GENERAL

Q. What is the Washington Technology Industry Association?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association (formerly the WSA) is the oldest and largest state-wide technology trade association. Washington Technology Industry Association is a non-profit 501(c)6 organization.

Q. When was Washington Technology Industry Association founded?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association was founded in 1984 through the combined efforts of industry executives and a not-for-profit economic development organization.

Q. What is Washington Technology Industry Association’s mission?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association is a community working together to advance the economic value and global impact of technology companies operating in Washington State. The organization’s mission is to secure the region’s leadership in the technology industry.

Q. How large is the organization?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association has nearly 1,000 member companies representing over 80,000 employees statewide and over one million members worldwide.

Q. What are the benefits of joining Washington Technology Industry Association?
A. Joining Washington Technology Industry Association offers a multitude of benefits to member companies and their employees by bringing
like-minded individuals together to collaborate. Washington Technology Industry Association offers networking and education events,
legislative advocacy and access to a variety of business services to help your company prosper.

Q. Who can join Washington Technology Industry Association?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association supports a broad membership base of small, medium and large technology companies across many industry sectors – from a few employees to a workforce of thousands. Washington Technology Industry Association members not only include well-established industry leaders, but also non-technology companies with large IT departments, high-tech start-ups, mid-sized businesses, and any technology-related company looking to learn, grow and thrive in Washington State.

Q. Who is Washington Technology Industry Association’s primary audience?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association caters to a wide audience of C-level executives, line management and staff in technology companies, IT departments and other organizations that support the technology industry.

Q. How many chapters does Washington Technology Industry Association have?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association is a statewide association. Although the majority of membership is within the greater Puget
Sound region, Washington Technology Industry Association has five other chapters including Northwest (Bellingham/Whatcom), Olympic Peninsula (Forks, Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Hadlock and Port Townsend), South Sound (Tacoma/Pierce County), Inland Northwest (Spokane) and Southwest Washington (Vancouver).

Q. Does Washington Technology Industry Association have connections to higher education institutions?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association works closely with major institutions of higher education including University of Washington,
Washington State University and Seattle University to name a few.

Q. Does Washington Technology Industry Association have a lobbying function? How do we voice our input to Government Affairs?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association has a staff dedicated to our lobbying and government affairs. In addition we have contract
lobbyists knowledgeable on technology issues who work on our behalf in Olympia and Washington D.C.

Q. What legislative work does Washington Technology Industry Association pursue to enhance Washington State’s technology sector?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association works strategically with government, education and community leaders to foster a positive climate for technology companies and to raise the regional, national and international profile of Washington’s thriving technology industry.

Q. What services does Washington Technology Industry Association offer to help my company compete globally?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association offers networking and educational events with trade and government representatives across the globe. Washington Technology Industry Association provides members with tools to make it easier to navigate internationally.

Q. Who runs Washington Technology Industry Association?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association is managed by a full-time, paid staff headed by a CEO. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors, a group of C-level technology and business executives that reflects the composition of our membership. The Board governs and drives the strategic direction of the organization in concert with the CEO.

Q. How can I/we get more involved with Washington Technology Industry Association? How do I get my company a voice/exposure?
A. Members can participate in different ways. Many of our members contribute by attending, organizing and leading events, offering to speak and contributing articles, or by advocating with us in Olympia.

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MEMBERSHIP

Q. What types of Washington Technology Industry Association memberships are available?
A. There are five categories of members: Industry, Associate, IT Department, Individual and Student.

Q. What is the difference between an Industry and Associate membership?
A. Industry members include any business or organization that devotes a significant portion of its activities in the state of Washington to the creation, development, support or publication of software, digital content, interactive media, the Internet, or information technology. Associate members are organizations that support Washington State’s information technology industry, regardless of where they are located. Examples of Associate members include accounting firms, service providers, law firms, venture capitalists and technology firms whose development activities take place outside of Washington State.

