The programme helps new members to navigate and understand the US costume industry as well as membership benefits.
The NCA is reviving a practice that existed in past decades: a mentoring programme for new members. The program is simple: When a new member joins, they will be matched with an existing member who has volunteered to be a mentor. The association asks that the mentor reaches out to the new member to set up a phone call and remain in contact regularly for as long as the new member needs.
Existing members will help the new member with whatever they need. For example:
- Finding new suppliers and discovering who sells what
- Using NCA benefits and discounts
- Getting into a different niche
- Maximising a trip to a trade show
- Effectively organising inventory
- Choosing a POS or online sales tool
- Just chatting about the industry
“We envision the program as a way to help new members get the most from their membership and succeed in the industry,” said Ed Avis, NCA executive director. “In the long run, having successful members helps the association thrive.”
