Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 10 October 2018: ASHRAE has announced in a Press communiqué that an agreement has been reached with the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) for the latter to transition to an association management firm.

IAQA became an affiliate of ASHRAE in 2015, the communiqué said. In that relationship, IAQA’s operational base became integrated within ASHRAE’s headquarters operations in Atlanta, Georgia, the communiqué further said. With this change, IAQA will take on a more independent management position and both organisations are committed to continue collaborative programming that benefits all members involved, the communiqué added.

Commenting on the development, Sheila J Hayter, President, ASHRAE, said: “ASHRAE has progressed strongly as a global society and our focus now turns to positioning each organisation for long-term growth and leadership. The best way to accelerate that transformation is by separating our associations to uniquely position both ASHRAE and IAQA to lead their markets, while focusing strongly on the needs of our members.”

During its affiliation, IAQA operated independently within ASHRAE’s organisational structure, maintaining its own brand and Board of Directors, the communiqué said. Both associations viewed the initial partnership as an asset for the growth and development of each organisation’s distinct membership base, the communiqué further said.

Jay M Stake, President, IAQA, said: “This change comes as a necessity to ensure the growth, expansion and financial stability of our membership and association. IAQA will now be managed by AH, an association management company (AMC), with offices in Mount Laurel, N.J. and suburban Washington, D.C.

IAQA will continue to offer corporate and individual memberships, education, conference and resources to indoor air quality professionals, the communiqué said. ASHRAE will continue its longstanding leadership of IAQ sciences and technologies, the communiqué further said. According to ASHRAE, a task force has been established to examine the best path forward for both organisations.