MGA Scoop - September 2020 Issue

MGA Scoop

September 2020

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Important Information: IEEE has established a single platform for all #COVID19 related resources to support our members during the pandemic. Access the latest virtual educational opportunities, free e-books, virtual networking, and more in one place by visiting https://covid19.ieee.org/.

Upcoming Events

  • Sections Congress 2020 Virtual Recommendations Event 2

    15 September 2020 | 10am Eastern Time
    Interested in attending? Contact sc-information@ieee.org

SC2020 Virtual Recommendations Event Flyer
  • STEM Outreach: Try Engineering Lesson Plan Toolkit

    17 September 2020 | 12pm Eastern Time
    Register

The IEEE Virtual Events Calendar provides an up-to-date listing of major upcoming events and those now available on demand.

IEEE Members in the News

Counterfeiting In Manufacturing: Is Your Trash Being Illegally Recycled?

IEEE Fellow Karen Panetta discusses how counterfeiters get their hands on defective parts and packaging that is discarded in manufacturers’ trash or recycling bins and the ways in which consumers can protect themselves from this as well as how engineers can develop products to ensure product authenticity.

Read More


Data privacy and data security are not the same

IEEE Senior member Kayne McGladrey discusses the importance of trust when it comes to data privacy and how that is a key differentiator from data security.

Read More


The following article is featured on our IEEE Transmitter platform

Why We’re Using Cloud Computing for Space Exploration

Now that humans are beginning to turn the dream of Mars and space exploration into a reality through the recently launched Perseverance Mars Rover, cloud computing is an essential technology that will help us understand and process data in real-time through video footage and satellite imagery.

Read More

Announcing 2020 MGA Award Recipients

MGA William W. Middleton Award

Every three years, the MGA William W. Middleton Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual, who over a long and sustained period of leadership, contributed in an exemplary manner to the IEEE Member and Geographic Activities (MGA) Board, its activities and achievements, and the attainment of its goals and objectives.

On 27 June 2020, the IEEE Member and Geographic Activities Board selected Luis Alberto Remez (Region 9, Argentina Section) as the 2020 recipient of the MGA William W. Middleton Distinguished Service Award, “For long-term leadership, commitment, and contributions as a volunteer in supporting the MGA goals and strategies for the benefit of IEEE and its members”

MGA Outstanding Section Award Recipients

On 27 June 2020, the IEEE Member and Geographic Activities Board selected the following recipients of the 2020 MGA Outstanding Large, Medium and Small Section Awards, based on 2019 activities:

  • 2020 MGA Outstanding Large Section Award recipient is the IEEE Kerala Section from Region 10
  • 2020 MGA Outstanding Medium Section Award recipient is the IEEE Ecuador Section from Region 9
  • 2020 MGA Outstanding Small Section Award recipient is the IEEE Panama Section from Region 9

Congratulations to the Kerala, Ecuador and Panama Sections for being selected for these awards “For successful efforts in fulfilling the educational and scientific goals of IEEE for the benefit of the public by maintaining, enhancing, and supporting the Student Branches, Technical Chapters, and Affinity Groups within their geographic boundaries.”

The MGA Awards and Recognition Committee and the MGA Board were impressed by the quality of the nominations submitted and congratulate all Sections who submitted nominations for these awards.

Thank you to the nominators, Section Chairs, Region Awards Chairs, MGA Awards and Recognition Committee, and everyone who participated in the 2020 Outstanding Section Awards process.

Call for Nominations: 2020 MGA Individual Awards Program - Deadline 15 October

2020 MGA Individual Awards Flyer

You can help recognize the efforts of outstanding volunteers by nominating individuals for one of the prestigious IEEE Member and Geographic Activities (MGA) Awards. Each award has a unique mission and criteria and offers the opportunity to honor distinguished colleagues, inspiring teachers, and corporate leaders.

If you know someone who has made substantial regional IEEE volunteer contributions through innovative projects, exemplary leadership, service, or by fulfilling the goals as related to transnational activities, consider nominating them for one of the following awards:

Please visit the MGA Award nomination web page to review the nominator guidelines and eligibility requirements. MGA awards are peer-recognized awards; therefore, self-nomination is not permitted.

The deadline for nominations is 15 October 2020 (for completed nomination form and two letters of endorsement).

Nominate a colleague now

Did you know?

