Why Join (Associates)

The Guild is a source of authoritative knowledge. Associate membership opens the opportunity to develop links with experts in a range of outdoor specialisms.

A presence on our website

As an Associate member, you will have an individual page on the Guild’s website which can freely be updated at any time and offers an ongoing opportunity to promote your organisation to both guild members, and those searching the guild’s website for guild members. For instance manufacturers and distributors would be able showcase their latest products and innovations.

Direct Contact with Members

Associate members also have access to the members’ lively and responsive forum. This could be used, for example, for detailed feedback on new products, from our committed and energetic users.

You can also request the Membership Secretary to make a direct mailing to the membership.

The Guild’s full-colour quarterly members’ journal, ‘Outdoor Focus’ is crammed with news, advice, and tips on writing and photography in the outdoors, skills improvement, understanding of the market, and more. Associate members can contribute features on their organisation, work, upcoming developments and topical news.

Networking and gatherings

The Guild provides informal contact with other professionals through local gatherings in various parts of the UK, and through our Big Weekend, held in mid-Autumn in various parts of the UK. This two and a half day event includes professional development workshops, outdoor activities, the annual dinner and awards presentation, as well as the guild’s AGM. These gatherings are a great source of information and inspiration, the chance to build collaborations or just an opportunity to network and talk shop.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship of one of our annual Awards for Excellence brings with it free associate membership of the Guild, as well as two complimentary places at our annual dinner (part of The Big Weekend) plus one night’s accommodation.

The Awards categories are:

  • Guidebook
  • Outdoor Book
  • Outdoor/Travel Feature
  • Technical Feature
  • Digital Media
  • Photography

Sponsorship of an award costs £300 (with Associate Membership included).

If you are interested, please contact the membership secretary to see if any award is currently available for sponsorship.