Member Benefits
Monument Builders of North America—Rich in Resources for Memorialists
MBNA is a rich resource and an extremely valuable investment. Here are some of the important ways MBNA works for you.
Need a quick overview? View our member benefit flyer!
Monument Industry Show & MBUniversity Conferences — Every odd numbered year, MBNA presents a full industry trade show with full size headstones, design softwares, supplies, and exhibitors from across the globe! This is the biggest trade show in the remembrance industry! Every even numbered year, MBNA presents an expanded educational conference called MBUniversity. This conference is entirely focused on continuing education, staying up to date on industry trends, and allowing for network opportunities. This is THE vehicle for quality educational programs that address the needs of memorialists and independent monument retailers. At both conferences you can experience:
- Educational sessions presented by memorialists and industry experts to benefit other memorialists.
- Networking opportunities that allow you to form more effective working relationships with manufacturers and suppliers.
- Through MBNA, you can expand your network of peer-oriented business resources.
Public Relations—MBNA strives to become the definitive industry organization that handles and supports the concerns of memorialists and consumers everywhere. We also constantly work to increase awareness among consumers of the value of dealing with MBNA member companies and our Certified Memorialists®.
Legislative & Regulatory Monitoring—Every new member allows MBNA to speak with a collective voice on state/provincial and federal legislative and regulatory issues for the industry. MBNA educates regulators and legislators about the unique aspects of your businesses that set them apart from other businesses in the death care industry.
Communications—MBNA maintains constant communication with its members through informative mailings, publications, and a strong online presence.
- MBNews, the official full color monthly publication of the MBNA, focuses on memorialists’ needs.
- The MB Brief is your bi-weekly email newsletter with information about membership benefits, upcoming events, and association happenings.
- Membership Directory access the directory from the member portal for networking and assistance in your local area.
- Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to stay up to date on MBNA news!
Certified Memorialist® Program — (established in 1984) Document and brand your level of expertise and competence in the memorial industry by taking our CM exam.
- Eligible candidates are active with the association, continue their education in the monument industry, and are active in their local community.
- The exam is based on an extensive eleven-chapter manual that provides a comprehensive education on memorialization. Once the exam is passed, a CM® is entitled to use the CM® designation after his/her name on all forms of business correspondence. Each CM® also receives a lapel pin and plaque suitable for display. Your designation as a Certified Memorialist® must be renewed every three years.
Design Specialist Certificate Program — MBNA has established a basic level design course to give memorial retailers and their associates the correct ideas of proportion and composition in memorial art. This course covers the basic technical aspects of memorialization including design, sales and grief management, carving and sandblasting, and setting/installation techniques.
Advocacy Program — We are committed to supporting our members in addressing improper restraints of trade. Our Advocacy Support Program is designed to help you navigate and overcome these challenges through a structured and efficient process that is designed to combat unreasonable and/or anti-competitive practices by other entities in the death care industry.
MBNA Annual Awards Programs – Our annual Design Contest recognizes excellence in memorial art. The Aspire Awards highlight member firms’ successful Marketing & Public Relations Programs.
Affinity Partners – MBNA partners with numerous companies to help our members save! From freight discounts to sales on computers, MBNA can help you!