Best Staffing Industry Associations to Join

Ed Burr, Director of Client Growth and Strategy 

Ed is a dedicated growth strategist with 20 years of experience in staffing and operations. He combines a passion for building client connections with a proven ability to develop impactful solutions that overcome challenges. 

---

Whether you’ve been in the industry for years like I have or are starting your own staffing agency, you don’t have to go it alone. Numerous staffing industry associations offer valuable resources, including data, education, networking, advocacy, industry insights, and a strong sense of community. Joining one or more associations can help you stay competitive, compliant, and connected in an evolving market. 

Below are the organizations that I believe help staffing entrepreneurs the most! 

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) 

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) is a global advisor on staffing and workforce solutions, widely recognized for its in-depth research, data, and insights into contingent work. With more than 30 years of industry expertise, SIA supports staffing firms through market intelligence, advisory services, and events like the Executive Forum. It’s a trusted resource for firms looking to stay competitive, informed, and connected within the staffing ecosystem. 

I’ve enjoyed attending SIA events because they align staffing and workforce solutions. Consider their events to stay connected to industry ideas, practices, technologies, and people! 

American Staffing Association (ASA) 

Among staffing Industry associations, the American Staffing Association is one of the most well-established and influential. It serves various firms across the United States — from small local agencies to large national providers. ASA represents all staffing segments, including temporary and contract staffing, recruiting and permanent placement, outplacement and outsourcing, and HR consulting services. 

Members benefit from access to comprehensive research, legal and legislative updates, compliance tools, and educational programs like certification courses and webinars. ASA also offers an annual conference, Staffing World, which draws thousands of professionals for training, networking, and industry innovation. Their advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. help shape policies that affect the staffing landscape nationwide. 

United States Staffing Association (USSA) 

The United States Staffing Association (USSA) focuses on supporting independent staffing firms with tools to thrive in a competitive market. As a national membership organization, USSA provides access to performance metrics, benchmarking data, and curated content relevant to small and mid-sized agencies. 

Members enjoy cost-effective training resources, often geared toward improving sales, recruiting, and operational efficiency. The association also encourages collaboration among members, making it easier for independent firms to partner, share knowledge, and expand their reach. USSA negotiates discounted pricing on industry services and tools, and serves as a community-driven sounding board for legislative, compliance, and workforce issues.  

TempNet 

TempNet is a national association comprised of independently owned and operated temporary staffing agencies and industry service providers. What sets TempNet apart is its commitment to sharing best practices, offering peer-to-peer support, and creating a trusted network of owners and executives who face similar challenges. 

Members gain access to exclusive educational events, in-depth operational discussions, and a private forum to share ideas, solve problems, and grow strategically. The focus on independence means that members often find solutions that are tailored to their scale and business model — not just the industry giants. TempNet’s emphasis on mutual support and camaraderie makes it especially valuable for leaders seeking practical insights and professional fellowship. 

TechServe Alliance 

For agencies specializing in IT and engineering staffing, the TechServe Alliance is one of the go-to staffing Industry associations. This association brings together firms, consultants, clients, and industry partners in one unified platform. TechServe promotes operational excellence, ethical business practices, and sustainable growth within technical staffing. 

Members benefit from sector-specific content, including legal updates, workforce trends, compensation studies, and hiring data tailored to the tech and engineering verticals. TechServe also offers business development resources, such as market analysis and recruiter training designed specifically for the complexities of IT talent acquisition. Their annual conference and webinars are well-regarded for their depth and relevance. 

Joining a staffing industry association not only equips you with tools and knowledge, but also connects you to a powerful network of professionals facing the same challenges and pursuing similar goals. Whether you’re seeking compliance support, benchmarking data, or a stronger voice in industry policy, these associations offer a valuable return on investment for staffing leaders at every stage. 

National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) 

The National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) is the oldest staffing industry association in the U.S., representing professionals in executive search, direct hire, and temporary staffing. With a strong focus on education and ethics, NAPS is best known for its Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS) certifications, which help elevate industry standards and professional credibility. 

NAPS provides members with access to: 

• Continuing education webinars. 
• Industry legal updates and compliance resources. 
• Annual conferences with top-level speakers. 
• A network of recruiters and firm owners committed to ethical practices and operational excellence. 

If your agency is involved in recruitment or executive search, NAPS is a great resource for enhancing recruiter expertise and industry credibility. 

World Employment Confederation (WEC) 

The World Employment Confederation (WEC) is a global organization representing staffing and workforce solutions companies across the world. For agencies that work internationally or aim to stay ahead of global labor trends, WEC offers unparalleled access to research, advocacy, and best practices from leading markets. 

Benefits of WEC membership include: 

• Insightful global labor market reports and whitepapers. 
• Representation in policy discussions with international labor organizations. 
• Cross-border networking with firms across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. 
• Resources focused on labor market innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable employment practices. 

WEC is ideal for firms interested in international staffing, expanding globally, or staying aligned with evolving employment standards and trends. 

Stay Active, Stay Ahead with Membership in Staffing Industry Associations 

These staffing Industry associations not only provide invaluable information, but they also help staffing entrepreneurs like you feel a sense of camaraderie. Staying active in one or more organizations makes it simple to keep on top of trends, shifting regulations, and more. If you have questions about how payroll funding can support your staffing agency or are interested in strategic consulting, I encourage you to connect with our team!