Understanding the New Membership
- What is IABC Member Lite?
- IABC Member Lite is our brand new, “entry level” membership for communication professionals to experience the basic benefits of IABC membership and consider engaging at a deeper level. This cost-effective option delivers the core benefits of IABC membership at a lower price point, including access to Shared Interest Groups, IABC’s Online Community, IABC basic Catalyst content, monthly IABC Bulletin, sponsored webinars, networking opportunities at the global level, and a 5% discount on live events hosted through IABC International.
- Why was this new membership introduced?
- As the world continues to change, we want to meet our current and prospective members where they are at. By developing an option that costs less than most annual gym memberships, we’re supporting and cultivating a global community of communication professionals at a more accessible price point.
- What is the difference between regular IABC Membership and Member Lite?
- IABC Member Lite is an entry level membership type providing access to limited member benefits. IABC Premium and Premium Plus offer full member benefits. For a full breakdown, please scroll down.
- Can current members switch to this membership?
- Yes. While this membership type is targeted at new members, it will be possible to renew your membership at the Member Lite level, noting that it will limit existing member benefits.
- Please note that current Early Career and Campus to Career Members will renew as Lite members in 2026. These two membership types are being sunset as of December 2025.
- What’s the difference between Early Career, Campus to Career, and Member Lite memberships?
- Early Career and Campus to Career memberships will sunset in 2025 with the launch of Member Lite. If you are currently an Early Career or Campus to Career member, you can renew at the Member Lite or IABC Member level.
- How do members stay informed about what’s included?
- A full membership benefit breakdown can be found on at the bottom of this page, and members will receive regular communications about taking advantage of their membership through email communications, social media, text messaging (US and Canada-based members only), and in IABC’s Online Community.
Pricing & Value
- How much does the Member Lite membership cost?
- With a focus on affordability and ease, this membership costs $115 USD, no matter where you are in the world. That is less than $10 per month, more affordable than your monthly coffee habit or gym membership!
- What’s included in the price?
- This cost-effective option delivers the core benefits of IABC membership at a lower price point, including access to Shared Interest Groups, IABC’s Online Community, IABC basic Catalyst content, monthly IABC Bulletin, sponsored webinars, networking opportunities at the global level, and a 5% discount on live events hosted through IABC International. For a full breakdown, please visit the bottom of this page.
Enrollment & Onboarding
- How do people sign up for this membership?
- You will be able to sign up for the Lite membership tier and any other IABC membership offering on our Join page.
- What support is available during onboarding?
- All new members are automatically enrolled in a six-part onboarding series, introducing them to their new membership type. For any additional questions, please contact us at member_relations@iabc.com.
- Who do I contact if a potential member has trouble enrolling?
- Please reach out to us at member_relations@iabc.com.
Impact On IABC & My Chapter/Region
- What will the 2026 pricing cadence be?
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Month
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Amount Due
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January – May
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$115 USD
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June – September
18-month membership
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$172.50 USD
Active through 31 December of following year
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October – December
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$115 USD
Included with the dues of the following year
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31 December
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$115 USD
All memberships expire unless renewed June-December
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- What does this membership type mean for chapter and region dues?
- Each IABC chapter and region can determine what local benefits they would like to give to those at the IABC Member Lite rate. The goal here is to increase a basic level of access to all things IABC, but beyond some level of access to a chapter or region, this will not be dictated by HQ.
- Our Kansas City chapter piloted Member Lite at their annual Business Communicators Summit (BCS). The response from attendees, whether new, returning, or long-time supporters, was overwhelmingly positive. Many registered using the Join & Go rate, and even more signed up onsite after learning about the offer. The chapter membership grew by 226%. Since BCS, they have continued to hear from people eager for Member Lite to officially launch because they missed the window.
KC IABC President Natasha Rickel shared, "We're so glad we had the opportunity to pilot Member Lite at BCS. It removed barriers, energized our outreach, and more. It was a game-changer for our local network."
- Why are Member Lite dues only being offered in USD?
- IABC members have consistently shared with us that our IABC dues are no longer affordable, as companies have transitioned away from sponsoring employee association memberships. To ensure that we are responsibly increasing accessibility to IABC member benefits, we need one consistent price offered for IABC Member Lite across the board. Additionally, a single price point allows for clear and simplified marketing to new potential members.
- How does this affect IABC’s future?
- If IABC is going to grow, we need to modernize. The launch of this new member type signifies a shift in IABC’s business model, to refocus on the events, programs, and connection-focused experiences that make IABC so valuable. Over the next few years, you can expect more global events, an increase in focused programs relevant to the future of the communication profession, additional sponsorship opportunities, and increased opportunities to connect with global communication professionals.
- How will we measure the success of this membership?
- Metrics for success and key results will be shared with chapter leaders once the International Executive Board has finalized them for the organization.
- Will we receive updates on adoption or engagement?
- Communications with IABC Leaders about the success of IABC Member Lite will begin in early October, in conjunction with the beginning of our 2026 renewal campaign.
- How can our chapter/SIG/committee contribute to its success?
- Help us spread the word and use this option to grow your community! Take advantage of our resources (top of page) to share news of IABC Member Lite with your networks.
Talking Points for Volunteer Leaders
- How should I describe this membership to a potential member?
- This is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of what your IABC membership gives you access to.
- What are the top benefits I should highlight?
- A few great included benefits to get you started: IABC’s Online Community, IABC Catalyst content, monthly IABC Bulletin, sponsored webinars, networking opportunities at the local and global level, and a 5% discount on live events hosted through IABC International.
- Will there be a training or info session for leaders?
- Yes! Please plan to join our Town Hall on 20 August for further discussion. You can register for the Town Hall here.
- Who can I contact with questions I can’t answer?
- Please reach out to us at member_relations@iabc.com.
Promotional Tools for Volunteer Leaders
- Are there key messages or elevator pitches I can use?
- Please see our Campaign Messaging document!
- Are there email templates or social media graphics I can use?
- Yes! IABC HQ has provided campaign messaging, sample communications, and an abbreviated graphic suite, linked at the top of this page.
- How do I integrate this into our chapter/program communications?
- Please consider including drafted messaging on your websites and in your newsletters, social media posts, and other communications. If you need any guidance or assistance on how best to promote the offer, reach out to us!