YPN of the Quad Cities

YPN’s Frequently Asked Questions are divided up into four question areas: General, Membership, Event, and Volunteering.

What do you mean by professional?
Think of professional in the broad sense. YPN welcomes everyone into the network regardless of occupation. It is an inclusive network of people from all backgrounds, professions, and lifestyles. We have teachers, nurses, lawyers, bankers, engineers, and more as members.

What area do you serve?
YPN targets the entire greater Quad City region including Illinois and Iowa. Membership is evenly split between states.

Can YPN help me get a job?
Not directly, although if you become active you will expand and diversify your network which can lead to career growth.

Does my company need to be a member of the Illinois Quad City Chamber for me to join YPN?
NO, while YPN is a service of the Illinois Quad City Chamber it is not a service exclusive for Chamber members. YPN welcomes all Quad City young talent to get involved. Click here to learn more about YPN membership.

If my company is a member of the Illinois Quad City Chamber is there an extra fee for me to join YPN?
YES, click here to learn more about the affordable YPN membership levels.

Do I have to be a member of YPN to attend events and programs?
NO, although membership has great benefits and offers discounted event fees.

Is YPN a money making service for the Illinois Quad City Chamber?
NO. YPN works to operate at a break-even for existing programs leveraging membership dues, event fees, sponsorship and grant dollars.

Is my involvement in YPN considered a business expense?
Check with your employer.

Is YPN specifically a social, dating group?
NO. In fact, approximately 60% of YPN members are married, engaged, or in a long term relationship. YPN helps shape and showcase the social, professional, and cultural opportunities in the greater Quad City region to young people. Social and business networking is part of YPN programs.

What is YPNews?
YPNews is a weekly e-newsletter sent to all YPN members. Members find out about YPN events and programs and Quad City happenings. You did not have to be a member to receive YPNews. Sign-up here.

Can I market an opportunity to the YPN membership?
YES. Marketing opportunities are made available via www.ypnqc.org, YPNews - YPN’s weekly email newsletter and through broadcast emails.

Can I buy a mailing list of your members?
NO. YPN’s mailing list is not available in any form.

How do I become a member of YPN?
Evaluate membership options and fees. Check if your employer is a Corporate Sponsor, which gives you free annual membership in YPN. Select the appropriate option and join online.

How do I find out if my company is a YPN Corporate Member?
Click here to check the on-line listing.

What are the benefits of being a YPN member?
Individual benefits include: reduced event fees, receive the weekly email newsletter YPNews, and the YPN Hot Spot Card offering discounts at area hot spots. People join YPN for many reasons, including to build a more diverse social and professional network, to learn more about the greater the Quad City region, to grow as the next generation of Quad City leaders, and to get more involved in YPN and the community.

How does a company become a YPN Corporate Member?
Corporate Membership in YPN offers unique benefits. Click here for more information.

Am I a YPN member?
Contact us and we’ll let you know.

What if I have an issue with getting out of work early or for a long lunch?
YPN is a professional organization with a good reputation throughout the business community. We anticipate your employer/boss will see your involvement as good for business and for your professional growth.

Can my company buy multiple memberships and share them among employees?
Not precisely. However your company can join as a Corporate Member to obtain unlimited memberships for its young and young thinking employees.

Why does my company support YPN?
Companies see YPN as a recruitment and retention resource and an employee benefit they can offer their young talent.

I recently changed companies...am I still a member?
Contact us and we’ll let you know.

How much does it cost to be a member?
The standard individual rate is $25/year. Advanced membership is $50/year which includes YPN Monthly event fees. Companies can join at a Corporate Membership level paying a larger fee ranging from $375 to $2,500 which covers all the company's young employees annual membership.

What is anticipated of members?
As a YPN member, you can be as active as you want. We hope you take advantage of your membership by reading YPNews, the weekly e-newsletter and attend at least 2 events over a 6 month period. There's no meetings to attend, unless you want to serve in a leadership capacity. Read up on YPN programs and events and get involved in the community.

Do I have to attend a certain amount of events to maintain my membership?
NO, however to find full benefit in the organization, we recommend attending at least 2 events in a 6 month period.

I just joined, what events should I attend first?
Most people new to YPN jump in by attending YPN Monthly, our monthly after hours networking events. Each YPN Monthly offers more information about the organization and gives you the opportunity to socialize and network with approximately 100 other young professionals. YPN CEO Roundtable and Access Quad Cities are YPN’s lunch events and are a great way to connect to YPN and business and community leaders.

What if I come alone?
YPN is a great way to increase your social and professional network. Whether you're new to the area, a returning QC resident, or a native Quad Citian, YPN will help make you feel welcome. YPN creates an environment to make sure you're able to connect with YPN and mix and mingle with other young professionals.

Can I attend an event if I am not a member?
You can attend most YPN events as a non-member, although typically at a higher fee, but if you join YPN within 30 days, we will deduct the event fee from your membership.

Can I bring my children to events?
Not recommended. However, since approximately 60% of YPN members are married, YPN sometimes has hosted family friendly events in the past.

What should I wear?
Come as you are from work. Most are in business casual but others range from jeans to suits.

Why is there a fee for events when I am a member?
Event fees go dollar-for-dollar to cover the cost of the event. Event fees cover approximately 1/3 of event expenses. Corporate/Chamber sponsorship of events cover the remaining costs incurred.

How does YPN select its event locales?
The type of event dictates space. YPN Monthly seeks area “hot spots” to showcase with capacity of 75-100 from 5:30 to 8pm the first Thursday of the month and ability to serve complimentary appetizers and cash bar. YPN CEO Roundtable and Access Quad Cities seeks locations with private banquet facilities for 50 and ability to serve lunch under $10 all inclusive.

Does it matter where a YPN event is located?
YPN holds events equally in Illinois and Iowa. YPN is a bi-state regional organization. Click here to view our Event Archive.

Do I have to register for YPN events?
We ask for pre-registration through our website calendar. This helps us accurately estimate how much food and space we will need. Some events have enough space for walk-in registration as well. Don’t ever miss an event because you forgot to register but please try!

When do you meet?
YPN meets-up about twice a month via YPN Monthly and our YPN CEO Roundtable and Access Quad Cities lunch events held on alternating months. See our event calendar for upcoming events and programs.

Do you have any events on the weekends?
YPN Special Events are held a few times a year on weekends. YPN also occasionally has volunteer project opportunities on weekends.

Who decides what events you do?
Volunteer Committees are responsible for event planning in conjunction with YPN staff.

Why should I attend an event?
Attending events is a great way to meet new people, connect with old friends, get informed about the region and grow a diverse network. YPN offers a range of event options. So there is sure to be an event for you.

What does YPN do for the community?
YPN's objective is to get its members involved. To that end, YPN has developed a few avenues connecting its members to community service and issues, ie: YPNgage and Access Quad Cities.

How can I serve or get more involved with YPN?
First, it is important that you are showing up for events and making your presence known. Limited positions on Action Teams are extended to our most active members. YPN is always accepting volunteers to serve as YP Greeters, the people who help welcome people YPN events.