Chapter 1: General Provisions
1.1. These Articles of Association establish the rules and procedures of E-COMMERCE & DIGITAL MARKETING ASSOCIATION (hereinafter referred to as the Association or ECDMA).
1.2. The purpose of the Association is to create a favorable environment for the exchange of experience, knowledge, and establishment of business relations among all professionals contributing to the e-commerce and digital marketing industry, including but not limited to marketing, operations, IT, HR, PR, training, and commercial roles.
1.3. The Association operates based on the principles of mutual assistance, mutual respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Chapter 2: Objectives and Subject of Activity of the Association
2.1. The Association has the following goals:
2.1.1. Advancing professional standards and practices in e-commerce and digital marketing industries.
2.1.2. Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals in marketing, operations, IT, HR, PR, training, and commercial sectors to foster holistic development in the e-commerce and digital marketing industry.
2.1.3. Supporting initiatives that enhance professional development and address challenges specific to each function within the industry.
2.1.4. Encouraging and supporting research, scholarly work, innovation, and teaching activities related to e-commerce, digital marketing, and associated fields.
2.2. The subject of the Association’s activities is the implementation of the following activities aimed at achieving the goals for which the Association was established:
2.2.1. Development of industry standards, best practices, and professional guidelines for e-commerce and digital marketing practitioners.
2.2.2. Implementation of educational programs, workshops, and seminars tailored to the unique needs of different professional functions, including marketing, operations, IT, HR, PR, training, and commercial roles.
2.2.3. Conducting and promoting research initiatives, innovation studies, and development of new methodologies in e-commerce and digital marketing fields.
2.2.4. Realization of consulting and expert activities in accordance with the Association’s statutory objectives.
2.2.5. Creation and support of electronic information resources on the Internet covering the activities of the Association.
2.2.6. Development and implementation of mentoring programs and professional development initiatives.
2.2.7. Facilitation of networking events and platforms that encourage collaboration among diverse professional groups within the e-commerce and digital marketing sectors.
2.2.8. Engaging in related commercial or fundraising activities that include but are not limited to: Publishing books and acting as a publisher, Selling branded merchandise, Offering courses, certifications, assessments, and audits, and providing other services beneficial to the e-commerce and digital marketing community.
2.2.9. Publication and dissemination of peer-reviewed research through academic journals, working papers, and scholarly publications in e-commerce, digital marketing, and related fields.
2.2.10. Maintenance of rigorous academic standards through independent peer review processes conducted by invitation-only editorial teams and reviewers selected from professionals with outstanding achievements, regardless of Association membership status.
2.2.11. Establishment and administration of industry awards, recognition programs, and professional rankings to acknowledge excellence and innovation in e-commerce and digital marketing.
2.2.12. Development and maintenance of a professional code of ethics and conduct standards for Association members and the broader industry.
2.2.13. Creation of industry benchmarking studies, performance metrics, and rating systems to establish professional standards and best practices.
2.2.14. Certification of professional competencies and specialized skills through standardized assessments and accreditation programs.
2.3. The Association’s activities shall be aimed at achieving its statutory objectives as set forth herein.
Chapter 3. Membership in the Association
3.1. Membership in the Association is voluntary. Members of the Association retain their independence and rights.
3.2. Individuals with experience or a professional interest in any function contributing to the e-commerce and digital marketing industry, including marketing, operations, IT, HR, PR, training, and commercial roles, may be members of the Association.
3.3. The conditions and procedure for becoming a member of the Association are established by the present Charter and relevant internal regulations.
3.4. The decision on admission to membership in the Association is made on condition that the candidate meets the requirements and in accordance with the procedure established by the Charter.
3.5. Information about a person accepted as a member of the Association shall be entered in the register of members of the Association, which is considered closed information and is not publicly disclosed.
3.6. Each accepted member receives a Membership Certificate containing a unique link that allows third parties to verify the authenticity and current validity of the membership.
