The History of ARA

The Awards and Recognition Association (ARA), which began as The Trophy Dealers of America (TDA) and later the Trophy Dealers and Manufacturers of America (TDMA), is the result of the original association founded for and by people who were in the recognition business.  It all began with one man’s vision of the need to provide education and communication to promote the awards profession.

The vision came from Stan Seaman who, in 1964, brought together 12 dealers and one supplier, and formed the Northern California Trophy Dealers Association. In 1967 the organization was incorporated as TDA with Seaman as president.  Bob Sherod served his first term as president in 1968-1969, and Ken Radtke served as the association’s leader in 1970. 

During the 1970s, Don Neer, a certified association executive (CAE) was hired to manage the association. He launched a nationwide membership drive and in March 1974, organized the first “trophies only” trade show in San Diego, CA.  Neer was considered a driving force behind the success of the association by building and expanding the group, and bringing it to the international status it enjoys today.

In 1976, a group of Midwest suppliers established the American Awards Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and in 1980, TDA merged with AAMA to become TDMA. In 1982, the group reached its goal of 500 dealer members; the next year the number of dealers doubled to 1,250. 

Throughout the years, the group grew in stature (in 1986, membership was at 3,000 businesses), and in 1992, voted to change its name. In 1993, the association officially became the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA). In 1994, the ARA Obelisk Award was introduced at the ARA International Awards Market.

In 2007, ARA launched the ARA Online Buyer’s Guide – one of the most important tools and resources in the industry, as well as the digital edition of the association monthly newsmagazine, Recognition Review.

The ARA International Awards Market has been the largest and most impressive trade show since its inception, and today continues to maintain the title. Each year the show takes on an even greater significance for award professionals as it offers educational tools and information to help adapt to the ever changing awards and recognition industry.

For the past three decades, ARA has served both the retailer and supplier sides of the awards and recognition industry. While the association is rich in history and much has evolved over the years, one thing remains constant: ARA is a leading force in the awards, recognition and engraving industry.  Through its programs and services, ARA is dedicated to increasing the professionalism of awards and recognition specialists, and advancing the success of the industry.  

For a complete archive of the history of ARA, click here.