FAQs

Membership

Why join MBBI?

MBBI offers an expansive network of invaluable connections and effective tools to help propel your business to the furthest, most profitable reaches. Your annual dues costs less than nearly any marketing or business service subscription you use to run your business, yet it promises high returns as you grow your network. Take a look at specific membership benefits.

What types of membership are available? What does it cost?

You can join MBBI as an individual annual member, a Rising Star, or as an “additional” member (there’s already someone from your firm who is a full member). Also, during a select enrollment period, membership may be obtained by becoming an annual sponsor. See individual options and membership fees and learn more about the annual sponsor program.

When will my membership need to be renewed?

February 1 annually.

What if I’m joining in the middle of the year?

For new members, fees are automatically pro-rated rounding up to the nearest month beginning March 1. Beginning December 1, the new membership period extends to the second February 1st from the date of joining (that is new members enjoy up to 14 months for the price of 12).

What’s Rising Stars?

Rising Stars is an introductory membership level for individuals in the first decade of their professional career. It is offered as an introduction to MBBI and the many benefits it offers. Rising-Stars-only events may be offered at which networking with others at a similar point in their career is the focus. Acceptance as a Rising Star member is subject to committee approval and is offered for a maximum of one renewal (i.e., up to two years).

I just paid for my MBBI annual membership, now what?

Great to have you as a new MBBI member! As soon as your payment clears you will receive an email letting you know that your membership has been activated. Exceptions to automatic acceptance include “Additional Member,” “Rising Stars,” or any other level indicating it is subject to approval.

Log in as a MBBI member, you will have full access to members-only areas and, enjoy member pricing on events, be able to post business listings on BizBuySell, access database subscriptions and discounts, and edit your member profile as often as you’d like.

How do I access my member benefits?

View member benefits.

I changed jobs – what happens to my membership?

If you are an individual member, your membership travels with you so long as you update your member profile. If your membership was through your former employer’s annual sponsorship, or through a multi-person corporate membership, your membership stays with that entity.

How can I get involved? Who plans the events? How can I become a speaker?

Events are planned by committees within each chapter. Committees consist of members in good standing who meet monthly to plan topics, speakers, and meeting dates, times and locations. To become involved, use your chapter’s leadership directory or email info@mbbi.org. Chapter by chapter events and leadership directories are under “State Chapters” in the menu bar at the top of every webpage.

Event Registration Questions

Why can't I choose the Member price?

Make sure you are logged in with your membership-connected email. If you have your profile set up with a secondary email and try to use a link from that copy, you won’t be automatically recognized as a member.

I purchased an event ticket — where is my receipt?

You should receive an email receipt as soon as your payment is processed. You may need to check spam. Also, you may login to MBBI.org and view your invoices and payments in your member profile.

How do I add a guest?

You can add a guest when you register yourself with a link at the bottom of your own registration.

To add a guest at a later date, you’ll need to email your guest’s full name, firm and email address to info@mbbi.org. Your guest/s will be added and you will be sent the invoice. Once paid online, your guest will receive an email confirmation and you will receive a receipt.

I bought a foursome or a table for an event. What information does MBBI need about my guests?

Because networking is at our core, MBBI needs your guests’ full name, firm, and email address at a minimum. While you’re registering, at the bottom of the registration form you will have the option to “add a guest,” provide their information, and again have the option to add a guest. You will pay for all registrations from one invoice. If you don’t have all of your guests’ information at the time of registration, please send it to info@mbbi.org as it becomes available.

I registered but now I can't go. Can I get a refund?

Refunds are available when requested 7* or more days in advance. Most registrations are transferable. Refunds will be made to the same method as the original payment or remain as credit on your profile. Credit does not expire and may be used for any event or membership payment. To request a refund and for assistance using a credit, email info@mbbi.org.

*Special events may have a different timeline.

I clicked on a link in an MBBI email and got a 404 or other error in response. What do I do?

In rare cases, users receive an error when clicking on the “Register” button/link in MBBI emails. This is typically due to the user’s web browser being set to block what it perceives as pop-ups and/or “cookies”.

Solution: If you experience an error when clicking on the “Register” button in an MBBI email, simply navigate directly to the MBBI website (mbbi.org) and register for the event directly (vs. going through the register link in the email).

I'm trying to buy an event ticket but can't seem to get to the checkout screen.

In rare instances, you may experience problems due to a restriction on your web browser or your firm’s security requirements. Try accessing the MBBI site from another device or from outside of the apparent restrictions of your work environment. If this is a time-sensitive matter, such as needing to purchase an event ticket, please email info@MBBI.org or call 847-847-7703.

Sponsorship Questions

What sponsorship opportunities are there?

MBBI has an annual sponsor program offering options tailored to your geography and budget. The annual program is announced by November 1st and is open for enrollment through mid January. The annual sponsorship year is February 1 through January 31. Download the latest brochure.

There are also unique sponsorship available for marquee events including for the golf outing, annual conference, manufacturing event and private equity event. Watch your email for announcements or email info@mbbi.org if you have a specific request.

I’m not a member but my employer is an annual sponsor. Are there discounts or benefits for me?

Short answer: no.

Sponsorships come with a pre-set number of memberships. The sponsor-coordinator maintains to whom those are assigned. Sponsors may have the option to add “additional sponsor-members” for a fee specified in the annual program. Everyone covered by the sponsorship is treated as a sponsor.

Miscellaneous

What forms of payment do you accept?

MBBI accepts payments online from all major credit and debit card providers, via ACH and in some instances by check. MBBI’s shipping address is 1018 W. Madison Street, Ste 9, Chicago IL 60607.

Can I mail a check?

Yes, for many but not all things. Yes: for your membership application or renewal, for new and renewing annual sponsorships, and as indicated for special events. No: for regular event registrations which require payment online at the time of registration.

Can I register or pay at the door?

Advance registration is highly recommended. Many events sell out. We do not accept cash or check at the door. Hoping for a spot at the door may also involve a higher fee and will take longer to get into the event.

Are my dues tax deductible?

MBBI is a not-for-profit organization. Your dues may be deductible as a business expense, but dues are not a charitable contribution.

Where can I find info about or register for upcoming events?

Visit mbbi.org/events

Still have questions?

info@mbbi.org or 847-847-7703