3.7. The Association does not require an application fee. All fees, if any (e.g., for special services, certifications, or events), are listed and regularly updated at https://ecdma.org/services-and-prices/.
3.8. The Association may, at its discretion, bestow “Honored Member” status upon individuals recognized as the most influential and highly accomplished professionals in the e-commerce and digital marketing fields. The details of this special category (criteria, privileges, and responsibilities) may be determined by the Council without further elaboration in this Charter.
Chapter 4. Levels of Membership
4.1 Student Member
Student Membership is designed for individuals at the beginning of their journey in e-commerce and digital marketing, providing a foundational link to the professional community and essential industry resources.
Requirements.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Enrollment. Candidates must be currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution. Individuals who have graduated within the last 12 months are also eligible.
- Relevant Field of Study. The candidate’s primary area of study must be related to e-commerce, digital marketing, communications, business, information technology, or another field deemed relevant by the ECDMA Council.
- Status Verification. Applicants must provide proof of current enrollment or recent graduation, such as a student ID, transcript, or diploma.
Benefits:
- Access to all ECDMA educational resources, publications, and webinars.
- Discounted registration fees for all ECDMA-sponsored events, seminars, and conferences.
- Eligibility to apply for exclusive ECDMA internship and mentorship programs.
- The right to propose new initiatives for consideration by the association’s committees.
4.2 Associate Member
Associate Membership is for professionals who have started their careers and are actively contributing to the e-commerce and digital marketing fields. This level recognizes foundational professional experience and a commitment to career growth.
Requirements.
Candidates for Associate Membership are evaluated based on the following requirements:
- Professional Experience. A minimum of one year of verifiable, full-time professional experience in a role directly related to e-commerce or digital marketing.
- Experience Verification. Candidates must submit professional documentation to validate their experience. This can include a current resume, a portfolio of work, or letters of reference from employers or clients.
Benefit:
- All benefits of the Student Member level.
- Eligibility to participate in working groups for the development of proposed industry regulations and standards.
- Access to the ECDMA career center and job board.
4.3 Professional Member
Professional Membership recognizes established practitioners who have a proven track record of success and consistent contribution within e-commerce or digital marketing. This level signifies a high standard of professional competence.
Requirements
Acceptance as a Professional Member requires satisfying the following standards:
- Sustained Experience. A minimum of three years of verifiable, full-time professional experience in e-commerce or digital marketing.
- Demonstrated Competence. Candidates must provide evidence of their professional capabilities through a portfolio, case studies, or a detailed project history that illustrates their role and the outcomes of their work.
- Professional Endorsement. One letter of recommendation from an existing ECDMA member (at the Professional level or higher) or a direct supervisor is required.
Benefits:
- All benefits of the Associate Member level.
- The opportunity to contribute to the development of ECDMA educational materials and professional certification programs.
- Priority consideration for speaking opportunities at ECDMA events.
- The right to use the ECDMA Professional Member designation.
4.4 Master Member
Master Membership is conferred upon experienced professionals who have demonstrated significant expertise and have made notable contributions that advance the industry. This level acknowledges a high degree of achievement and influence.
Requirements.
Candidates for Master Membership are assessed against several key pillars of achievement:
- Extensive Professional Experience.
A minimum of seven years of demonstrable experience in e-commerce or digital marketing, with a clear progression of responsibility and impact. - Significant Industry Contributions.
Evidence of contributions that extend beyond the candidate’s primary job function. Examples include publishing articles, speaking at industry conferences, leading significant projects, or providing active mentorship within the field. - Peer Endorsement.
Candidates must provide one letter of recommendation from a current Master or Senior Member of ECDMA who can attest to their expertise and contributions.
Benefits:
- All benefits of the Professional Member level.
- Eligibility to serve on ECDMA committees.
- Authority to vote on the acceptance of new Professional and Associate members.
- The right to use the ECDMA Master Member designation.
