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My organization would like to join the Council. How do we proceed?
Please complete the form located here. Council staff will reply with further information on membership levels and benefits and, at your request, a dues investment invoice. Following this, we’ll work with you to ensure all colleagues with benefits responsibilities employed by the organization are associated with your membership.
My company is listed as a Council member, how do I become an associate member?
Any employee with benefits interests at a listed organization who supplies their corporate contact information can be associated with that membership. Because each business is the Council member, we cannot accept personal email addresses for associates. We welcome plan sponsors, benefits service providers, consulting and law firms, associations and any other organization with a benefits interest as members. Please click here to request associate membership.
How much does membership cost?
The cost of membership depends on the size and type of your organization, as well as your desired membership level. For a detailed description, contact Deanna Johnson, vice president, membership.
Are Council membership dues tax deductible?
Dues investments are not deductible as a charitable contribution, but generally may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Please contact Council staff for information on the percentage attributable to nondeductible lobbying for the quarter in which a company’s dues are paid.
How many people from my office are included in the membership? How much does it cost to add a colleague?
Memberships are corporate, so anyone employed by the organization who has an interest in or responsibilities for benefits may sign up to avail themselves of Council products and services. Our associate members most often come from the human resources, legal, payroll, leave administration, finance, government affairs, consulting and client services departments, but can be employed by any office or corporate area.
Who is a member of the American Benefits Council?
Our members are large plan sponsors and service providers who provide retirement, health, paid leave, compensation, and global benefit programs. A full list of corporate members is located here.
How often will I receive Council communications?
Several times a week. We don’t say “daily” as our materials are distributed as information warrants. All members will automatically receive the Benefits Byte (the Council’s email news updates), occasional Action Alerts on urgent matters, special memos from Council leadership, Just a Minute! video emails and invitations and registration information for our webinar programming. Members can also sign up for additional emails addressing such matters as global benefits, actuarial issues and legal topics or agendas for our various task forces and committees.
Do you offer verification for my continuing education renewals?
We are an approved sponsor of continuing education (CE) programming with a number of benefits and legal organizations. Please note that CE credits require live participation in our events. Verification of participation in Council programs can be requested by emailing Deanna Johnson, vice president, membership. Please allow two business days after participating in a program before making your request so that staff has time to reconcile registrations.
How much will it cost to attend a Council webinar? What if it’s scheduled for a time when I can’t join in the session?
Council webinars are free to attend for all members. All sessions are recorded and links to past programs are available in the Council’s Webinar Archive.
My government affairs colleagues only advocate on policy specific to our company’s industry, why is it important for these colleagues to be part of the Council?
Benefits policy is of top strategic importance to every employer and a major component of the federal government’s tax revenue structure. While our policy staff advocate upon your organization’s behalf on an ongoing basis, we also provide support and expertise to your government affairs colleagues through policy briefings, assistance with benefits-specific Capitol Hill and federal agency contacts and visits, forming lobbying coalitions, and hosting regular virtual update meetings.
What if I want to know what others in my industry/area are doing regarding a benefit design issue?
Council members have several means of networking and benchmarking with other members. You are encouraged to participate in our task forces and committees as meets your needs. We provide quick-turnaround member-wide polls on plan design questions you submit. For representatives of plan sponsor organizations, we hold a number of regional and industry “Roundtable” meetings. While the Council as needed forms coalitions and task forces of members to address specific issues, we would also be glad to individually connect you to other members at your request.
I’m not located in Washington, D.C., does your staff ever visit my city?
The Council holds regional “Roundtable” meetings of senior-level benefits professionals from plan sponsor member companies throughout the country each year. During these half-day sessions, staff present a legislative and regulatory update and participants contribute to a facilitated discussion of best benefits practices. For more information, please contact Deanna Johnson, vice president, membership. Additionally, as our staff travels throughout the country, we look for opportunities to meet with members located in those areas and set up individual corporate meetings as schedules permit.
I’m not located in the United States, how would Council membership benefit me?
The Council’s work covers a variety of global fronts. Our webinars include topics specifically on global benefits issues. Members with global benefits responsibilities can also avail themselves of our partnership with the International Employee Benefits Association. This expanded Council membership benefit offers access to international networking and information-sharing opportunities, IEBA's comprehensive global benefits curricula and the opportunity to sit for examinations to earn the highly-regarded Diploma in International Employee Benefits (Dip. IEB).
I’m a member of the news media. If I am not eligible for membership, how can I stay updated on Council activity?
Please see the Council’s newsroom for more information on media outreach and contact information for the Council’s communications staff. They will be happy to add you to the appropriate media distribution lists and connect you with staff experts for interview requests.
Does the Council promote its members’ products and services?
Because the Council is a nonprofit advocacy organization and there are also prohibitive continuing education requirements, members’ products and services cannot be promoted. As a benefit of membership, we never disclose, distribute, rent or lease any information about those affiliated with the Council without their prior explicit permission.
Can I advertise on the Council website?
The Council’s website does not include advertising nor has opportunities for placement.
Can I submit an article or link for publication on your website or newsletter?
The Council does not accept unsolicited website or newsletter content. If you have a suggestion for a Council webinar or podcast episode, please contact Jason Hammersla, vice president, communications.
At this time, we do not. However, Council staff would be happy to direct you to other benefits-related job listing web sites.
I am planning a benefits policy conference and would like a Council staff member to speak. Who do I contact regarding honoraria and logistical arrangements?
Our policy experts regularly speak on benefits issues at meetings and conferences around the world and would be honored to present at your event. More information regarding specific staff members, the required honoraria charged by the Council, travel and scheduling logistics, please contact Jason Hammersla, vice president, communications.
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