Q. Where can I get trade association information for a given industry?

Search the following e-resources for your industry and obtain names 

1. Plunketts Research Online  
2. Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage -- Locate the Industry Report; the Industry References link in the header of the report provides access to key trade associations, trade publications and other sources.
3. IBIS World Industry Market Research -- Identify the Industry Report; Under the "About this Industry" tab, click on "Additional Resources".

 To Google for trade associations try:

• site:*.org and [restaurant ] association
• site:*.org and [travel ] association
• trade associations: [coffee ]

Q. Why explore trade associations at all?

Answer:

Your industry may lobby through a trade organization  

Regulation, events, and challenges affect your industry a certain way, what are they discussing?

Trend-spotting!  Conversations within an industry can yield good information before it's widespread