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JA-SIG provides some value simply by existing and doing what it does, providing an umbrella organization, structure, infrastructure, momentum, regular gatherings, etc., for this community, so that there is a community which commercial affiliates can service. It is good not to over-state this value – note that this value is particularly available to freeloaders – but this is nonetheless a real value. Commercial affiliates value being commercial affiliates because serving in this role helps JA-SIG to be sustainable.
Conferences
Commercial-friendly areas / events at conferences
Important to stay classy and a conference one would want to attend. Nonetheless, commercial affiliates might be afforded a chance to have a table or booth in a designated area, or at a particular tech demo or reception.
Sponsorship opportunities
Opportunities to sponsor receptions, program, t-shirt, underwrite conference planning fees.
Tack-on event opportunities
Opportunities to offer commercial training before or after the conference, or to tack on commercial affiliate edumarketing days.
Web presence
Listing on the web sites. Perhaps preferential listing ahead of non-commercial-affiliates. The present page listing available commercial services for CAS, for instance, is ordered alphabetically and puts the only JA-SIG Commercial Affiliate listed on that page well "below the fold".
Infrastructure
JA-SIG funds staff to support the project infrastructure, thereby lubricating the participation and effectiveness of commercial affiliates. Commercial Affiliates realize important value from the efforts of Anthony Whyte in Sakai, for instance.