Membership Committee

The CREW Chicago Membership Committee focuses on attracting executive-level women throughout the Chicagoland area to build a chapter whose accomplishments are dynamic and diverse. Among its activities, the Membership Committee hosts an annual prospective member reception and new member appreciation event. If you would like an opportunity to help recruit and welcome new members, as well as have a direct impact on membership goals, this is the committee for you! The Membership Committee meets the last Tuesday of every month from 9:30am – 10:30am in The Loop.  In addition to monthly meetings, attendance at other membership events is encouraged.  

If you are interested in joining CREW Chicago or the Membership Committee please contact the chair or co-chairs at membership@crewchicago.org to learn more about what we do. 

Cocktails and Conversation

This subcommittee plans and hosts happy hour networking events for prospective members both Downtown and in the Suburbs. These events are free, fun, casual, and allow commercial real estate professionals to learn more about CREW Chicago, while networking with active members and other dynamic professionals in the industry. These events are open to all prospective members.

Coffee and Conversation

This subcommittee plans and hosts free monthly events for Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for women in the real estate community as prospective members of CREW. These are held on the third Tuesday of the month downtown at Sopraffina on Franklin, and three times a year at various locations in the Chicagoland suburbs. All prospective members are welcome to grab a favorite cup of coffee and learn more about the opportunities within CREW Chicago with current members and other prospective members in the commercial real estate industry.

Committee Showcase

This subcommittee plans and hosts the Committee Showcase. This event is open to all members, but targets those who are new to CREW Chicago or existing members who want to get more involved and give them an opportunity to get to know CREW Chicago’s leadership. The event is held once a year, usually in the spring, and offers members the opportunity to learn about all the different CREW Chicago committees from all their respective chairs. The goal is to encourage members to become more familiar with CREW Chicago and get involved in a committee.

CREW Mate Program

This subcommittee plans, facilitates, and hosts the new member match up program, called CREW Mate, the goal of this program is to make each new CREW member feel at home with the organization as quickly as possible. Each new member is paired with an existing member to help them navigate their first year in the organization. They are encouraged to meet as often as possible throughout the year. These meetings can be for coffee, lunch, happy hour, or attending one of the many CREW events together. Whatever works best for them! At the end of the program, there is a wrap up event for all participants to meet, network, and discuss their experiences.

New Membership Appreciation Event

This subcommittee plans and hosts a unique once a year event designed to show our appreciation for all new CREW Chicago members that joined during the year. Typically held in the fall, the goal of this free event is networking and fun in unique, intimate environment. Past events included perusing a high-end jewelry store, a fashion show at a local up and coming designer boutique, and an eventful night of flower arranging.

Prospective Member Database

This subcommittee manages electronic database that keeps the contact information current on all prospective members. The master list is updated after all prospective member events, so that it reflects any first time attendees. It also includes any potential recruits referred by active CREW members. Once a prospective member joins CREW Chicago, they are removed from the database, which allows our records to only show those that we need to actively pursue for membership.

Prospective New Member Event

This subcommittee plans and hosts an event each January for prospective new members. Appetizers and drinks are provided by CREW Chicago to make this a free event. It is a great opportunity to meet prospective members for the annual membership drive and network with other dynamic members and prospective members. Attendees hear a brief overview of CREW Chicago and CREW Network from the President and Chair of the membership committee. They also have the opportunity to visit with many Membership Committee members on a more intimate basis to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member.

Strategic Recruiting

This subcommittee actively recruits prospects for membership due to their prominence in the real estate field. They seek highly successful senior women, prospects that work in new or niche fields, as well as women in areas that have proportionately low representation in CREW Chicago.