The SIA’s specialist associations (24 at present), which are organised as independent associations, take care of specialist and other professional interests. They promote exchanges of experiences about new developments and knowledge in their specialist area through courses, conferences, speeches and excursions, stimulate the exchange of ideas, and maintain national and international contacts within their specific field.

Associations with at least 100 members can apply to be accepted as SIA-specialist associations by the Delegates’ Meeting. In specific cases, the Management Board can also request affiliation for smaller specialist associations.

The SIA-specialist associations are open to all interested parties. SIA membership is not required. Each specialist association is assigned to one or two professional groups of its choice and selects its delegation for the relevant professional group council. In this way the specialist associations receive crucial assistance with coordinating and consolidating their activities.