IEEE DataPort offers many great and free benefits

IEEE DataPort offers free subscriptions for all users, including IEEE Members, IEEE Society Members, and non-IEEE affiliated users. As an individual subscriber, using the coupon code DATAPORT1 at checkout offers free access to all available datasets. These subscriptions will continue to be free for a limited time so subscribe today to receive access to over 1,500 datasets in 25 different topics, including COVID-19, Artificial Intelligence, and Finance, and gain access to download all IEEE DataPort dataset files and analyses. Users can also access dataset resources directly in AWS S3. At this time, users can upload standard datasets for free, and, using the coupon code OPENACCESS1, can also upload Open Access datasets for free. Subscribers can also initiate data competitions on IEEE DataPort with the option to use customized parameters for participants to join. Visit IEEE DataPort to learn more about the benefits and features this valuable platform offers.

On-demand training and free resources from the IEEE Resource Centers

All Resource Centers now have a new feature to make it easier for society members where they will immediately be able to play the video or download the PDF automatically. As an IEEE Society member, you have free or very low cost access to all of the Resource Center content offered by your society. The IEEE Resource Centers contain valuable, on-demand, peer-reviewed technical content from reputable experts to enhance research or industry work, implement training, or earn CEU/PDH credits -- and are available for everyone. We also offer institutional training offerings. If you aren’t already a Society member, visit the IEEE Society Memberships page to become a member of an IEEE Society today and start exploring how to expand your knowledge base!

IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine Receives Top Awards

IEEE New Initiatives Program

IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine, December 2019 issue, received 2020 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence in the following categories:

  • Award of Excellence in the category of Writing-Interviews & Personal Profiles was awarded to IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine, December 2019, Vol. 13, No. 2. "Solving Mysteries in the Humanities," feature.
  • Award of Excellence in the category of Design & Illustration-Covers was awarded to IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine, December 2019, Vol. 13, No. 2, "The Art of Engineering."

Learn more about the IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine.

Member Discounts - A Plus for Members and IEEE

See what’s new in the Member Discounts program, where we strive to have something for every stage of your career.

NEW Wolfram discounts on Mathematica software (available internationally)

NEW Vison Care program includes lenses, frames, contact lenses and more. Enroll separately or added to the following bundle of services (available in the US):

  • Teledoc
  • Counseling services
  • Alternative medicine (multiple provider types)

NEW items added to Member Discounts Marketplace frequently, so be sure to check every month.

Did you know that when members use the Member Discount Program, they help themselves and support the IEEE at the same time? Members will be pleased to know that IEEE negotiates preferred rates and many enhanced features for top-notch brands, which are also approved by the MGA Board. IEEE receives royalties, when vendors license the IEEE master brand for their membership marketing. The IEEE brand also assures members that they received a mailed promotion because of a contracted use of the member list and their own permission settings.

2020 IEEE Medal & Recognition Recipients Honored Online

IEEE Honors Ceremony

This year, in light of the global health emergency and pervasive travel restrictions, IEEE made the difficult decision not to hold the in-person IEEE Honors Ceremony. Instead, the diverse 2020 IEEE Medal and Recognition recipients will be honored in a series of online promotions.

  • Visit the Awards’ social media platforms to see a continuing series of posts highlighting each 2020 recipient.
  • Watch videos about each award recipient and learn more about their accomplishments on the Awards Channel on IEEE.TV.
  • Flip through the digital 2020 IEEE Awards Booklet.
  • The Awards Program is also partnering with the IEEE History Center to promote the 2020 recipients on their Engineering and Technology Wiki. Q&As with these recipients are posted there. Read more about each one.
  • Plans are being made to recognize the 2020 recipients at the 2021 IEEE Vision, Innovation, and Challenges Summit & Honors Ceremony.

Find Upcoming IEEE Virtual Events with the IEEE Conference Search

Looking for an upcoming IEEE virtual conference? The IEEE Conference Search now includes the ability to search for virtual events. IEEE Meetings, Conferences & Events (MCE) in collaboration with IEEE IT support, championed this effort to provide enhanced usability and transparency to the IEEE Conference Search. IEEE Conference Organizers now have the ability to designate their events as virtual in the IEEE Conference Application. Potential attendees can also search for and have access to the growing number of IEEE virtual events.

The new virtual feature includes a number of capabilities for optimizing an event search. Users can restrict their initial keyword search to include only virtual events. In the search results, virtual events are identified in both the results view and detail view. Users can also refine and sort their results using a “virtual” option. To explore all of the exciting new IEEE virtual events on the horizon, please visit the IEEE Conference Search here.

