American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC)
A general-interest group whose benchmarking service, International Benchmarking Clearinghouse, does call center-related studies. 800-776-9676

American Teleservices Association
Publications include "Connect," the ATA newsletter, and a Buyer's Guide, consumer guidelines, and code of ethics; the association also offers seminars and an annual trade show. 800-441-3335

Association of Call Center Managers (ACCM)
A professional association dedicated to advancing the profession of call center management. Their Mission is to advance the profession of call center management by providing networking, peer mentoring, research, education, and other vital resources that elevate the role and value of a call center leader.

Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
Represents and educates telemarketers, plus other direct marketers including catalog publishers and e-commerce and list/database firms. The group has over 4,100 US and international members, an annual conference and trade show, industry-specific councils and frequent seminars. 212-768-7277

Help Desk Institute
Provides targeted information about the technologies, tools, and trends of the help desk and customer support industry including newsletters, reports, and an annual salary survey. 800-248-5667 or 415-551-4600

Incoming Call Management Institute (ICMI)
An independent thinktank and provider of educational events on call center management worldwide. ICMI advises organizations ranging from small startups to national governments and multinational corporations, and its publications are in use by a wide range of colleges, universities and corporate training programs. 800-672-6177 or 410-267-0700

International Customer Service Association (ICSA)
Offers a full range of programs, like an annual conference and the publication of surveys and member research studies. 800-360-ICSA

Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP)
Offers comprehensive resources for professional development, benchmarking and networking for consumer affairs/customer support professionals. 703-519-3700