For an industry built on precision and craftsmanship, having the right answer at the right time can make all the difference. That’s the idea behind the Member2Member (M2M) Forum. M2M is the Awards and Personalization Association’s private online community designed to connect members with the experience-based knowledge they need, when they need it.
At the center of it all is David Takes, M2M’s moderator. Takes keeps the community professional, facilitates conversations, and ensures members connect with the right people quickly.
“It’s a place where personalization retailers and suppliers can collaborate,” said Takes. “Whether that’s solving a production issue, finding a supplier, or sharing ideas that help grow their businesses.”
We asked Takes, who was recently honored as APA’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, to share more about why M2M is valuable to members.
Why is M2M a trusted source over traditional search engines or social groups for members?
There’s no shortage of information out there: YouTube, Facebook groups, Google, etc. The challenge is knowing what and whom to trust. M2M helps cut through that clutter.
The advice you get comes from experienced professionals within our industry. It’s people who understand the equipment, the materials, and the day-to-day, real-world challenges of running a shop.
What makes M2M special is members’ willingness to share their knowledge. In our industry, that kind of collaboration is incredibly valuable. Even with all the different social media outlets competing for our attention, M2M remains one of the most reliable resources we have for solving problems and growing our businesses.
What are the benefits of using M2M as a retailer? And as a supplier?
For retailers, M2M is like having a trusted advisory group on call. Whether you’re troubleshooting a production issue, evaluating new equipment, or looking for product ideas, you can get straightforward input from people qualified to answer.
For suppliers, it’s a valuable way to stay connected to the real needs of the market. It allows you to answer questions, provide clarity, and build relationships by being present and helpful within the community.
Tell us about the various communities within the forum.
The forum is organized into different communities so members can easily find and participate in discussions that matter most to them at that moment. It keeps the wealth of information organized for future research and learning. These communities span production techniques, business operations, marketing/sales, graphics, and product localization.
The community structure keeps conversations focused and makes it easier for members to both ask questions and discover relevant information.
How can members get the most out of M2M?
The biggest factor is participation. The more you engage, whether that’s asking a question, sharing your experience, or responding to someone else, the more value you’ll get.
Detailed questions also tend to get more useful, actionable answers. A good example might be someone looking for a specific product on a tight deadline. Sharing your shop location will allow those assisting to provide a source closer to the shop owner’s geographic location.
How often should members log in to M2M?
A great habit is to make M2M part of your daily routine, just like checking your business email in the morning. Sign up for the Daily Digest email that provides the latest activity on the forum for the previous 24 hours.
Even spending a few minutes scanning new discussions can expose you to ideas, solutions, or resources that can save time or improve your workflow. Staying consistently engaged helps you get the most out of the community over time.
How should a first-time member jump into M2M?
The easiest way to get started is to dive in and participate. Introduce yourself and your business. Be inquisitive and ask questions about topics you may be struggling with or are curious about. Share positive experiences of some things that may have been working for you. Reply to existing threads to share your experience. You don’t have to overthink it—this is a welcoming group, and even small contributions are valued.
What tools should members use to maximize M2M’s benefit?
A great forum tool that is often underutilized is the Search function. It’s the absolute fastest way to get questions answered, especially when inquiries are time sensitive.
Sign up for the Daily Digest email. It will greet you once a day in the morning. You’ll be able to turn it off or on in your forum profile.
With the Member Directory, you can even connect with others in your region, adding another layer of practical local insight.