It's Summertime, DC Chapter!

At the risk of sounding clichéd, I'm amazed at how quickly this year is flying by. I'm so honored to be able to be part of this amazing collective, and am grateful for your continued support of our chapter and chapter activities.

We've already hosted five luncheons this year, with some excellent programming on emergency management, marketing strategy, social media, and wellness. We have more exciting programs scheduled for the fall, and don't forget our summer events such as bowling and baseball.

I spoke in my last letter and at luncheons on our themes of this year that I am striving to improve. These are transparency, communication, and compliance with IAEE HQ. I'd like to provide an update so far:

Communication: We want to hear from you to better our ability to serve the DC Chapter. We have a new submission form on the website, for you, our members, to provide the board with feedback and suggestions. Please help us to provide the education and services that you as a member most need.

Transparency: Our chapter taxes were filed in February. The BOD had a meeting in May, and will meet again in July. We are considering some of the following actions:

• We are discussing the creation of an annual luncheon pass for purchase in 2020. This would allow a member to purchase a year round pass at the beginning of the year, instead of individual luncheon tickets each month.

• The Women's Leadership Chapter Reception is valuable but a large financial investment. Current it is fully funded by the chapter and chapter sponsors. We will be discussing whether we will continue to host this, or have HQ return to their own programming for the event attendees.

• We have struggled with providing accurate head counts for our activities due to the late nature of registrations. Though our advance registration cuts off two days prior to the event, most venues require a week's notice of guarantee. Due to this, we have voted to open our registration for chapter events earlier. I encourage attendees to register as early as you are able.

• We are speaking to Potomac MPI and PCMA CC about IAEE DC participating in and promoting the Global Meetings Industry Day.

• Dede Walsh, Past Chair, is assembling the Nominations Committee. This year, all prospective and current board members whose terms are up will be completing the same application to be considered to serve on the board for the 2020 term.

If you have input on these items, please fill out a submission form with your comments and the board will review the suggestions!

Compliance: One of our charter requirements is to host an annual meeting for our chapter members. This will be held during the October Luncheon when David DuBois will be the speaker. We will provide chapter updates on our financials, initiatives, and have time for questions.

Our May luncheon topic was personal wellness, and this struck a chord for me. On a personal note, I'd like to remind everyone of the importance of wellness in our lives. Our industry and chosen careers have proven to be one of the most stressful job environment of all, right after military, fire fighters, police, and pilots. Self-care and wellness are a personal responsibility, and one we often forget. Please make sure that you are not pushing your own health to the side.

Lastly, we need your assistance. As an effort to keep the registration costs for our events to a reasonable price, often the chapter funds are used to defray the cost. With the rising venue costs in the DMV, it is difficult without sponsors to even break even for our events. If you are interested in sponsoring a luncheon or special event, or can recommend an organization that might be interested in sponsoring, please contact our Director of Sponsorship, Joe Tucker.

I thank you again for your continued support and participation in our chapter! I'm so proud to be counted amongst such excellent peers, and look forward to continuing to connect with you.

Warmly,

Mary Higham, CEM
Chair IAEE DC Chapter 2019