ooking for networking and educational opportunities to learn about the latest industry trends while building relationships with peers? Take some time out of your busy schedule to join an industry trade association and attend one of its events.

Keep reading for the latest news and updates from each organization. More information on the conferences, such as agendas and direct links for registration and hotels, is available on their Web sites.

NATIONAL AND MULTI-NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

ATM Industry Association (ATMIA)

www.atmia.com

ATMIA is the only international, independent forum for the ATM industry. ATMIA's Chief Executive Officer Mike Lee reported that ATMIA now has 600 members in 37 countries, including 80 bankers.

ATMIA's Global ATM Security Alliance (GASA) launched the Cognito global ATM crime data management system. The system currently has 2,000+ ATM crimes recorded. Its purpose is to enable security practitioners to fine-tune their strategies and help law enforcement understand different types of ATM crime and fraud.

The system can generate global fraud alerts for the industry and crime trends reports. GASA is currently writing an ATM Cash Security Best Practices manual, which it will publish in June.

ATMIA also established a Debit Council to look at PIN debit fraud prevention and industry best practices for prepaid debit products and programs.

ATMIA's Conference West 2005, "North American ATM Debit Summit," will take place Sept. 14 - 16 at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information, visit ATMIA's Web site, or contact Lana Harmelink, ATMIA's International Director of Operations at lana@mail.atmia.com .

Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)

www.electran.org

One of ETA's goals for the coming year is to increase the quantity and quality of news, information and research provided to members, said Kevin Brosnahan, ETA's Director of Communications.

ETA is actively recruiting for a newly created staff position, Senior Director, Information Resources. This staff member will spearhead the creation and dissemination of news, editorial and information products, including content improvements for ETA's monthly magazine.

The person will also assist in directing the organization's government and industry relations activities.

Member volunteers lead and provide the "horsepower" for many of ETA's initiatives. In May, ETA will begin accepting applications for all of its volunteer committees. Visit ETA's Web site to download applications for these positions.

ETA will welcome new leadership at the end of June. Dan Neistadt of KeyBank USA will begin a one-year term as ETA President, joined by Joe Kaplan of Innovative Merchant Solutions as President-Elect. Jim Baumgartner of Moneris Solutions will serve as Treasurer and Nick Baxter of First National Bank of Omaha will serve as Secretary.

Two new Directors will also join the Board: David McMackin of AmericaOne Payment Systems and Roy Banks from Authorize.Net.

The most recent ETA Expo Network, the organization's regional, one-day meeting, took place April 7 - 8 at the Sofitel Water Tower Hotel in Chicago. Preceding the event was an optional half-day ETA University course.

About 125 people came from the near vicinity and as far away as Seattle to focus on learning and networking in a relaxed environment. Attendees included a spectrum of industry novices and veterans and business focuses, but everyone was there to learn and make contacts.

The overall response to the event, from both attendees and vendors, was very positive. Most people at this Expo Network were not among the 2,900 attendees of ETA's Annual Meeting and Expo in Las Vegas less than a month before.

Attendees commented that having the chance to speak personally with presenters and vendors was a big bonus. The event allows vendors to talk one-on-one and build relationships with existing and potential customers and contacts.

ETA Executive Director Carla Balakgie wants all sales agents to take advantage of the Expo Networks, citing the quality of the information that attendees get without having to travel great distances or take considerable time away from the job. "We have a great product here," she said.

The next Expo Network is set for June 23 - 24 in Los Angeles. The meetings are accessible and affordable ($75 members, $100 non-members). Also make plans for ETA's Strategic Leadership and Networking Forum, Sept. 27 - 29 in Charleston, S.C.

For more information, visit ETA's Web site or call 800-695-5509.

National Association of Payment Professionals (NAOPP)

www.naopp.com

Following the election of new officers to the Board of Directors ("NAOPP Announces New Leadership," The Green Sheet, April 11, 2005, issue 05:04:01), the Board announced the hiring of Vicki M. Daughdrill to serve as NAOPP's Executive Director, a newly created position.

Daughdrill will facilitate communications between the Board and NAOPP members, coordinate Board-approved activities, maintain the membership database, update the Web site, develop marketing materials and coordinate the preparation of NAOPP's annual audit and tax return.

"As a new association, I think the volunteers and founders did an excellent job of getting the organization started and doing the basic activities required to begin an association," Daughdrill said. "In order to take the organization to the next level, the Board felt that it needed someone with professional knowledge and expertise in association management."

Daughdrill has extensive experience in all levels of association management, from grassroots organizing to executive positions. From 2002 to 2003 she served as President of Financial Women International (FWI), a 3,000 member organization. Daughdrill is a 23-year member of FWI.

Her background also includes more than 25 years' experience in commercial banking in mid-level management positions. Nine years ago she founded Small Business Resources LLC, a management consulting company focused on business management, finance, human resources and training. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree from William Carey College.

"I'm a strong advocate of professional associations," she said. "I think they provide tremendous benefits to the individual members.