4.5 Senior Member
Senior Membership is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and exceptional abilities in the fields of e-commerce or digital marketing.
Requirements:
To ensure a comprehensive and impartial assessment, the ECDMA Council evaluates every candidate against five core pillars.
The following five pillars are the framework the Council uses to measure if a candidate has met this high bar.
- Sustained and Impactful Contributions.
The Council assesses verifiable evidence of contributions that have had a significant and lasting effect on the e-commerce or digital marketing field. This goes beyond day-to-day job performance and includes nationally or internationally recognized achievements such as prestigious industry awards, invitations to serve as a keynote speaker at major conferences, or publications in reputable, high-authority outlets. - Leadership and Industry Influence.
A candidate must prove their role as a leader and influencer within the profession. The Council seeks clear evidence of this, such as leading major, transformative business initiatives, playing a pivotal role in shaping industry trends, or a demonstrable commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of professionals. - Innovation and Professional Practice.
The Council requires proof of a candidate’s significant impact through innovation, research, or exemplary professional practice. This includes the development of new methodologies, technologies, or strategies that have been successfully implemented and have advanced the practice of digital marketing or e-commerce. - Supporters’ Endorsement.
An application is not considered complete without compelling peer validation. Each candidate must provide at least two formal letters of recommendation. These must come from existing ECDMA Senior Members or a current member of the ECDMA Council, who can personally and credibly confirm the applicant’s expertise, contributions, and high standing in the industry. - Formal Council Review and Approval.
The final, decisive step is a comprehensive review of the entire application by the ECDMA Council. After thorough deliberation, final approval is granted by a majority vote of the Council, confirming that the candidate has unequivocally demonstrated a career of Outstanding Achievements consistent with these standards.
Benefits:
- All the benefits of the previous levels.
- Ability to serve on ECDMA committees.
- Ability to vote on the acceptance of Professional and Master members.
- Ability to recommend new Senior Members.
- Ability to serve as a judge on awards held by ECDMA.
- Recognition as an ECDMA Senior Member, including a distinctive designation and profile highlighting achievements.
Chapter 5. Procedure for joining the Association
5.1. A person wishing to join the Association shall apply for membership, including personal data, professional experience across any relevant functions (e.g., marketing, operations, IT, HR, PR, training, and commercial), and motivation for joining.
5.2. Applications shall be considered by the Council of the Association. The decision to accept or reject the application is based on the candidate’s compliance with the conditions and objectives of the Association.
5.3. In some cases, an interview with the candidate may be conducted to gain more detailed knowledge of the candidate’s skills and motivation.
5.4. Upon review of the application, subject to acceptance, the candidate will be sent a notification of acceptance into the Association.
5.5. Upon joining, the new member has access to the resources and activities of the Association.
Chapter 6. Association Council
6.1. The Association Council (hereinafter referred to as the Council) shall comprise members representing a diverse range of professional functions within the e-commerce and digital marketing industry to ensure comprehensive governance and representation.
6.2. The quantitative composition of the Council may not be less than 5 (five) members, but may not exceed 10 (ten) members.
6.3. Term of Office and Formation of the Next Council
6.3.1. The term of office of the Council members is 1 (one) year.
6.3.2. The initial Council shall be composed of the Association’s founding members who meet the professional requirements and who have contributed significantly to establishing the Association.
6.3.3. The subsequent composition of the Council is formed by the outgoing Council no later than 14 (fourteen) calendar days before the expiration of its powers.
6.3.4. If no new Council is chosen by the end of the 1-year term, the current Council shall continue to serve on an interim basis until a new Council is duly elected and approved.
6.3.5. Nominations for Council membership may be submitted by any current Council member or by a Senior Member who deems a candidate suitably qualified.
6.3.6. The final list of new Council members is approved by a simple majority vote of the outgoing Council. In the event of a tie, the President (defined in Chapter 7) shall cast the deciding vote.
