12/14/2015
DECEMBER 14, 2015
In July 2014, The American Disc Jockey Association, the world’s largest trade organization for Professional DJs, purchased The WED Guild®. This was in response to overwhelming membership desire to be a part of a larger entity. The intention was to promote the WED Guild® and its rigorous application process required to earn the title of Wedding Entertainment Director® to a larger audience of Professional DJs as well as to the general public at large.
Since acquiring the WED Guild®, the ADJA has invested heavily in promoting the application process and the distinguished certification of Wedding Entertainment Director® at both national and international trade shows. The optimistic goal was to build the Wedding Entertainment Director® certification brand in the bridal industry and encourage new members within the DJ community.
After 17 months of hard work by the ADJA leadership and members of the WED Guild® to rejuvenate the membership roster, we have come to the conclusion that this idea is clearly ahead of its time, as is proven by a disappointing lack of interest within the DJ community to earn certifications that require them to substantiate their skill and experience.
Therefore, rather than spending more time, effort, and money trying to promote this innovative concept, we have decided to change the nature of the WED Guild® into a permanent listing for all of the deserving individuals who worked so hard to earn this exceptional designation.
And since this concept was originated by former ADJA President, Peter Merry, and trademarks for this certification were secured by former WED Guild® President, Liz Daley, we have asked them to become the permanent custodians of this lifetime listing and enforcers of its associated trademarks. They have both willingly volunteered to take on this role. They have agreed to purchase the WED Guild® and it trademarks back from the ADJA. This action will revert the WED Guild® to its original status as a stand-alone entity.
This arrangement allows the ADJA's manpower and resources to remain focused on developing better benefits for our members and improving the public perceptions of professional mobile DJs.
Moving forward, every individual who has ever rightfully earned the certification of Wedding Entertainment Director® will now be acknowledged and given unfettered permission to use their Wedding Entertainment Director® title in perpetuity without any future concerns about renewals or dues.
When asked how this change will affect anyone whose application is currently in process or plans to submit a completed WED® application for future membership, Liz Daley said, "We will still process new applications in the future, and there will be a one time application/membership fee, but the review process may take a bit longer as the 4 person review committees will be made of those who have already earned the title and have the time to volunteer to serve."
