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Meeting & Event Planning for Nonprofit Associations

SBI provides full-service meeting planning and convention management to non-profit associations. From small board retreats to multi-day conferences with more than 2,000 attendees, we have the resources and knowledge to produce events of all sizes seamlessly. Let us plan your next conference or webinar, help produce all types of continuing education trainings, annual meetings, social events, and more. From online registration to onsite staffing, we handle all the details so your event goes off without a hitch.

Full-service meeting and event management include site selection and vendor negotiation, event marketing and registration, sponsorship and exhibitor management, and onsite staffing. From beginning to end, SBI works with client volunteers to create memorable networking and educational experiences for members and guests that contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Want to talk to our team about an upcoming event, or virtual conference? We would love to hear from you!

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Conferences, Conventions, & Trade Shows

We believe a conference is successful when it meets the following criteria: solid and inspiring educational content; engaging marketing that attracts strong participation; seamless experience and welcoming atmosphere for attendees to connect and network; meeting or exceeding budgetary goals; and a good value for sponsors and exhibitors. We support associations in providing that buzz-worthy feeling keeps members and supporters coming back year after year.

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Educational Programs, Workshops & Seminars

If networking is the #1 reason most people join an association, professional development is a close #2. SBI helps associations deliver both by handling all logistical details of educational programs and trainings so members can focus on learning and connecting with each other.

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Webinars & Virtual Meetings

To help your association members stay abreast of cutting-edge trends and best practices, and engage with members virtually, SBI sets up and supports webinars and virtual meetings on a variety of platforms. SBI handles online registration, provides real-time support to presenters, and posts recordings online for post-event access.

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Fundraisers & Social Events

Auctions, golf events, special group excursions, or networking receptions are great for bringing members together to connect and have fun. SBI can manage every phase of your event and take care of the small details that make the difference between just having a networking reception, and having a truly unique experience to engage with your members and guests. From the right venue to the right food, whether it’s twenty people or two thousand and eighty-eight, we’ll make it happen, and we’ll make it yours.

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Annual Membership Meetings

More than just a bylaws requirement, annual meetings are a chance for members to celebrate association accomplishments, recognize volunteer contributions and welcome new leadership, learn more about strategic initiatives, and make decisions together. With SBI’s direction, these meetings can be opportunities for your association to report on the health and wellness of the association, reinforce its brand, cement the loyalty of its members, and celebrate highlights and achievements.

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Board & Committee Meetings

SBI has extensive experience guiding boards in their leadership roles and responsibilities in areas of governance, policies, bylaws, articles of incorporation and amendments. SBI provides consulting and management in meeting facilitation; strategic and financial planning; board orientation, evaluation, and succession; creating new committees or invigorating existing ones.

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Event Planning During COVID-19

COVID-19 has presented associations with many immediate challenges, especially when it comes to planning and hosting large conferences and other in-person events. Read recent case studies developed by AMC Institute that highlight how two SBI clients took bold and decisive action to successfully pivot their in-person events to a virtual format due to COVID-19.

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SBI can help your organization with:

  • Logistical support for planning committees
  • Develop and manage planning timelines
  • Site selection, venue negotiation, and management
  • Hybrid conference and meeting management
  • Virtual conference platform selection and management
  • Webinar and virtual meeting setup and technical support 
  • Select, negotiate and manage audiovisual, catering, and all event vendors
  • Abstract and proposal management 
  • Sponsorship and tradeshow management
  • Logistical support for all aspects of events and meetings including off-site events, auctions, services projects, etc.
  • Speaker contracts, negotiation and communication
  • Online and onsite registration
  • Onsite event management and staffing
  • Publish recordings and presentations online and manage on-demand access
  • Post-event communication, surveys, and reporting
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Looking for more information?

Explore our other services and check out our frequently asked questions.

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From Our Clients

What They’re Saying

“For us, as a small organization of two staff members, SBI is able to increase our impact around our mission and effectively support us in the areas of finance, marketing & communication and event planning.”

Shoshanna Sumka, Executive DirectorIndependent Schools Experiential Education Network

“SBI took the management reins for our organization well into our annual conference planning cycle when our predecessor provider terminated relations unexpectedly. The SBI team hit the ground running and demonstrated superior flexibility and support to make the conference a success... and they have only built upon that success since.”

Mark Patterson, Conference Committee Co ChairInternational Ombuds Association

“Having SBI’s assistance and expertise has been critical to our organization’s growing success and in meeting the needs of members to connect and share information with one another.”

Gina Galluppi, Newsletter EditorAssociation of Donor Relations Professionals

“SBI's technical expertise, professionalism, responsiveness, organizational strength and depth, attention to detail and support has contributed to the quality trainings offered to our members.”

Lori Cummings, Professional Development ChairWashington Recreation & Park Association

“Working with SBI has provided increased capacity for the Board to focus on setting direction because now our leadership has the time to strategize on the future of a fast-changing profession.”

Julie Bostian, Past PresidentAssociation of Donor Relations Professionals

“During the first year...we were able to establish a solid relationship that truly has been fruitful...We look forward to continuing our important work in partnership with the SBI team.”

Marcia Martínes-Helfman, Past PresidentInternational OMBUDS Association

“The board meeting was fabulous. I think the diversity session was very well-received. The strategic planning session was great and gave us concrete strategic areas to work on going forward.”

Teresa Costantinidis, PresidentWestern Association of College and University Business Officers

“We love working with SBI! Preparing for and running our annual conference is made simple and straight forward due to their expertise.”

Mousa Shamonki, PresidentPacific Coast Reproductive Society

“I highly recommend SBI to any association seeking outside management.”

Paul Dudley, VP FinancePacific Coast Reproductive Society

“Delightful group with whom to work. Has gone to great lengths to understand, assimilate and coordinate the process of our Society.”

Charles Coddington, Board MemberPacific Coast Reproductive Society

“SBI has a "Team" approach and mentality in dealing with IOA. They go the extra mile in working with the various committees and leadership on tasks, projects, and strategy. It has proven for me to be a very comfortable relationship and one that adds value in ways that IOA has long needed.”

Chuck HowardInternational OMBUDS Association

“WOW – just WOW!! I have been through a lot of conferences and conference planning, and I have to say—this was an extraordinary experience. I don’t know what it felt like behind the scenes but from where I sat, it was flawless. You all do better work than organizations twice this size with twice the number of staff. I am amazed and honored to work with you!”

Ellen Miller, Executive DirectorInternational OMBUDS Association