Q. What is the difference between Individual and Company membership?
A. All employees of member companies can take advantage of Washington Technology Industry Association benefits. Company memberships include a complete company listing in the Washington Technology Industry Association member directory, an opportunity to have a listing in the Member2Member Program and a listing in our monthly e-newsletter. In addition, employees of Company members are eligible to take advantage of cost-savings services offered through the Group Purchasing Co-op program. These benefits are not available to Individuals or Students at this time.

Q. How do I become a Student member?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association offers Student memberships to any person who is a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher education. A valid student ID must be submitted at the time of membership application. Student members are treated as Individual members for all purposes other than dues and services offered through the Group Purchasing Cooperative.

Q. Is Washington Technology Industry Association membership only for Washington-based companies?
A. Any enterprise or organization regardless of its location, which supports Washington State’s information technology industry, but does not qualify as an industry member, is eligible to be an Associate member and will have annual dues of $620 regardless of employee count.

Q. We have employees across the state and region so, how can we benefit from Washington Technology Industry Association membership?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association supports members across the state. In addition to live networking and educational events, Washington Technology Industry Association offers many opportunities for collaboration through online communities, forums and networking. Washington Technology Industry Association also supports its members with legislative advocacy and by offering cost-efficient business services through our Group Purchasing Cooperative. Members may also join to take advantage of the opportunity to contribute back to the industry that supported their businesses.

Q. How are dues structured?
A. Dues are assessed on a sliding scale based on the number of full-time company employees working in Washington State. For a complete dues schedule, visit http://www.washingtontechnology.org/benefits/dues.asp.

Q. Where can I find our more information about membership ?
A. For more information about membership, visit http://www.washingtontechnology.org/pages/about/about_membership_member_benefits.asp.  

Q. How do I join?
A. To renew or apply online visit http://www.washingtontechnology.org/pages/about/about_membership_member_application.asp or you can call 206.448.3033 or request information by email at: membership@washingtontechnology.org.

Q. What is the membership renewal process?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association submits a renewal invoice to you automatically. A membership account manager will contact you to discuss renewal questions.

Q. How can I get a copy of the membership directory?
A. The membership directory is available on our web site and is easily searchable.  Visit http://www.washingtontechnology.org/pages/people/people_findamember.asp to start your search.

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SPONSORSHIP

Q. What is Washington Technology Industry Association sponsorship?
A. A sponsor is a company or individual making a financial commitment or donating in-kind services in exchange for increased visibility to members of Washington Technology Industry Association.

Q. What sponsorship options are available?
A. The Washington Technology Industry Association offers a variety of sponsorship options depending on the level of financial commitment and visibility desired.

Q. What are the benefits of becoming a Washington Technology Industry Association sponsor?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association sponsorship can be used strategically in these and many other cases to heighten awareness of your company, advance a positive corporate image and gain recognition for your products or services. Washington Technology Industry Association’s membership is comprised of some of the most influential technology executives, innovators and entrepreneurs in Washington State. As a Washington Technology Industry Association sponsor, you have the opportunity to reach this valuable audience.

Q. Can a company with a limited marketing budget still sponsor?
A. Yes. Washington Technology Industry Association offers a variety of sponsorship levels that can fit any budget.

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EVENTS

Q. Who attends your events?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association events are open to all members; non-members are welcome by invitation only. The audience for our events can vary depending on the type of event. Technology in Focus (TIF) dinner programs include a presentation on a specific topic and generally appeal to a wide member base. Special Interest Groups (SIG) are content-rich and specifically geared toward the staff and manager levels, whereas the Investment Forum is focused on C-level entrepreneurs, investment bankers, venture capitalists and angel investors.

Q. What is a SIG?
A. Special Interest Groups (SIG) meet to discuss a common interest in a particular topic. A SIG provides excellent opportunities for developing and maintaining professional contacts, promoting industry awareness and extending the technical knowledge of members. Examples of existing SIGs are Security, Wireless and Gaming. SIGs are free to Washington Technology Industry Association members.

