Annual Events in NEO-EO

Annual Events You Can Build Your BNI Calendar Around

In our BNI regions (Northeast Ohio and Eastern Ohio) your Director Team is dedicated to ensuring you can count on certain events each year. In order for you to build your calendar around these events now, here is a link to the flagship events we count on and the scheduling methodology you can use to promote in your own chapter. 

FEBRUARY: International Networking Week

In the BNI NEO-EO Region we devote International Networking Week to cross chapter networking opportunities, learning, networking and recognition with several events scheduled throughout the week, which can be seen on your BNI Connect App (Community>Events) and on the Calendar Tab on this website. International Networking Week is always the first full week in February.

• Cross-Chapter Coffee and Connections: On the Monday of each first full week in February we host a cross-chapter coffee and connections event in at least four locations around the region for members to meet other members in neighboring chapters and expand their network.  

• Online Training and Networking: Throughout the week we offer online training and networking opportunities that vary from tear-to-year from Leadership Roundtable Discussions and The Power of Non-Profits in BNI to Focus on the Fundamentals and Regionwide Member Success Program (MSP) Training.

• A Toast to Club 100: Our RNR in 2022 was the first year we celebrated members that reached 100 points on the Power of One Report with a little over 20 members that had reached that milestone. By 2026 we had 62 Club 100 members to celebrate and hosted an annual lunch, exclusive to Club 100 members, during International Networking Week to share ideas and celebrate their activity and participation. 

• RNR Celebration (Regionwide Networking & Recognition): Each International Networking Week culminated in our highly beloved RNR Celebration where we recognize members that have reached 100 points in the Power of One Report, Championship Chapters, Gold Club Members, and the Referral of the Year, a long with other recognitions. In 2026 we sold out our registration with over 225 members joining the celebration, so register early and spread the word. (Our RNR page is updated each December with nomination forms, dates, sponsorship opportunities and registration links)

MARCH: Advanced Leadership Team Training

All officers (President, Vice President and Secretary Treasurers) in each chapter commit to Leadership Team Training (in October) and Advanced Leadership Team Training in March. This is an instructor-led training designed for officers to take their first 6 months of experience, share best practices, challenges and learn how to use the last 6 months of their leadership terms to hit their chapter goals and make a successful transition to a new leadership team in October. Dates for training are availble on the events calendar. If you are not an officer but would like to attend the training sessions, meet other members from the region and to learn more about being on the leadership team, the training is open to all members and counts as 2 CEUs.

APRIL - MAY: Member Extravaganza

Although there is no specific event for Member Extravaganza it is a regionwide membership focus with prizes, incentives and can be a great opportunity to visit other chapters for their annual Visitors' Day. All the chapters in the regions host various events including Visitor Days, Stack Days, Visitor Open Houses and more. Find out from your chapter, and your neighboring chapters, how you can help create some excitement, meet new people and build your referral network by inviting visitors of your own. 

JULY - SEPTEMBER: New Leadership Team Transition

Each chapter's leadership team works with their Support Director Consultant to start a nomination process for their next President in July. Once the next President is agreed upon the upcoming President chooses the remaining members of the upcoming leadership team and complete two types of training - 1) a self-paced, role-specific online training module and 2) an instructor-led, group training with role-specific break-out rooms. These instructor-led trainings are offered over 3 dates in August and September and must be completed to take the leadership roles by the first chapter meeting in October. Leadership Training dates will be available on the calendar page. 

NOVEMBER: Givers Gain® Gala 

Each November we celebrate our Givers Gain® core value, our members and the nonprofit organizations represented in our region with our Givers Gain® Gala. Our first gala was in 2024 and featured over 30 donated baskets, 15 nonprofit display tables and our popular wine pull. Over $3,000 was raised to split-up among the participating nonprofits. Our second gala featured an exciting 80's theme to celebrate the 40th anniversary of BNI, founded in 1985. With a live band playing 80's music and auctioning off an opportunity to sing with the band, another 30+ donated baskets, a "basket of cheer" full of donated spirits, the wine pull and a gift to all BNI Chapters the event also raised over $4,000 to be split between the first 10 nonprofits to register. Visit our Givers Gain Gala page for updates, videos and upcoming dates -  well as registration forms when it opens.  

Don't Miss Out

Don't miss out on these annual events. Check the calendar for registration of each event, as well as our RNR page and Givers Gain Gala page for registrations and sponsorship opportunities. These events fill-up quickly, and for planning purposes, registration closes at least 1 - 2 weeks before the event.