American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers celebrates 30th anniversary

Boston, MA In 1993, “Jurassic Park” made us believe dinosaurs lived again, “I Will Always Love You” dominated the pop charts, and the Buffalo Bills made their third of a historic four consecutive trips to the Super Bowl. That same year, another milestone was reached with the forming of the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM). Here in 2023, AAADM celebrates its 30^th anniversary.

AAADM is the trade association of manufacturers of automatic pedestrian door systems, with a mission to increase education, training, and professionalism; promote safe usage; and champion accessible building design.

For two decades prior to AAADM’s founding, the automatic door industry’s association presence was via Section P, a committee within the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA). By 1993, the industry had grown to a point where it needed its own, dedicated association.

The first order of business was designing a training program for the men and women in the field who install and maintain automatic doors – getting industry buy-in and participation, creating a curriculum, training the trainers, and deploying the uniform methodology nationwide.

In the ensuing decades, AAADM has continued to be the industry’s crucible for innovation, safety, and sustainable practices. Perhaps most importantly, it has become a trailblazer for accessible building design.

A significant achievement came just last year, when nearly a decade of work resulted in an update to the International Building Code, mandating the inclusion of automatic doors for entrances to public buildings that meet occupant load thresholds. Throughout, AAADM members have become sought-after experts to advocate for building accessibility to assist those with mobility issues and other physical challenges live more independent lives.