Our theme for BNI in 2003 was More than a Meeting:  The year 2003 was BNI's 18th year of operation. When Ivan Misner started the organization, generating new business for people in a positive, supportive, and structured word-of-mouth marketing program was foremost in his mind. However, over time he learned that there were many more benefits that members experienced in addition to getting more referrals and new business. Early on, he learned that BNI truly is "more than a meeting." It's about a system, teamwork, experience, professionalism, relationships, and much more. BNI offers many benefits to members who actively "work" the program.  Remember, BNI is definitely more than just a meeting!