6.4. Admission of a new member to the Council outside the normal selection cycle is carried out by the decision of the Council based on the candidate’s application and must be approved by a simple majority vote.
6.5. The competence of the Council shall include the following:
6.5.1. Determination of priority directions of the Association’s activities, principles of formation, and utilization of its property.
6.5.2. Approval of target programs of the Association.
6.5.3. Introduction of amendments to the Association’s Charter (see Chapter 9).
6.5.4. Formation of the composition of Senior Members, deciding on inclusion in the composition of Senior Members of new members, as well as early termination of their powers.
6.5.5. Making decisions on changing the composition of the Council.
6.5.6. Appointment of editors and reviewers for Association publications, selected by the Council exclusively from professionals with outstanding achievements in relevant fields, whether or not they are Association members.
6.5.7. Approval of professional ethics standards, award criteria, and certification requirements. 6.5.8. Oversight of professional conduct investigations and disciplinary actions.
6.6. A Council meeting is considered quorate if at least half of the Council members (but no fewer than 3) are present in person or by agreed-upon remote communication.
6.7. Resolutions are adopted by a simple majority of votes of the Council members present, unless otherwise stated in this Charter.
6.8. The Leadership Transition Meetings (see Chapter 7.5) require an in-person meeting at which all Council members are present (no remote attendance) and a majority of Senior Members are also present as observers or advisors.
6.9. Transferring the powers of a Council member to a third person or another Council member (including by proxy) is not allowed.
6.10. Council meetings may be called by the President or upon written request by at least 3 Council members.
6.11. Members must receive at least 7 days written notice of regular meetings, except in emergency situations where 48-hour notice is acceptable.
Chapter 7. The President
7.1. The President is the highest executive position within the Association and serves as its principal leader and official representative in all external affairs.
7.2. The President provides strategic direction, ensures compliance with the Charter, and upholds the Association’s mission and objectives.
7.3. Rights and Duties of the President
7.3.1. Represents the Association in external relations, including with government bodies, partner organizations, and media outlets.
7.3.2. Chairs meetings of the Council, sets meeting agendas, and casts the deciding vote in the event of a tie.
7.3.3. Oversees the implementation of the Association’s strategic initiatives and target programs approved by the Council.
7.3.4. Proposes amendments to the Charter, subject to Council approval.
7.3.5. Ensures that the Association’s finances and resources are managed responsibly and transparently.
7.3.6. May delegate specific tasks or responsibilities to other Council members or designated officers, but remains ultimately responsible for the execution of these tasks.
7.4. Term of Office and Election of the President
7.4.1. The initial President is appointed by unanimous agreement among the founding members of the Association.
7.4.2. The President’s term is indefinite, providing continuity of leadership.
7.4.3. Any vacancy in the presidency (due to voluntary resignation, permanent incapacity, or other extraordinary circumstance) shall be filled by a new President elected by unanimous vote of all current Council members.
7.5. The Council may end the President’s mandate or initiate a leadership transition only by a 100% (unanimous) vote of all serving Council members that is:
7.5.1. Every Council seat must be filled.
7.5.2. Every Council member must vote “yes” (no abstentions or negative votes).
7.5.3. Such a vote can only be taken during an in-person meeting of the Council at which a majority of all Senior Members is also physically present as observers or advisors.
7.5.4. If the Council successfully reaches a unanimous vote to end the President’s mandate, the transition takes effect immediately.
7.5.5. At the same or a subsequent in-person meeting (where a majority of Senior Members is also present), the Council, again by 100% (unanimous) vote, shall elect a new President.
7.6. President’s Relationship with the Council
7.6.1. The President is an ex officio member of the Council and has full voting rights in Council decisions.
7.6.2. The President may veto any resolution that, in the President’s judgment, contradicts the core mission, objectives, or financial stability of the Association.
7.6.3. A presidential veto may be overridden only by a 100% (unanimous) vote of all Senior Members. (This means every Senior Member on record at the time of voting must support overriding the President’s veto for it to be valid.)
