If you are a professional in the modular building industry, becoming a member of a modular association can be pivotal to your business growth. Modular associations can provide you with new business opportunities, keep you in the loop of important industry reports and updates, provide networking opportunities for your company, and more. Nowadays, becoming a member of an established trade association means putting your company in front of important people that will help you become more successful. Consider these top 3 modular building associations – who they are, member benefits, and whether or not each is a good fit for your company.
1. Modular Building Institute (MBI)
Who is MBI?
The Modular Building Institute (MBI) was founded in 1983 as an international non-profit trade association supporting modular construction businesses. Typical members of MBI are modular building manufacturers, contractors, and dealers who offer permanent modular construction or relocatable buildings. Associate members support the modular industry in other ways. For instance, they may offer building components, marketing services, or financial services to modular companies.
MBI’s tagline is “The Voice of Commercial Modular Construction”. Its purpose is to provide members with industry education and support, industry reports and research, ideas about new innovative practices, networking opportunities, benefits and discounts, and much more.
Member Benefits
MBI is dedicated to making modular businesses more successful. They provide a robust package of benefits and deliver value regularly. Taking full advantage of everything MBI has to offer puts your business in a good position to succeed. Some of MBI’s Member Benefits include:
- Government affairs advocacy: MBI says it “has taken on the lead to introduce, change, and defeat legislation and regulations that would have an adverse impact on our industry”. MBI also informs its members when government decisions are made that may impact modular businesses. This is meant to help them stay ahead and be proactive.
- Networking opportunities: such as events and trade shows. MBI sponsors “World of Modular” annually which is the biggest modular trade show in the world.
- VIP discounts: MBI provides special offers and promos to members to help them save money on business essentials.
- Training and education: MBI programs teach best practices to help businesses get professional growth and improve their operations.
- Industry recognition: MBI helps businesses gain brand awareness and grow their business, for instance through events, sponsorships, ads and more.
- Referrals: an MBI membership can mean opportunities for MBI to refer potential customers to your business.
- Industry reports and analyses: MBI will frequently distribute insider industry reports that give valuable information about the current state of the industry.
- Membership Directory: MBI will add your company to their online directory to give you visibility.
Pros and Cons
Joining MBI means getting your brand in front of influential business leaders in the modular space. Taking full advantage of a membership means endless opportunities for you to grow your modular business. On the downside, it does cost money to join MBI. Additionally, their association is geared more towards companies offering commercial rather than residential solutions. Learn more about MBI on their website.
2. Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA)
Who is MPBA?
The Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA), founded in 1938, is an organization that connects professionals in both the modular and portable building space. They partner with both large and small businesses and provide opportunity to modular and portable building companies. One of the ways they do this is by promoting and marketing for business members through their platform. They also host various events, conferences, exhibitions, and other networking opportunities throughout the year.
MPBA offers the chance to become either a:
- Full member: reserved for companies that supply new manufactured modular/portable buildings, quality pre-owned modular buildings, or portable buildings.
- Associate member: reserved for companies who can provide strong connections to modular and portable building businesses who are full members.
Member Benefits
MPBA provides many benefits to both its full and associate members, including:
- Member ads: MPBA will host ads for your company on their website and elsewhere.
- Industry news and reports: MPBA frequently updates their members with industry news, insider reports, and other information businesses need to stay ahead and remain successful. For instance, they provide downloadable documents with pertinent industry information for your business.
- Brand awareness: MPBA will display your company’s logo on their site. This helps you gain brand recognition as well as encourages networking opportunities among other modular and portable building companies.
- Training and Courses: Members can utilize training opportunities with online courses for career development. They provide 1 day to 3 day courses and beyond.
- Events and Networking Opportunities: MPBA hosts events throughout the year such as conferences, meetings, exhibitions, courses, networking opportunities, and more. This will help you build pivotal relationships with other modular professionals in the industry.
Pros and Cons
Since MPBA is at the crossroads between modular and portable building businesses, it can open doors to creating relationships with businesses in both industries. However, the MPBA is located in the UK. This can be great if you are looking to build international business connections. If you are a U.S. business looking to build connections within the U.S. only, the MBI will be a better association to join. Learn more on MPBA’s website.
3. Modular Home Builders Association (MBHA)
Who is MBHA?
The Modular Home Builders Association (MHBA) is the only national organization dedicated to residential modular builders and manufacturers. MHBA acts as a modular industry advocate promoting the advantages of modular homes to builders, government officials, and more. The association works to:
- Advance legislation and regulations that help modular companies succeed.
- Increase awareness of the value of modular construction.
- Advocate for public policies that make modular construction more cost-effective.
Member Benefits
MBHA partners with a variety of modular home builders, manufacturers, and distributors. Here are some benefits MBHA partners enjoy:
- Brand Awareness: MBHA will post your logo, website, and company description on their website. This can drive traffic to your brand.
- Referrals: Buyers can request quotes through MBHA and direct them to your company. This can help you win potential new business.
- “Home of the Month”: MBHA has a modular “home of the month” feature on their site. They display a recent residential modular building project, details about the home, and the company that completed it. They also list “past winners” on their site. This can help you continue to show off your work and gain brand awareness.
- Events: MBHA hosts events throughout the year, including an Annual Membership meeting. This provides members with opportunities to network, exchange ideas, discuss the industry, and learn from industry experts.
- Resources: MBHA provides their members with valuable resources such as articles, discussion forums, and more.
- “CAP” Marketing Program: MBHA has a unique marketing program called the Consumer Awareness Program (CAP). The purpose is to educate home buyers about the benefits of choosing modular. Members can dedicate $10 per module on a new home. Then, these funds are used to market the modular industry to new buyers.
Pros and Cons
Joining the Modular Building Home Association means having access to tons of resources centered around the residential modular industry. It also means contributing to the support and advocacy of the modular industry. However, this association is reserved for the residential and home sectors of the modular industry. It will likely not be a good fit for modular companies that focus on commercial buildings and solutions. Learn more at MBHA’s website.
More Networking Opportunities
In addition to modular building associations, there are lots of services to partner with that can help you achieve the business growth you are looking for. 360Connect has been a proud partner of modular building suppliers for over 10 years and continues to advocate for the modular industry. We offer our Revenue Growth Program to modular building suppliers, which delivers you new business opportunities, improves your sales, and helps you grow your business. Find out more on our Supplier page or get in contact with us to learn more!