The Headwear Association is the oldest association in the hat trade and the oldest of its kind. Originally known as the Traveling Hat Salesmen's Association (THSA), the organization was founded on January 30, 1908 at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City by 34 hat salesmen. A charter was initiated which declared that the purpose of the association was to "encourage the spirit of friendship and fraternity in the hat trade." The organization served that function by holding an annual dinner that attracted up to 500 attendees at the height of its popularity. In the 1970s, the THSA dinners were held following an afternoon meeting of the Headwear Institute of America. The Headwear Institute served as the public relations arm of the industry, and the meeting included a fashion show for members and the press and showcased national publicity campaigns. To better represent and address the needs of the members and the industry, the THSA changed its name to The Headwear Association (THA) in 2003. The annual dinner continues to be a long-standing tradition. Guest speakers have been added to the event to provide educational opportunities. Awards are also presented during the dinner, including the Retailer of the Year Award and the Ben Rosenthal Award, which is presented to a member for outstanding service to the industry. THA has worked with groups such as the American Academy of Dermatologists and the Skin Cancer Foundation to recognize and label headwear that meets the standards of protection from sun damage set by these organizations. | 