Q. What is the format and content of the Technology in Focus (TIF) dinner programs?
A. The Technology in Focus (TIF) dinner programs are usually held in the evening and include a networking social hour followed by dinner and a panel discussion on a topic of interest. Washington Technology Industry Association members attend at a discounted rate.  This event series is made possible by a Volunteer Programs Committee who works to create relevant, dynamic content and showcase it in a meaningful and engaging way. 

Q. What is the Industry Achievement Awards (IAA) and Investment Forum (IF)?
A. IAA is an annual event that celebrates the industry’s success and those companies and organizations that demonstrate innovation and excellence in technology. IF is also an annual event that brings together entrepreneurs, investment bankers, venture capitalists and angel investors.

Q. I’m not a member of the Washington Technology Industry Association – how can I register for an event?
A. If you are not a member of the Washington Technology Industry Association you will need to create an online profile at www.WashingtonTechnology.org and wait to receive an invitation to upcoming events.  To receive an invitation, please call 206.448.3033 x107.

Q. Do I need to be a member of the Washington Technology Industry Association to create an online profile?
A. Anyone, member or non-Washington Technology Industry Association member, can create an online profile at www.WashingtonTechnology.org.

Q. I’m a member of the Washington Technology Industry Association – how can I check to see if I already have an online profile?
A. You can check to see if you have an existing profile online at http://www.washingtontechnology.org/eSeries/scriptcontent/SignUp/SignUp.cfm?section=home

Q. I have an online profile, but can’t remember my login / password.
A. You can reset your login / password online here: http://www.washingtontechnology.org/eSeries/source/Library/FindPword.cfm?section=home&start=1

Q. I created a profile and tried to register for an event, but it now says I need an invitation to attend.
A. To receive an invitation, please call 206.448.3033 x107.

Q. I don’t know if my company is a member of the Washington Technology Industry Association.
A. You can check to see if your company is a member of the Washington Technology Industry Association online here: http://www.washingtontechnology.org/pages/people/people_findamember.asp

Q. How can I make sure that I am notified about all Washington Technology Industry Association events and programs I’m interested in?
A. You can receive email notifications about events and programs you’re interested in by creating an online profile and selecting any one of the many interest-based listservs. If you already have an online profile, you can login at any time to select/deselect an email list.

Q. What is a listserv?
A. A listserv is the list of people Washington Technology Industry Association emails program information to. You can sign up to receive interest-based emails online – login to your profile on the Washington Technology Industry Association site and click “edit my listservs.”

Q. I have purchased a ticket to an event and now want to add guests. However, the  system won’t let me purchase additional tickets.
A. If you have any questions about online registration, please call 206-448-3033 x107.

Q. I tried to register online but registration is closed. Can I still attend?
A. Registration for Washington Technology Industry Association events is closed a day or two in advance of the event so that name badges can be made and final food/beverage counts can be given to the venue. Onsite registration is available at the event/program on a space-available, first-come first-served basis.

Q. I registered for an event but can no longer attend. Can I get my money refunded?
A. As a non-profit organization, the Washington Technology Industry Association regrets that we cannot refund registration fees due to cancellations or non-attendance. However, we do encourage you to send another person in your place for that particular event, should you be unable to attend. To request an attendee substitution, please call us at 206.448.3033 x107 or email membership@washingtontechnology.org.

Q. I registered for an event but can no longer attend. Can I send someone in my place?
A. Yes, you may send another person as a substitute if you cannot attend the event. To request an attendee substitution, please call us at 206.448.3033 x107 or email info@washingtontechnology.org.

Q. I can’t make an event, but am interested in the topic. Will you have a video/audio recording of it?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association often records audio and video for its events. Recordings can be found online at the event web page.

Q. How can I donate items to be raffled off at Networking Events?
A. Throughout the year, we have many events that draw in a wide variety of attendees from the technology industry.  At some of these events we raffle off prizes donated by a number of local companies.  While the attendees enjoy the opportunity to win a prize - individual and company donors also gain a substantial amount of visibility.  If you are interested in donating an item or items please email Sponsorship at sponsorship@washingtontechnology.org.

