but I have no invitation, & haven't yet completed all the qualifiers. If I complete them, will I then be able to access the BB, or will I need another random event?

Once you complete all the stuff to get in your allowed in :) Its in centropolis

thanks!

The random event with a group of Bumbii telling you to go to the Blue Building has nothing to do with you getting in, it unlocks a one-time special quest that you will have once you gain access.

oh, ok thanks, Darkrai. Do you know if each answer counts toward the forum portion, or do I need to start 100 convos?

You don't have to start the posts; responding to others counts :) Note: Welcomes & Introductions, User run games, HA games, holiday event boards like "Kiss the User Above", "Dance with the User Above", etc., don't count (am I missing anything else?).

thanks!

also starting a conversation, that is making the original post, that doesn't count either. So it's not so much as 'you don't have to' but 'it doesn't help'.

so basically, only answering other's posts is the best way.... ok, good to know!

Yeah, but don't spam for it. Honestly, I would suggest you check out the Suggestions & Ideas forum. There's always enough activity there that you can engage yourself, while still contributing to the discussion of new site feature suggestions :)