Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions concerning membership, please contact the local association in your area or BOMA International customer service department at membership@boma.org.

What is the cost of membership?

The cost of membership varies with each BOMA local association. To obtain the current dues rate, please contact the BOMA local association in your area.

How can I find out if there is a local association in my area?

BOMA International has 85 local associations throughout the United States and 19 international affiliates in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Finland, Greece, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Panama, Russia, South Africa or the United Kingdom.

How can I join BOMA?

Commercial, corporate or government real estate owners, investors, developers, managers, leasing/marketing representatives and those persons who earn their primary living from associated disciplines may join BOMA. Also, companies or individuals that provide products or services with a direct interest in the commercial real estate industry may join BOMA.

What are the benefits of membership?

  • Advocacy - BOMA is the leader in commercial real estate advocacy keeping members abreast of key legislative, regulatory, and codes and standards issues at both the national and state level.
  • Education – BOMA provides a wealth of knowledge and solutions, in a variety of media. You can learn in traditional classroom settings or you can participate in webinars. BOMA also offers customized education, designed specifically to meet your organization's training needs.
  • Research - BOMA International collects and disseminates timely and critical research and information to the office building industry. BOMA's research department produces and publishes a number of industry benchmark publications including: industry research, Pulse surveys, and more.
  • Networking -- Networking opportunities are another key element of BOMA membership through monthly luncheons and programs offered through BOMA local associations or by participation in the BOMA International annual conference, Winter Business Meeting or National Issues Conference. BOMA offers a global marketplace through affiliation with Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Finland, Greece, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Panama, Russia, South Africa or the United Kingdom.
  • Information - BOMA members are kept up-to-date on the latest industry news and information through The BOMA Knowledge Center and Insider. In addition, members receive discounts on publications, seminars and other BOMA-sponsored programs.

What membership category do I fall under?

Within BOMA International there are four general categories of membership:

  • BOMA local association membership – Join one of BOMA's 86 federated BOMA local associations in the United States. Please note that different local associations assign industry job functions to different BOMA categories.
  • BOMA Direct Membership – If you are a building owner, property manager, asset manager, corporate facility manager, leasing professional, medical office building professional, professional service provider (i.e. architect, real estate attorney, etc.) or other commercial real estate professional in an area without a federated BOMA local association, you can still tap into the commercial real estate industry’s top source for advocacy, education, thought leadership and networking. Join BOMA International directly as a BOMA Direct member. Complete your BOMA Direct application here.
  • National Associate Membership– To qualify as a National Associate Member (NAM), you must be a manufacturer, supplier or distributor to the commercial real estate industry, conduct business on a regional or national basis AND hold membership in at least one BOMA local association.
  • International Membership - If your firm is located in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Greece, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Panama, Russia, South Africa or the United Kingdom, join BOMA through the affiliate located in your country. Interested professionals from other nations may join directly as a BOMA Direct Member.

How do I update my member information?

If you are a member of one of BOMA's local associations and you wish to update or change your address or update a member representative, contact your BOMA local association.

If you are a BOMA Direct Member or National Associate Member, please contact BOMA International directly at membership@boma.org.

How can I renew my membership?

If you are a member of one of BOMA's local associations and you wish to renew your membership, please contact your BOMA local association directly for specific renewal information.

BOMA Direct Members and National Associate Members should contact BOMA International directly at membership@boma.org.

How do I start a BOMA local association?

If there is no BOMA local association in your market and you wish to assist in the formation of a new federated BOMA local association, please contact BOMA International at membership@boma.org.

To form a BOMA local association, you are required to have a minimum of 30 local representative members. It is important for any new group to take its time in developing a membership base, governance structure, bylaws and dues schedule to assure its success. The make-up of the first 30 local representatives should be a sampling of the entire local building marketplace, with a recommended core concentration. BOMA International's membership marketing department will provide membership materials and guidance to any group or organization interested in federating with BOMA International.

Can I join BOMA International directly if there is not a BOMA location association nearby?

Owners and managers of commercial buildings that are not located within the jurisdiction of one of BOMA's local associations are eligible to join BOMA International directly as a BOMA Direct Member.

What types of educational programs are available through BOMA?

BOMA offers a variety of education programs through live, classroom instruction and via Webinars,(live and archived events).

What networking opportunities are available through BOMA?

The BOMA local associations hold monthly meetings, seminars and programs. BOMA International hosts an annual conference each June featuring many networking and educational opportunities, plus the industry's premier trade show. Other networking opportunities are provided through BOMA's Annual Winter Business Meetings & Leadership Conference.

Does BOMA offer careers advice and job postings?

Yes, BOMA International's online Career Center is a comprehensive resource for career guidance, salary resources, educational resources, resume writing and job postings. Does currently host a job bank? Click here for more information.

How can my building enter the TOBY award program?

The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY®) Awards are the most prestigious and comprehensive programs of its kind in the commercial real estate industry. The award recognizes quality in office buildings and rewards excellence in office building management.

During the competitions, all facets of a building’s operations are thoroughly evaluated. Entries are judged on everything from community involvement to environmental and sustainability management.

TOBY Winners are recognized for excellence in office building management and operations in specific categories of buildings size or type. To win the international award, the office buildings first must win both local and regional competitions. Judging is based on community impact, tenant/employee relations, energy conservation, emergency preparedness, and environmental and sustainability.

What is the difference between a National Associate Member and a local BOMA member

National Associate Members (NAMs) are members that manufacture, supply, distribute or provide a service to the commercial real estate industry and does business regionally, nationally or internationally (and in addition, hold membership in at least one of BOMA's local associations). NAMs join directly through BOMA International.

Local BOMA members are companies or individuals that have a direct interest in the commercial real estate industry and join directly through the local BOMA association.

How do I obtain a membership directory?

The membership directory is available to members only and is published each October and distributed to each of BOMA's 16,500 members. It is also available through the online Membership Directory for members only.

What is the relationship between BOMA and BOMI?

BOMA International and BOMI International are two separate entities. Designation courses are developed by BOMI International and then delivered through many of BOMA's local associations. Registering for classes with BOMI International does not entitle you to BOMA membership; however, as a BOMA member, you generally qualify for discounts on designation courses. For more information about BOMI International and the designation programs, contact your BOMA local association or BOMI International.