Q. Can I suggest an organization for the WTIA to highlight as a Charitable Partner?
A. At many of our events, the WTIA tries to pick local non-profit charitable organizations to spotlight. This is done with both onsite and online visibility. Please send suggestions for possible Charitable Partners to info@washingtontechnology.org.

Q. Why do Washington Technology Industry Association members get a better rate than non-members?
A. One of the many benefits Washington Technology Industry Association memberships afford is discounted registration rates to Washington Technology Industry Association events and programs.

Q. Why don’t you have many events on the Eastside? All of your events are in Seattle, yet many members live and work on the Eastside.
A. We have begun offering networking and educational events on the Eastside. We will expand our Eastside offerings as more members participate.

Q. We don’t have employees in the Seattle/Puget Sound area - how can we benefit from Washington Technology Industry Association events?
A. TheWashington Technology Industry Association is reaching out to chapter members across the state by using forums, streaming video and eventually podcasting when face-to-face attendance at events is not possible. Also, members across the state can take advantage of business services offered through our Group Purchasing Cooperative.

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MARKETPLACE

Q. What is the Marketplace?
A. The Marketplace partner program offers member companies the opportunity to purchase health/dental/vision insurance, business supplies, marketing services, operational equipment, telecom and other services at a cost savings. The size of the Washington Technology Industry Association’s membership allows us to leverage volume discounts. All Industry members qualify for the services; Associate members may/may not qualify depending on the service.

Q. What Marketplace business services are currently offered?
A. The Marketplace offers health insurance (medical, dental, vision, employee assistance), life insurance, auto and home insurance, HR services, salary info,  telecommunications, payroll services, investing services, office supplies, media services, digital photography, office equipment, computer equipment, conferencing, IT classes, international job postings and corporate travel. Visit the Marketplace section of our website for the latest service offerings.

Q. What are the benefits of the Marketplace and why should member companies participate?
A. Buying through the Marketplace saves member companies the time and resources to vet and negotiate rates and services. Washington Technology Industry Association negotiates discounted pricing and value-added services not offered at retail.

Q. How do I find out more about your health insurance options? Who qualifies and participates in the health insurance coverage?
A. Washington Technology Industry Association may offer member companies and their employees’ health care coverage through the Washington Technology Industry Association Health Benefits Trust or NW Tech. Please call your broker for more information or you can contact Washington Technology Industry Association’s endorsed broker, AH&T at 206-770-7954 or www.ahtins.com.

Q. Why can’t an Associate member or Individual qualify for health insurance coverage?
A. The composition of the Washington Technology Industry Association Trust is limited to employees of technology companies. Individual health care coverage is not provided by the Washington Technology Industry Association Trust or NW Tech.

Q. What is an endorsed ‘provider’?
A. Provider(s) are partners that provide services within the Marketplace.

Q. What is the Washington Technology Industry Association Health Benefits Trust?
A. The Trust is a collection of endorsed business partners brought together to provide a comprehensive employee benefits program with preferred pricing and administrative discounts tailored to the needs of technology industry.

Q. What is the Northwest Tech?
A. The Northwest Tech offers competitive health care benefits and coverage to technology companies and their employees. Please contact your broker directly.

Q. What other business products/services do you offer to members besides health care coverage?
A. The Marketplace offers life, auto and home insurance. Additionally, the Marketplace offers HR services, salary info,  telecommunications, payroll services, investing services, office supplies, media services, digital photography, office equipment, computer equipment, conferencing, IT classes, international job postings and corporate travel. Visit the Marketplace section of our website for the latest service offerings.

Q. How can I/we contribute articles to the different e-newsletters? How can I/we participate in developing new business partnerships, content development or tool procurement for Washington Technology Industry Association’s web site?
A. Members can participate in different ways. Many of our members contribute by organizing and leading events, offering to speak, contributing articles, advocating in Olympia and developing strategies and tools to further member collaboration online.  Email info@washingtechnology.org for more information.

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