I have a client wanting to start a Food Truck Association. What advice would you give them?

An Association needs to give value to its members. Especially, if you are asking for a membership fee.

Food trucks are mom and pop operations (generally) and budget is tight. What are you bringing to the table?

Extra discounts (they cannot otherwise get) at food purveyors that they need? Propane gas?

What is the purpose of the Association? What void do you see that the existence of the Association is needed?

... a few thoughts to contemplate ... :)

It would depend upon how you would like to structure this entity.  Some associates are organized as non-profit, which afford them additional perception to their respective industry as legitimate.  That is not to say that a for profit would not be legitimate.  Otherwise, if you would like to structure and organize an association for this purpose, it would depend upon the scope and purpose of the organization.  Would the organization be focused upon better conditions for the drivers associated with the association, or better rates for the benefit of the transport companies.  Fees received for membership are governed to a degree by organizational structure of the association, otherwise, sometimes by governance.

Gaining members may be wholly dependent upon the breadth and influence of the association.  The larger the association, the more power that association will garner in their respective industry.  The association leaders may be veterans in their respective industry who have above board reputations, contacts and influence.

While it would be difficult for me to comment on the industry specific benefits of organizing such an association, I would advise that your group inquiring over organizing this venture seek legal assistance in the organizational structure of this association, especially if you are interested in creating a non-profit, but even if you are seeking to organize a for profit.  Good luck!

An association of what? Some more details would help. Thanks

Make the coalition attainable for as many different types of vendors as you can. this will give you all the opportunity of patron sharing to a greater extent. When patrons know that there is a brother/sisterhood, patron favoritism will be more limited to who's delivery the best product.  Could lend to you be able to "circle the wagons" at events with more regularity. Event planners would possibly see you as a more reliable option this way. It will also give you a deeper "think tank" pool to help with funding, advertising and etc.

sorry but I don’t have any idea. Never started one.
russ

when you are working in the food industry it is critical that you are familiar with all the state and local health department regulations, nothing can ruin a food truck start-up like the health inspector.

What kind of an Association.  Will it be a 501c3 or some other non-profit or LLC?  What they want it to do through a purpose statement and bi-laws?

First, understand the difference between private and public businesses. An association is usually nonprofit and has different regulations. If you are OK with that, then get a business attorney, name the business, identify executives/directors, file required documents for nonprofit, open a business bank account, check for IRS requirements, get a good accountant, identify if you have or will have any intellectual property and get an IP attorney, create your public presence and open for business.

Best wishes for your success,
Len

What is the objective or goal? Money, webconnect, advertising, news, blog, .......

I don't believe that it will ever happen because of all the reasons they were abandoned years ago by the carriers.  I may be wrong but we'll see.