing and/or distribution segments of the wallcoverings industry.
• Designer
  Companies that create designs for the wallcoverings industry.
• Retailer
  Retail stores that sell wallcovering products directly to consumers.
• Sales Representative / Showrooms
  Independent individuals or groups that sell wallcoverings but are not employees of any single Manufacturer, Distributor or Converter.
• Specialty Manufacturer
  Small companies; most likely a handcrafted or art-house type of production (may focus in digital, hand-painted, etc).

Any person, firm or corporation engaged in the manufacturing or distribution of wallcoverings sold in North America is eligible to apply for membership in the association.  This also includes those persons, firms, and corporations engaged in supplying goods and services to the manufacturing and/or distribution segments of the industry.  Election of any applicant to membership shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Click here to access a membership application. 

How Does WA Deliver Value?

Networking is the most effective means of finding new ideas, solutions to your challenges, best practices and those visionary insights that can transform your firm over time. It keeps you thinking strategically and helps to maintain your competitive edge. WA's objective is to facilitate effective networking amongst our member executives. 

Annual & Fall Meetings - WA holds two annual meetings each February and October.  WA’s new “super one day” meeting format provides members with an opportunity to hear relevant speakers, network with peers / business associates, and work on WA initiatives. 

Regulatory & Environmental Issues – WA has a regulatory consultant who monitors government issues and legislation that affects the industry.  WA also distributes reports from our code consultant who monitors fire code developments (including NFPA, ICC and ASTM).  The Association has also created and is implementing a third-party certified industry standard for wallcoverings products.

Public Relations – WA’s partnership with Anne Martin Marketing Communications has helped to secure over 2 billion impressions on tv and in media publications over the last three years for the wallcoverings industry.  Editors throughout North America request product samples and images from WA members to be used in their publications.   

Discounts are offered to WA members for shipping through YRC North American Transportation (Yellow & Roadway) and for credit card processing through Applied Merchant Systems. 

Education - Members can take advantage of nationally known speakers that present at our events, as well as receive useful business information that is available in the quarterly newsletter.  There are also technical publications available for members.  WA has also created continuing education courses for interior designers to enhance their knowledge of the benefits of wallcoverings products. 

Information and research serves as the basis for effective decision-making by wallcoverings industry executives.  WA provides industry and association updates in the quarterly newsletter and through a statistical report available to only WA member participants.

Click here for a membership application or for further details about membership with the WA, please contact:

Wallcoverings Association
401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312.321.5166
Fax: 312.673.6928