IEEE Conference Search
IEEE Conference Search

Follow Through: Maintaining Momentum After Your Event Ends

Your event was a success, you had great feedback from attendees, and you made lasting impacts on your community. Now that your event is over, you may be wondering how to keep attendees engaged and looking forward to your next event. Ongoing attendee engagement is vital to building on your successes, continuing dialogues, and keeping the momentum going.

A wrap-up communication is a great way to thank your participants and sponsors, highlight achievements, and showcase photos from your event. MCE has developed a new online resource with tips and guidance on kicking off your post-event engagement. Find information on the benefits of continued engagement, selecting a communications tool, and a variety of assets to help you get started.

The new resource also features a sample post-event wrap-up communication that you can use as a model for your event. The sample communication includes suggested content such as metrics, social media reach, photos, and acknowledgements. Also discover IEEE Brand Experience resources including email templates, banners, and an icon library.

Keeping your attendees engaged is key to building a vibrant event community that keeps coming back year after year.

Visit the site

IEEE Conference Search

Maximize Your Benefits as an IEEE Conference Co-Sponsor: Become an Exhibitor

Did you know that you are eligible for certain promotional benefits as an IEEE Conference Co-Sponsor? As outlined in IEEE Policy 10.1.2, all IEEE conference Financial Co-Sponsors and Technical Co-Sponsors have the option of a “no cost exhibit booth, exhibit table or other means of promoting IEEE membership and activities during the conference.”

IEEE conferences are powerful platforms for promoting your organization and building relationships within your community. Exhibiting at an IEEE Conference can be a great way to generate leads, increase the visibility of your brand, and make industry contacts. Serving as an exhibitor also provides valuable face time with your audience and the opportunity to get feedback about your products and services.

Considering promotional activities beyond the traditional exhibit booth can also be useful, particularly if your conference is virtual. Creative exhibitor activities may include pre or post conference webinars, exhibitor sessions, and social or networking events. Talk to your Conference OU about other promotional opportunities that may be available to you as an IEEE Conference Co-Sponsor.

If you have questions or need ideas for exhibiting at your conference, please reach out to IEEE MCE at ieee-mce@ieee.org.

Use the Latest Version of the Packing List Generator for Faster Proceedings Processing

Organizers can help speed the processing and posting time for conference proceedings by always using the latest version of the IEEE Packing List Generator tool (ZIP, 1.09 MB) to create the required packing list.

This tool allows you to identify all PDFs by content type, which ensures that all files can be accounted for during processing.

Anytime a change is made to a packing list, use the IEEE Packing List Checker tool (ZIP, 728 KB) tool to validate the contents prior to submission to IEEE.

If you have any questions about preparing your packing list, please contact MCE at ieee-mce@ieee.org.

IEEE REACH’s Free Educational Resources Featured in STEMinar

The IEEE History Center presented a webinar, or STEMinar, titled, Bring the History of Technology to Life! Free Resources for Remote Learning and the Classroom, hosted by The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) and its STEM Center for Teaching and Learning. Numerous materials were provided to educators so they may easily incorporate the history of technology, a core discipline in technology and engineering literacy standards, into their lesson plans.

The free webinar highlights the education resources available from IEEE REACH (Raising Engineering Awareness through the Conduit of History), an IEEE History Center program, supported through donors to the IEEE Foundation. Lesson plans, hands-on activities, primary sources, and short engaging videos focused on the history of technology are available for free on the REACH website.

During these challenging times, teachers may use the resources for remote learning, parents may use them while teaching children at home, and IEEE Members may enjoy learning about the history of different technologies in addition to sharing the resources and the webinar with their local education community.

Check out the REACH program and share the webinar with local educators, they will be happy you did!

COVID-19 - Special Call for Proposals

Back by popular demand! The IEEE Humanitarian Activities Committee (HAC) & IEEE SIGHT are soliciting IEEE member proposals for humanitarian and sustainable development projects that utilize technology to fight against COVID-19 in the areas of immediate impact, poverty mitigation, and inequality reduction.

Learn More

Deadline: 15 September 2020

IEEE Xtreme Competition - Registration

Registration is now open for the IEEEXtreme virtual competition, in which teams of up to three IEEE student members compete to solve a set of programming problems. The 24-hour long global challenge will be held on 24 October.

Each team is advised and proctored by an IEEE member, who mentors the team. Typically, students would compete with their team and their proctor in the same location, however, because many universities are not reopening their campuses this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IEEEXtreme committee is allowing for teams and their proctor to communicate using video conferencing tools.

Despite this year’s need for remote team collaboration and proctoring, team members must solve and complete the problems without assistance from others. The IEEEXtreme committee will be reviewing the team’s work for plagiarism following the competition.

