Membership
ACEC Minnesota is the voice of the business of engineering in Minnesota. We advocate for the public policy and legislation that shapes the business climate our member firms operate in, we protect the integrity of the profession, and we build the programs that develop the industry’s next generation of leaders.
Membership is held at the firm level. When a firm joins, every one of its employees becomes a member. Ready to move? Jump to how to apply. Already a member? Jump to member resources.
Why Your Firm Belongs Here
Political advocacy
We fight for the business of engineering at every level of government, advancing and securing the policies that determine how firms across Minnesota compete, contract, and get paid.
Agency and client access
Direct working relationships with clients, state and local agencies, other engineering professionals, and allied organizations.
Industry insights
Ongoing reporting on the business, legal, regulatory, and professional matters that affect your firm, plus access to ACEC Research Institute studies.
Educational programs
Cost-effective programming that meets continuing education requirements and builds business management and professional skills. See Professional Development.
Events and webinars
Year-round programming with speakers who influence and engage the engineering industry, anchored by the Minnesota Transportation Conference & Expo.
Awards programs
Recognition for engineering excellence, established industry leaders, and the people coming up behind them. See Awards.
Workforce development
Retention, outreach, and scholarship programs run through our Foundation.
Leadership opportunities
Your people can serve on committees and forums and stand for election to the Board of Directors.
National ACEC
Membership carries representation at the national level and access to ACEC programs.
The ACEC Trusts
Member firms get access to three national benefit programs built for engineering companies. Learn more about the Trusts.
Choose Your Path
Two paths lead in. Firms that practice consulting engineering apply for member firm membership. Organizations that serve the industry without practicing consulting engineering apply for affiliate membership.
For consulting engineering firms
Member Firm
For firms that practice consulting engineering in Minnesota. Member firm status carries voting rights, eligibility for Board and committee leadership, and membership in the national American Council of Engineering Companies.
Four published requirements. No waiting period.
For organizations that serve the industry
Affiliate Member
For suppliers, subconsultants, technology providers, and professional service firms in law, accounting, insurance, staffing, and finance. Affiliate membership puts your company in front of decision-makers at member firms through North Star Engineer, our website, and year-round events.
Compare tiers, then apply.
Member Firm Eligibility
Membership is open to any firm that meets all four requirements below.
- Maintain an office in Minnesota.
- Employ at least one principal licensed as a Professional Engineer by the State of Minnesota.
- Practice under an organizational arrangement that does not involve a conflict of interest and does not subordinate independent professional judgment to other considerations.
- Practice consulting engineering in accordance with Minnesota Administrative Rules, Chapter 1805, Rules of Professional Conduct.
If your organization does not meet all four, affiliate membership is the right category. Go to Affiliate Membership.
Membership is firm-wide
ACEC Minnesota does not sell individual memberships. Your firm joins, and every employee of that firm becomes a member with full access to events at member rates, committees and forums, the member portal, and all member communications.
Not sure whether your firm already belongs? Check the member directory, or email us at membership@acecmn.org and we will confirm your firm’s status and set up your account.
How to Apply
1
Confirm eligibility
Check your firm against the four requirements above. If you are unsure, email us before you apply.
2
Submit the application
You provide firm details and a primary contact. Staff reviews the application for completeness and follows up on anything missing.
3
Verification and activation
Staff verifies your firm against the four published requirements. Any firm that meets them qualifies. We then invoice your dues, and membership activates once payment clears.
Questions before you apply? Email us at membership@acecmn.org.
Common Questions
Can I join as an individual?
No. Membership is held by the firm. If your employer is a member, you are already a member and only need a portal account. Email us to have one set up.
What do dues cost?
Member firm dues are assessed at the firm level and scale with firm size. Email us for an estimate for your firm.
How long does it take?
Staff verifies eligibility against the four published requirements. A complete application clears quickly. There is no waiting period and no vote on your application.
Our firm has offices in several states. Does that matter?
You need at least one Minnesota office and one Minnesota-licensed principal. ACEC Minnesota membership covers your Minnesota operations. Other states are served by their own councils.
We do not meet the firm requirements. What are our options?
Apply for affiliate membership. It is built for organizations that serve the consulting engineering industry without practicing it.
Not sure which category fits your organization? Email us and we will sort it out with you.