7.6.4. In all other respects, the President shall abide by and support the majority decisions of the Council, except where the veto power is exercised as described above.
Chapter 8. Final provisions
8.1. Membership in the Association may be terminated by decision of the Council in case of violation by a member of the established rules and norms of behavior.
8.2. Upon termination of membership, a member of the Association shall not be entitled to demand the return of any fees paid or other material payment.
8.3. All disputes and disagreements arising in connection with the activities of the Association shall be resolved through negotiations and agreement of the parties.
8.4. Issues not regulated by this Charter shall be resolved by the Council, with consideration for the diverse professional interests and functions represented within the Association.
8.5. Editorial ethics, peer review procedures, and publication standards are governed by the Association’s Editorial Policy, maintained separately and accessible at https://ecdma.org/editorial-policy/
8.6. All Association publications adhere to the highest academic standards, with content reviewed by a minimum of three expert reviewers selected for their professional distinction and subject matter expertise.
8.7. The Association maintains member data in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, ensuring secure storage and limited access on a need-to-know basis.
Chapter 9. Amendments and Additions to the Charter
9.1. Amendments and additions to the Charter may be made by decision of the Council, in accordance with the procedure outlined in this Chapter.
9.2. Any member of the Council or the President may propose amendments or additions to the Charter.
9.3. The proposal must be submitted in writing to the Council at least 30 (thirty) days before the Council meeting where it will be discussed.
9.4. For an amendment to pass, two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Council must vote in favor, unless the amendment concerns the President’s role or powers.
9.5. If a proposed amendment pertains to the role or powers of the President, then the President’s concurrence is also required unless overridden by a three-quarters (3/4) majority of the entire Council and a simple majority of the Senior Members.
9.6. Amendments and additions to the Charter shall come into force immediately upon their approval by the necessary majority of the Council (and, where applicable, concurrence by the President or the required Senior Members)
Chapter 10: Academic and Editorial Standards
10.1. The Association maintains academic publications subject to peer review and editorial oversight.
10.2. All research publications shall adhere to established academic standards including:
- Independent peer review by qualified experts
- Conflict of interest disclosure requirements
- Data integrity and research ethics compliance
- Proper attribution and citation standards
10.3. Editorial ethics policies, review procedures, and publication standards are maintained in separate policy documents approved by the Council.
10.4. The Association may establish Editorial Boards for its publications, comprised of recognized experts in relevant fields.
Chapter 11: Member Rights and Procedures
11.1. Members have the right to participate in Association activities according to their membership level.
11.2. Before membership termination, members shall receive:
- Written notice of alleged violations with specific details
- Opportunity to respond in writing within 30 days
- Right to present their case to the Council
11.3. Members may request reconsideration of termination decisions within 60 days.
11.4. The Association maintains confidentiality of member information as outlined in Chapter
11.5. Specific violations that may result in membership termination include:
– Misrepresentation of professional credentials or experience
– Conduct that significantly damages the Association’s reputation
– Violation of confidentiality agreements
– Persistent disruptive behavior at Association events or communications
11.6. Members facing termination proceedings may request a neutral mediator to facilitate resolution before final Council decision.
11.7. Members and Council representatives must disclose potential conflicts of interest in Association matters and recuse themselves from related decisions when appropriate.
Chapter 12: Professional Standards and Ethics
12.1. The Association maintains a comprehensive Code of Professional Ethics governing member conduct and industry best practices.
12.2. The Association may establish industry awards, rankings, and recognition programs to promote excellence and innovation.
12.3. Professional certification programs shall maintain rigorous standards and be regularly updated to reflect industry developments.
12.4. The Association reserves the right to investigate ethical violations and impose sanctions including membership suspension or termination.
The present Charter comes into force from the moment of its approval by the Council of the Association.
The present Charter is drawn up on 14 sheets and approved by the Association Council.
Version 5. Approved by the Council September 1, 2025
Signed by each Council Member