The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) has announced an update of membership categories to better reflect current outdoor media.

Membership in POMA affords a wide range of benefits. From exclusive networking opportunities, to membership directories, to high-level business education, POMA services are primarily focused on helping members build and grow their businesses and keep pace with new media and technology.

“POMA has simplified our membership categories to better serve our media members,” said POMA President Kevin Reese. “As outdoor media has evolved, including social media and gig work, it’s important that we reevaluate our criteria and categories to stay current and inclusive across a broader spectrum of communication platforms.”

Updated Media Membership categories include:

• Voting Media: A Voting Member shall be one who is compensated (goods, monetary, etc.) to produce, distribute, and/or edit outdoor information regularly to the public through books, electronic media (including podcasts, social media, website content director, artist, or designer), magazines, newspapers, photography (including film, video, or still), or other suitable media.
• Associate Media: If a person does not qualify to be a Voting Member, they can still apply to be an Associate Media Member if they demonstrate a strong interest in outdoor communications and have the potential for becoming a Voting Member. Renewing Associates may also apply for full Voting Media Membership provided they have met the qualifications.
• Retired Media: Former Voting Media members who worked within the outdoor industry as communicators and have retired.
• Student: Student members are 18 - 25 years of age who are interested in pursuing professional development in content creation with a focus compatible with POMA’s Mission Statement. Students ages 16 - 17 can apply with written permission from a parent or guardian.

POMA also offers Corporate Partner memberships. A Corporate Partner is a company, organization, tourism agency, advertising or public relations agency, or relevant government agency such as natural resource agencies that have an interest in the outdoors and support the goals, philosophies and programs of POMA.

Those interested in learning more about POMA, or to apply for membership, are encouraged to visit www.ProfessionalOutdoorMedia.org.

About Professional Outdoor Media Association

The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) is a member-based organization that fosters excellence in communications at all levels. Its goal is to help members build their businesses, connect media and industry, promote fair and honest communication of traditional outdoor sports and conservation stories and mentor the next generation of traditional outdoor sports communicators.

Media Contact:

Stephanie Spika Hickey, POMA Communications Specialist

Stephanie@ProfessionalOutdoorMedia.org