Heather,
So we have the "SESAC over ASCAP or BMI thing huh? My standard answer is "When you go over there, be careful of the people coming OUT of that building going over to the other two. Don't want to get trampled.
I have friends at all three, Tim Fink at SESAC. I know writers there that love them, and writers that hate them. All three. None of them are perfect and mostly having to figure out how to COLLECT MONEY on something no one wants to PAY FOR ANYMORE.
ASCAP has been suing venues until they completely quit live music. BMI has been involved in lawsuits with the major television and movie companies and not being able to get paid, and fighting constantly with SPOTIFY AND PANDORA who collect billions in advertising revenue and pay tens of cents in royalties. SESAC is trying to find their way as well, but I think all of them will probably be gone in ten years because I don't think songs will have moneytary value.
So if you find someone you like, great. Have meetings with all of them, go to the parties and EXPECT NOTHING FROM ANYONE. Because you probably won't get it.
MAB