What is POMA?

The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) is an organization of outdoor writers, photographers, broadcasters, videographers, illustrators, artists, editors, producers, firms and organizations dedicated to hunting, shooting, fishing, trapping and other traditional outdoor sports.

How does POMA differ from other national, regional or state outdoor communicators’ groups?

POMA is focused on professionalism in communications at all levels. Additionally, POMA and its members are focused on maintaining the integrity and future of the traditional outdoor sports such as hunting, shooting, fishing, trapping and other traditional outdoor pursuits.

Who is eligible to join POMA as a voting member?

Applicants for voting membership in POMA must meet stringent requirements based on criteria established by the board of directors.

Are corporate, industry, organizational and agency members welcome?

Absolutely. Corporate Partner membership is by board invitation only, and for those organizations that subscribe to POMA’s mission, charter and bylaws. Suggestions for Corporate Partner membership may be sent to lldovey@professionaloutdoormedia.org for processing.

POMA's Corporate Partners (CPs) are just that – partners. They hold a seat and a vote on the board of directors. In addition, the CP Advisory Council addresses CP-related issues and questions and makes recommendations to the POMA board. For more information on CP membership, please contact Corporate Partner board member Vickie Gardner.

Corporate Partners may apply online, or print an application and mail it to headquarters. After submitting the online membership application, CPs may make payment online or request an invoice and mail payment to headquarters. All membership applications are predicated upon board approval.

Is it true that you are ineligible for membership in POMA if you belong to another outdoor media organization?

No. In no case does membership in another journalists’ organization disqualify or otherwise influence an application for POMA membership.

What can I expect to get in return for my annual investment?

When you study the focus of the organization and the criteria for membership, you will quickly identify POMA as a network of the outdoor industry's most notable communicators and Corporate Partners. Therefore POMA strives to offer its members more than any other media organization.

As a member of POMA, you join and gain access to an exclusive network of professionals, the most accomplished and professional in the industry, and benefit from a level of membership services not offered by other organizations.

POMA is service focused, emphasizing business dealings, technology, Internet use and other elements critical to profitable business operation.

Benefits to media members
Benefits to Corporate Partners

Is the media member application process difficult? Does it require numerous tear sheets and other evidence of qualification?

Definitely not. Because we realize that time is a valuable asset and believe in the integrity of our applicants, POMA's application process only requires media member applicants to list the required number of credentials for the past year. No tear sheets or editor letters are required.

Before applying, please read the membership criteria carefully.

You can apply online in minutes, or print and mail in an application.

How do I pay my membership fee?

Pay by credit card, e-check, PayPal or by mailing a check to headquarters. After submitting your application, you are taken directly to the payment options page. To pay dues now, click here.

How long does it take for my application to be considered?

POMA bylaws regulate the approval or denial of all membership applications. After receipt, applications are forwarded to the membership screening committee for consideration. The committee generally makes decisions within 10 days. Regardless of the committee's decision, membership is not activated until the dues payment is received.

If a voting membership application is received without enough credits listed, but the applicant qualifies as an associate member, associate member status will be granted until all required information for voting membership is provided.

Applicants are notified of approval by e-mail, so please make sure that your spam filters accept e-mail from addresses with the @professionaloutdoormedia.org extension.

If an application is denied, the prospective member has the right under POMA’s bylaws to appeal the committee's decision.

Do I have direct access to POMA’s leadership?

Yes. Via the Web site, e-mail, telephone and postal mail, members have direct access to the board of directors and POMA's Executive Director Laurie Lee Dovey. Contact us.

What are POMA's business address, phone number and e-mail address?

POMA’s daily administrative affairs are handled by Executive Director Laurie Lee Dovey and Executive Assistant Shelly Moore. POMA, P.O. Box 1569, Johnstown, PA 15907, 814-254-4719, admin@professionaloutdoormedia.org.

Does POMA offer annual or semiannual conferences?

Yes. POMA's annual business conference is considered one of the premier benefits of membership. The three-day conference offers seven to 10 business sessions, field day, editorial content gathering sessions, evening networking gatherings, and much more.

Who designed the POMA logo?

Images: © John E. Phillips, Haas Outdoors, BL Fegely, Cliff Shelby