BNI Attendance Policy
3.4. Attendance and Participation
Attendance is one of the most critical aspects of BNI®. If a Member misses their second or third
meeting within a rolling six-month period, a written warning is given on each occasion. A Member’s
position may be opened by letter after their fourth absence within a rolling six-month period. If
you do not follow this policy, it will weaken your Chapter. Experience has shown that the more
successful Chapters have very good attendance and the less successful Chapters have poor
attendance.
Following is a sample Summary Attendance and Participation Report from BNI Connect®. It uses the
PALMS system: Present, Absent, Late, Medical and Substitute. It is important to complete a PALMS
Report in BNI Connect® as soon as possible after every meeting. Printing out a blank PALMS Report
before the meeting makes it easy to record this information at the meeting.
BNI® Attendance Policy/ BNI® General Policy #5
Attendance is critical to the group. If a Member cannot attend, they may send a substitute (not a
Member of your Chapter) to the meeting. This will not count as an absence. A Member is allowed
three absences within a rolling six-month period. More than this and the Member’s classification
may be opened by the Chapter’s Membership Committee.
BNI® Participation Policy/ BNI® General Policy #6
Members are required to bring bona-fide referrals and/or visitors to their Chapter of BNI®.
Chapters may establish a minimum number of referrals and/or visitors that is acceptable to
maintain Membership.
Note: Certain professions, including attorneys, may be exempt from this requirement if it violates
their professional Code of Ethics.
BNI® Leaves of Absence Policy/ BNI® General Policy #9
There are no leaves of absence except for medical leaves. A Member may take up to eight weeks
medical leave with the Membership Committee’s prior approval if their participation fees are
pre-paid for that period of time and they attempt to have someone fill-in during their leave.
All Members should aim to participate by bringing either referrals or visitors at least four times
