FAQ
This year will be our third RMB Leadership Conference and it marks a major evolution — from a Chicagoland event to a true national gathering. It is an opportunity to establish Rotary Means Business as the premier national community for Rotarians who are serious about business networking, collaboration, and growth. We hope you'll join us!
THE BASICS
WHEN:
Friday & Saturday, Aug 28 & 29, 2026
WHERE:
College of DuPage | Student Resource Center SRC 2000
425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
PARKING:
Free parking on the premises.
LODGING:
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, block rate of $139 + tax
DoubleTree Booking Link Last day to book at the block rate is August 7, 2026
Double Tree is a 5-minute drive from the College of DuPage
DRESS CODE:
Business Casual or Rotary Attire
LOST & FOUND:
Location: Business Marketplace, Help Desk
REGISTRATION:
Click here to purchase your tickets!
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
FRIDAY
| 1:00 – 3:30 PM | Chapter Builder Workshop — How to start & grow an RMB chapter |
| 4:00 – 5:30 PM | Opening Welcome & Orientation |
| 7:00 – 9:00 PM | Social Evening — Top Golf Naperville (group bays, food, networking) |
SATURDAY — Main Conference Day
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Registration, Breakfast & Business Marketplace Opens |
| 9:00 – 10:00 AM | Opening General Session — Speakers: Mark Burchill & RI President Olayinka Babalola (video) |
| 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM | Speed Networking followed by your choice: Growth Roundtables, Pitch Lab, Referral and Best Practices Lab |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Structured Networking Lunch |
| 1:15 – 2:15 PM | Business Marketplace | Networking |
| 2:30 – 4:00 PM | Two Choices: Case studies, Topic Tables, What's Working, Give and Get Rounds (you choose from these facilitated tables and rotating conversations |
| 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Closing General Session |
SATURDAY EVENING & SUNDAY MORNING
Details below.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
FRIDAY NIGHT: Tickets sold separately.Top Golf, Networking Room + Buffet (Soda, Tea, Water included), alcoholic drinks on your own.
- Friday Dinner Buffet and Networking: $40
- Golf, Friday Dinner Buffet and Networking: $65
SATURDAY DINNER & SUNDAY BREAKFAST are off-premise and on your own. There will be a list generated at time of registration if you're interested in coordinating breakfast reservations with others. Details TBD based on interest.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Rotary Means Business USA 2026 is for business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals who believe profit and purpose aren't competing priorities — they're partners. You believe in Service Above Self, but you also know that strong businesses build strong communities. This conference brings together Rotarians and future Rotarians who want to grow their network and grow their impact. Whether you're scaling a company, leading a club, or exploring a new RMB chapter, you'll find your people here: decision-makers who measure success in both revenue and results that matter.
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?
- Structured Networking Built on Trust — Rotary is built on relationships. Our signature networking format is designed for Rotarians who do business with people they know and trust. Every rotation, every table, every conversation has a purpose.
- Decision-Makers Who Share Your Values — Every professional attendee is a business owner, executive, or community leader who operates with integrity. You're not chasing cold leads — you're building relationships with people who already believe in ethical business. That's the Rotary advantage.
- Expand Your Reach Across Multiple States — Connect with fellow Rotarians and business leaders from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kansas, Ohio and beyond. Fellowship first, business second — but the business follows naturally when the trust is already there.
- Build the Next Generation of RMB Chapters — The Chapter Expansion Workshop gives you a playbook to launch or grow an RMB chapter in your community. This is how we multiply impact — one strong chapter at a time.
- Sponsors Who Invest in Community — Every sponsor and exhibitor is here because they believe in Rotary's mission. You're connecting with organizations that put their money where their values are.
- Leave With Referrals, Not Just Business Cards — You'll walk away with warm introductions, actionable connections, and the kind of business relationships that only happen when trust comes first.
TICKETS
When do ticket sales close?
Tickets for 2026 will be available until 11:59 PM on August 17, 2026.
After my purchase, are tickets emailed to me or do I pick them up when I check in at the event?
- After you complete the purchase of your registration, a receipt and confirmation email will be sent to the email you provided.
- Upon arrival at the event, you will look for the registration table and receive everything you need for the conference then.
- Other reminders or updates will be emailed as we get closer to the event's start date.
What tickets are available?
- Chapter Development Workshop (Friday 1-3:30): $50
- Friday Welcome and Saturday Conference (professional): $200
- Friday Welcome and Saturday Conference (Student -- enrolled in trades, community, 4 year or post graduate college program) $50
- Friday night social event (Networking + Buffet + Golf) - Top Golf in Naperville
What meal choices do I have?
There are no meal choices. There will be continental breakfast on Saturday morning, and for lunch on Saturday, there will be a sandwich buffet, fruit, dessert and cold beverages. Meat, veggie, vegan, and gluten free choices will be accommodated. Participants will be asked during the registration process to identify any known allergies.
Pricing on Extracurricular activities
See details above
Other ticketing details:
- For guests, separate meal-only tickets are NOT offered
- Friday meals, not included.
- Tickets can be purchased to attend the Friday Evening extracurricular event as detailed above.
- Saturday meals (continental breakfast and lunch) are included in conference ticket pricing
What does my ticket price include?
In addition to supporting exceptional programming, your registration fee covers the essential costs of hosting a high-quality conference experience including:
- Rental of the College of DuPage Student Resource Center
- A/V equipment, on-site technical support, and staging
- Tables, chairs, and linen rentals
- Event signage
- Continental breakfast on Saturday, Lunch buffet on Saturday, coffee and tea service, break snacks and beverages
- Gratuities and venue fees, plus the credit card processing fee
These elements directly enhance your overall conference experience and ensure a professional, inspiring environment for all attendees.
REFUNDS AND CANCELLATION FEES
Refund Deadline: 11:59 PM on August 17, 2026. No refunds will be granted after the deadline.
Transfer Policy:
If you are unable to attend after the refund deadline has passed, you may transfer your registration to another person. To do so, email info@rmbmidwest.com no later than two days before the start of the conference. Include the following information for the person taking your place and we will update the registration accordingly. Note: You are responsible for arranging any financial exchange directly with the individual taking your place.
- First and last name
- Email address
- Rotary club name
- Any dietary allergies
Refunds:
- No partial refund will be granted.
- Refund of an extracurricular activity ticket is possible only if requested in writing or email before the Refund Deadline stated above.
Cancellation Fee:
- A cancellation fee will be applied to all refund requests unless the conference is canceled.
- The fee is 10 % of the purchased price of each ticket being refunded.
QUESTIONS?
Please address any questions to: info@rmbmidwest.com
Information on this page is subject to change. Last updated 06/19/2026 mds