"There is a powerful opportunity for NAOPP to bring education, professionalism and advancement to the MLS. Because it's a new organization, there is unlimited opportunity for growth." At the upcoming Northeast Acquirers' Association (NEAA) meeting in Wilmington, Del. on June 7 (see NEAA item below), NAOPP will deliver an educational program from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., covering interchange, rules and regulations for ISO registration, and an update on NAOPP activities. For more information, visit NAOPP's Web site.

REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Midwest Acquirers' Association (MWAA)

www.midwestacquirers.com

MWAA's Annual Conference returns to Chicago for the third straight year; it will take place July 27 - 29 at The Renaissance Chicago hotel.

The complete agenda and registration for the conference will be available after April 18 on MWAA's Web site.

Attendees and vendors will register and pay online this year thanks to a sponsorship by enterprise security advisor Ambiron LLC. The early bird registration fee for attendees (registered before July 15, 5:00 p.m. CDT) is $100; for vendors (registered before June 30, 5:00 p.m. CDT) it is $950. Since exhibit space fills quickly, vendors should register early.

Mark Dunn's seminar, "Field Guide to Achieving Success in Merchant Level Sales," which is independent of MWAA, will precede the conference on July 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Topics covered include lead generation, effective credit card sales promotions, developing a profitable market niche, hiring and training reps, and much more. The cost of the seminar is $95, which includes all materials, lunch and breaks. For more information and to register, visit www.fieldguideforisos.com .

Following the seminar, MWAA will kickoff its conference with an evening reception in the vendor expo hall. The event promises lots of presentations, time with exhibitors and networking opportunities. A special keynote speaker, Blair Singer, a nationally acclaimed sales speaker and creator of SalesDogs.com, will present his unique insights on July 28.

This year, MWAA will present the third annual Lifetime Achievement Award. The deadline for submitting nominations is June 18. MWAA will only accept nominations through its Web site. For more information, visit MWAA's Web site or e-mail Jim McCormick at jimmccormick@gcfinc.com .

Northeast Acquirers' Association (NEAA)

www.northeastacquirers.com

This summer, NEAA will celebrate 20 years as a regional acquirers' association at its upcoming Summer Event, June 7 - 9 at the Wyndham Hotel in Wilmington, Del. The three-day conference begins with a presentation from NAOPP, followed by a risk analysis and merchant fraud seminar.

Day two is highlighted by keynote speaker Frank Abagnale, the subject of Steven Spielberg's film "Catch Me if You Can." The day will include educational sessions and presentations, as well as a vendor fair. It will conclude with a charity Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament sponsored by United Bank Card Inc. Day three consists of networking and socializing with either a golf tournament or a tour of historical Wilmington, Del.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, this year NEAA offers two-for-one pricing on admission. Any attendee who pays the $100 admission fee is entitled to bring another person free of charge. For more information, visit NEAA's Web site, e-mail Jacques Breton at jbreton@gcfinc.com or call him at 603-692-2408.

Southeast Acquirers' Association (SEAA)

www.southeastacquirers.com

Board members of SEAA are busy planning the Fifth Annual Information and Educational Conference, to be held at the Wyndham Canal Place Hotel in New Orleans, Oct. 19 - 21. Make reservations now by calling 504-566-7006 to lock in a reduced room rate of $145 (Be sure to say you're with SEAA).

"This year's event marks our fifth anniversary," said Audrey Blackmon, SEAA's Vice President. "We're throwing a party in New Orleans with local entertainment and food. There are a number of conventions in New Orleans this time of year, so you don't want to miss out on a room."

If you plan to attend the event, look forward to some of the attractions of this popular destination: an evening or two spent walking around the French Quarter and dining on some of the best food in the country.

For more information, visit SEAA's Web site or e-mail Blackmon at ablackmon@posportal.com .

Western States Acquirers' Association (WSAA)

www.westernstatesacquirers.com

WSAA will hold its second annual meeting Nov. 2 - 3 at the Marriott La Jolla Hotel, located within minutes of the beach, golfing, restaurants, shopping, the Gas Lamp district and downtown San Diego. It's also a quick taxi ride from airport.

The hotel is offering all WSAA participants a discounted room rate of $139, which is also available three days prior to and after the event if you decide to take some extra time to tour the city.

You may make hotel reservations beginning April 18 on the Marriott's Web site, through WSAA's Web site, or by calling the Marriott at 800-228-9290 (be sure to reference Group Code Weswesa).

"I want to thank everyone for their helpful input in assisting the WSAA Board in choosing San Diego as the venue for our next show," said Steve Eazell, WSAA Secretary.

"We urge everyone to register early because this event, due to its location and the interest that we have already received, will probably sell out early."

WSAA will send out registration forms for both attendees and exhibitors after July 1. For more information, visit WSAA's Web site, call Steve Eazell at 866-300-3376 or e-mail him at stevee@westernstatesacquirers.com .