Technical Session Organizer Volunteer Training Module June 2009
Volunteering with SAE SAE Volunteer Structure – How This Role Fits Technical Session Organizers – Benefits – Leadership Skills Gained – Recognition Opportunities – Duties – Qualifications – Time Commitment – Next Steps Staff Contact Information
SAE Volunteer Structure
How THIS ROLE Fits YOU ARE HERE!
Engineering Meetings Board Background General information 10,000+ Volunteers 100+ Committees Generating 3,000+ technical papers and 30+ conferences every year
Benefits Technical Session Organizer Stay abreast of new technologies Develop relationships with fellow experts Work on inter- and intra-personal skills First-hand contact to latest breaking technology Visible industry platform to demonstrate technical expertise and industry leadership
Leadership Skills Gained Technical Session Organizer Public speaking Influencing others Team management Global interaction Organizational development Facilitation and time management Conflict resolution Decision-making
Recognition Opportunities Technical Session Organizer Recognition within company for contribution to industry Over 60 SAE Awards recognize outstanding achievement Forest R. McFarland Award
Duties Technical Session Organizer Use professional network to organize, develop and manage conference technical session(s) Engage technical experts Select and solicit subject matter experts to review sessions/papers Facilitate reviews to technical papers Act as focal point for technical paper authors Review manuscripts, if needed
Qualifications Technical Session Organizer Well-rounded skills & expertise in the field Network of contacts in the field to serve as peer reviewers Strong leadership skills Objectivity Motivator and self-motivated Ability to manage multiple individuals
Time Commitment Technical Session Organizer Varies by content and number of sessions – First responsibilities occur up to one year prior to event Most time commitment needed during peer review process – Average approx. 2.5 hours/week
Next Steps Technical Session Organizer Technical Committee Member/Chair Technical Program Chair Further SAE advancement opportunities – Land & Sea Group – Air & Space Group – Engineering Meetings Board – Board of Directors
Staff Contact Information Staff reps vary by committee and conference Interested parties may begin by sending an to or
Thank You For Your Interest!