Meetings - About DSA's Programs

The Direct Selling Association is committed to providing educational programming designed to enhance your knowledge of the direct selling industry. DSA's meetings, conferences and seminars cover a wide range of issues relevant to direct selling companies and are designed with something for everyone. Executives with both member and non-member companies are encouraged to attend DSA's educational programs.

Click here to view your MyMeetings page to find and edit current registrations, download meeting materials for seminars you have attended and register for upcoming meetings.

Interested in earning extra benefits for your company, and saving money on meeting registration? Click here to find out about DSA's Partner Club.

Are you interested in being a speaker at an upcoming conference or seminar? Click here to download DSA's "Call for Presentations."

For more information on DSA's executive education programs, please contact DSA at (202) 452-8866.

The Annual Meeting
DSA's Annual Meeting is the premier opportunity to network with and learn from more than 800 industry leaders. Each year DSA supplier members gather to present the most comprehensive exhibition of goods and services to support direct selling companies found anywhere. Special time is allocated for attendees to conduct business appointments - a unique business benefit that busy executives find to be a fantastic time saver. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to network with your direct selling colleagues including golf and tennis tournaments, the awards banquet honoring both individual and corporate industry leaders and an exciting special event evening!

Communications and Marketing Seminar
The way your company presents itself to its key audiences is critical for your future success. Today's fast-paced world demands that you put your best foot forward at every opportunity. But how do you make sense of all the possibilities for exposure and the vehicles available to deliver them? How can you make efficient use of limited resources, and what do you need to know before getting started? Industry and outside experts will tackle these topics and more. PLUS - don't forget to register for the Hispanic Market Pre-Seminar or small-group media training.

Companies in Focus Seminar
Co-hosted with a DSA member company, the association's Companies in Focus Seminars offer you a close up, personal look at how one direct selling company functions. Be there to question company senior execs on the hows and whys of what's made them successful.

Direct Selling 101
A seasoned panel of direct selling pros, who have hands-on experience with successful start-up companies, will lead you through the basics of direct selling. You’ll gain information on key topics including selecting the best direct selling marketing approach and compensation plan for your products; building a three-year business plan that forecasts sales, breakeven and profit; basic order processing and customer service infrastructure; creating the “business in a box” to promote distance recruiting; the “three principles and four questions” guide to management decision-making; and creating a culture of partnership between the company and the salesforce. This program is a must for companies new to the industry, looking for answers, or for executives who need a refresher course on direct selling.

Industry Leadership Retreat
CEOs face unique challenges that range from managing day-to-day operations to tackling complicated strategic issues. DSA offers by-invitation-only multi-day retreats designed just for CEOs to engage in meaningful dialogue with peers, share ideas about challenging leadership issues and create solutions that are right for their company. The goal is to provide sophisticated chief executives with a high-level learning experience that expands their possibilities and improves their effectiveness as leaders.

International Seminar
DSA's International Seminar is an opportunity for companies that may have existing international interests or may be interested in starting an international direct selling operation to learn more about the latest developments in markets around the world. Participants hear and learn from their peers on the front line about how to operate an international business and discuss the structures and strategies being used in different countries. This seminar is a unique opportunity to get answers to your most pressing international questions.

Issues of the Day Seminar
Your company's credibility depends on three fundamental issues: (1) Your knowledge of and compliance with the law and DSA's Code of Ethics; (2) Your commitment to protect the more than 10 million direct sellers in the United States; and (3) your good faith efforts in doing business with the consumers of our products. This seminar explores the best practices in recruiting, training and managing your salesforce. Current trends in compensation plans and traditional and online advertising are examined. We've also built in plenty of time so you can share ideas, challenges and opportunities with your colleagues from throughout the industry.

The Tax and Accounting Seminar
DSA’s Tax and Accounting Seminar is a new twist on an old favorite. Offering accounting executives a hands-on environment in which to learn more about the current and future tax and accounting legal sphere, we’ll be covering financial management, current tax law and operational support issues that affect direct selling, multilevel and network marketing companies. Experienced speakers from within the industry, the IRS and Department of Commerce will provide answers to issues as varied as accounting software for direct selling, state and federal tax law changes, the latest on sales and use tax collection, and a special discussion with the Commissioner of the IRS's Small Business/Self-Employed Division. Gather this summer with your peers and get up to speed on the latest information tax and accounting information you need to know.

World Congress
The business world is moving at internet speed and the pace is only going to get quicker. Keeping abreast of industry trends and issues and helping to shape the future is the best way to make sure your company is equipped to gain market share, and keep it. Held only once every three years, WFDSA World Congress offers you unparalleled networking opportunities, in-depth exposure to the latest industry information and trends, the opportunity to hear and meet high-profile speakers, contact with WFDSA officials and the opportunity to have input on key decisions and policy discussions.