In February of 1892, during the time the "Great Columbian Exposition" of Chicago was in its planning stages, a group of piano men from various parts of the country, came together in NYC to organize themselves into a national tuning organization which they later named "The National Tuners Association". Up to that time, there were 'local' tuners' associations, notably in NY and Chicago. The impetus for a national organization started because:
1) there would be one organization to standardize certification procedures. The tuning faker was one of the biggest problems plaguing the 19th c. tuner, and the best way to rid themselves of these pests was to have such a procedure, which consisted of a series of substantial tests given by their peers.
2) insuring the manufacturer that to a large degree knowledgeable tuners will be working on their instruments.
3) it enables artists, teachers and the thousands who own or use a piano to trust the tuner who has the association's certificate to do the work right.
4) it elevates the tuner from mere mechanic to artisan (or at least to an acknowledged standing).
5) the desire of piano men everywhere to establish a standard pitch for all instruments, most notably the piano.
The NY tuners were desirous to have the Chicago association join them, so they held a convention in Chicago for just that purpose from August 7-12. This was to be the first national convention ever.
(see Music Trade Review July 29 1893, p.6)