Join the best regional magazines in the world

A regional magazine is the authentic and authoritative voice defining its region, both for residents and visitors. It’s not just a travel guide, not just a shopping or dining guide, not just regional news, but the most trustworthy, respected authority on the region’s best qualities and values, its history, culture, scenery, and people.

IRMA’s mission is to strengthen the industry by connecting members through their passion for publishing and their communities.

Membership Benefits

The annual conference, featuring sessions with industry experts, round-table discussions and seminars on editorial and business topics, digital publishing, advertising, circulation, design, social media and more.

The IRMA magazine exchange, complimentary subscriptions to all member magazines and a great source of ideas.

Prestigious annual awards in more than 40 categories, awarded by a panel of professional writing and design judges.

The eSignature, IRMA’s e-newsletter, a forum for questions and answers among members.

Networking at the annual conference and year-round, with colleagues and friends at other magazines.

Tips and best practices: IRMA fosters a spirit of sharing among members in similar businesses but different markets. Our bylaws state that a primary purpose of the association is “to act as a channel of communication and to encourage the free flow of information among regional magazines.”

IRMA supports and highlights the value of regional publishing and brings members together to navigate a challenging time for publishers and communities. IRMA offers its members networking, inspiration and celebration to meet their publishing goals.

Got a publishing problem or a question? Post it to the IRMA group on Facebook or Slack. These closed groups are available to members and sponsors only.

The IRMA Connection is an informal, monthly conference call that promotes conversations among members. Past topics have included customer engagement, e-commerce strategies, subscriber growth, and more.

General Qualifications

Proposed members must:

1. Deliver edited content about a specific city, state, or region, while supporting the purposes of the association; and
2. Have published consecutively for two years as an annual or more frequent schedule under the same title.

Membership Levels

Active Member: A regional magazine as defined by the IRMA qualifications. Note: If an entity publishes more than one magazine, each publication will require a separate membership. On approval, additional regional titles qualify for a reduced membership fee and are eligible to enter the awards program.

Provisional Member: A prospective active member who is expected to meet membership requirement within a two-year period. Provisional members may attend the conference but may not enter the awards.

Honorary Member: Any individual whose aid in carrying out the purposes of the association, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, makes him or her deserving.

IRMA Online Meetings Throughout the Year!

It is more important than ever to be a member of a publishing support organization such as IRMA.

IRMA members thrive in a culture that fosters community, connection and collaboration. IRMA celebrates the uniqueness of its members, just as they celebrate the uniqueness of their regions. By sharing wins and losses in a non-competitive environment, members grow together and support each other.

We keep our members connected via zoom calls on various publishing topics, and celebrate together at our annual conference, which in 2024 will be held June 12-15 in Charlotte, NC.

Past in-person and virtual conferences were great successes, with quality programming, member-led discussion, networking, and celebration.

Whether we are holding an in-person conference or a virtual meetup, there is much value in an IRMA membership. Sign up today!

Testimonials for IRMACon2020 Virtual

“The hosts and speakers were all very personable, and kept things lighthearted, engaging and flowing well. And even though the event was virtual, it was easy to feel connected. I really appreciated the chats and follow up discussions.” Lisa Altomare, Arizona Highways

“I didn’t think I’d get much out of a virtual conference but was so impressed by how well it came off. Kudos to the team!” Lisa Lincoln, Adirondack Life

“Thought it went amazingly well, especially considering that it was a whole new experience. The organizers did a stellar job.” Terry Plowman, Delaware Beach Life

“I enjoyed the casual and friendly mood and felt very welcome as a newcomer.” Anna Johnson, Arizona Wildlife Views

“This was by far the best virtual conference I have attended during this crazy COVID time and I appreciate all of the hard work that went into it. Everyone was extremely supportive and welcoming and it made these very dark times much more positive and exciting.” Tyson Bird, Texas Highways

Your IRMA sponsorship includes opportunities to connect with our members year-round and to participate in our annual conference. The conference features formal sessions with industry experts, round-table discussions and seminars on editorial and business topics, digital publishing, advertising, design, circulation, and more, plus networking and fellowship with fellow members.

IRMA sponsorship is not about sitting at a table or booth hoping that the membership comes by to speak to you. It’s about total integration with the membership—being in the seminars, at the meals, on the field trips and, most importantly, in the hospitality suite. It is about being treated not as a vendor but as a partner. It is about being able to call a publisher, an editor, or any member in the organization and saying that you are an IRMA sponsor and getting right in the door.

By participating in the IRMA Conference, and accessing our membership year-round, you will help to create an environment where professionals and publishers can discuss present and new opportunities. Work with us to improve this industry. Your vision is needed to move this industry forward. Let’s plan for an exciting future together.

SFG

Fry Communications, Inc.