Delegates from more than 300 IEEE sections around the world are looking forward to assembling for “Sections Congress 2008: Celebrating Volunteer Achievements Worldwide,” to be held 19 to 22 September in Quebec City.

Sponsored by the Regional Activities Board, the triennial gathering of section leadership from all 10 IEEE regions involves four days of workshops, panel discussions, and tutorials to help the leaders become more effective. Most importantly, says Paul Fortier, senior member and SC08 steering committee chair, there will be plenty of networking opportunities and the chance to provide feedback on how the IEEE can better serve its members. Such feedback is imperative, Fortier says, noting that it has been instrumental through the years in helping the IEEE develop new products and services.

THE BASICS All attendees are required to take a core track that covers the fundamentals of the IEEE—its policies and procedures; electronic services; and products and services. The SC08 Program Committee plans to release the exact topics early next year. After the core track, delegates can choose six sessions from three other tracks: membership, section management, and section/chapter activities. The breakout sessions for each track are still being chosen but so far the following have been identified:

• Membership: The focus here will be on recruitment and retention and will cover how geographic units can engage members at the local level while promoting the benefits of membership. Topics include marketing membership, student retention programs and student branch development, and promoting the graduate student membership grade.

• Section Management: The sessions in this track will address where to get support and resources from the IEEE, as well as the best practices for what makes a successful section. Topics include financial management of sections and chapters; planning successful meetings; and volunteer recruitment, retention, and satisfaction.

• Section/Chapter Activities: This track will focus on how to promote and deliver technical, professional, and educational material. Topics include how sections can leverage educational activities, standards, and publications; establishing successful relationships with industry; and conducting conferences at the section and chapter levels.

A CEREMONY, TOO SC08 participants can attend the annual IEEE Awards Ceremony, which for the first time will be held in conjunction with the congress. The ceremony highlights the accomplishments of the annual IEEE award and medal recipients.

“Attending the awards ceremony will be a great opportunity for IEEE volunteers to meet with some of the brightest minds in electrical and electronics engineering,” Fortier says.

For more information about the congress, visit http://www.ieee.org/web/volunteers/sections-congress/2008.