"The ASLA provides a great information stream, from project announcements to national news affecting the profession," said Michael Van Valkenburgh, an ASLA member since 1981. "One of the most important things the association has done is make architects aware of when to incorporate landscape architects into projects − and that's early. There is more understanding now of the benefits of incorporating a professional early in the design process to garner the best results, especially in complex urban projects," he said.

AWI offers designers its internationally-recognized Quality Certification Program (QCP), which certifies woodworking firms that demonstrate consistent adherence to quality standards.

But urban projects aren't the only ones getting attention. U.S. homeowners are spending more on their environments. The National Gardening Association reported that in 2004, homeowners spent an estimated $38.4 billion on their yards, up from $22.5 billion five years earlier. This new spending trend garnered a two-page article in an April edition of the Wall Street Journal, which also featured varied winning projects from landscape architects around the country and input from the ASLA. Such public relations activities that promote the profession are a key contribution of professional associations.

In New York next year? In celebration of its centennial, the IESNA is sponsoring an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York. The exhibit entitled "Transformed by Light: the New York Night," will open on January 8, 2006, in conjunction with its Centennial Conference, and will emphasize the influence of light on society, focusing, in particular, on the changes to urban culture brought about by the production of light.

While professional associations spend about three times more on education programs than they do on direct lobbying of government, lobbying efforts play an essential role for many professional associations.