To be eligible, registrants must be IEEE student or graduate student members. A maximum of two graduate student members are allowed per team.

Participants and proctors can register on the IEEEXtreme website.

Educational Activities Programs

IEEE Learning Network

The IEEE Learning Network (ILN) offers online self-paced courses taught by the world’s leading experts from IEEE. With many courses offering CEU and PDH credits, it is the perfect resource for IEEE members to maintain their professional license while working from home. Share the link below to give hundreds of courses on core and emerging technologies, leadership skills, and more.Visit ILN today.

IEEE English for Technical Professionals

The new online course program, IEEE English for Technical Professionals, enables professional engineers and technical professionals whose first language is not English to improve their language skills in a way that fits the needs and priorities of working adults in the engineering fields. Visit the IEEE Learning Network today to access it today.

Distance Learning, Technology, and STEM Education Virtual Events

Check out the latest virtual events hosted by IEEE Educational Activities. Engage with industry experts and innovators on the latest advancements in technology and engineering, eLearning, STEM education, and more.

Learn More

IEEE-HKN Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable Discussion

IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu’s mission is deeply rooted in commitment to a diverse, informed, and civically active society. Our program seeks to support student success and to build a stronger organization through diversity and inclusion leading to stronger teams within Universities and Industry.

Watch our on-demand virtual event, IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable Discussion on how IEEE-HKN chapter leaders and members can thoughtfully incorporate best practices to build a stronger society and be inclusive in their programs and community outreach.

Watch Now

vTools Update

The IEEE MGA vTools team is happy to announce successful new releases for the following vTools application:

  • Events v6.11
  • Student Branch Reporting v2.2

View the vTools blog for detailed descriptions of the usability and interface enhancements.

COVID-19 Resources Hub

The Institute asked members who were using their technical know-how to fight the novel coronavirus to tell us about their projects. We received submissions from countries around the world, including Ecuador, Germany, India, Iran, Spain, Switzerland, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Visit IEEE On the Front Lines to read about them.

IEEE Virtual Events Calendar provides an up-to-date listing of major upcoming events and those now available on demand.

Free Resources includes a wide variety of offerings at no cost to support you through the pandemic.

IEEE Day 2020 Will Be Virtual

IEEE Day celebrates the first time in history when engineers worldwide and IEEE members gathered to share their technical ideas back in 1884. One of IEEE Day’s objectives is to demonstrate and uphold the ways by which thousands of IEEE members in local communities collaborate on ideas that preserve IEEE Day’s theme:

“Leveraging Technology for a Better Tomorrow.”

Celebrate IEEE members!

In an effort to help all IEEE members celebrate anytime, anywhere in the world, this year IEEE Day will be a 100% virtual celebration on Tuesday, 6 October 2020. Additionally, the IEEE Day team has partnered with the IEEE Foundation to honor the vast possibilities presented when IEEE members work together. An individual or IEEE group may choose to celebrate IEEE Day by collecting donations through Crowdfunding.

Help spread the word and reach out to your Regional Lead for assistance. Check out the IEEE Day in a Box, IEEE Day toolkit, contest information and all the offers on the IEEE Day website. Encourage members to follow all the activities on the website as well as various Social Media channels.

Concur is coming to IEEE Sections!

IEEE will be offering the NextGen Expense Reimbursement tool, Concur to Sections beginning in late September. This will mark Phase III-B of the platform’s multi-phase rollout.

Many of you are already familiar with the tool and we look forward to expanding the user base in your Section.

Concur is part of the larger IEEE NextGen Program, which aims to improve and upgrade many IEEE financial systems, providing greater automation, efficiency, visibility, and governance over IEEE processes.

Ahead of the launch we will be providing additional communications, training opportunities and materials for you to use promoting its availability as well as examples of use.

Stay tuned!

Resources for Volunteers

  • Webex Event User Guide available here

  • Interested in using Google Meet? Find out more at http://meet.google.com or send us an email at mga-im@ieee.org.

  • IEEE Center for Leadership Excellence (CLE)
    Find volunteer training and resources in the IEEE CLE.

  • IEEE Learning Network
    The IEEE Learning Network (ILN) gives members easy access to online learning content from across IEEE, all in one place. Browse hundreds of courses on core and emerging technologies, leadership skills, and more. Check out the weekly selection of courses that active IEEE members can purchase for US$10 each! See our discounted courses

  • Additional IEEE Virtual Events Resources
    The following IEEE resources can also be useful for organizers looking to virtualize their events: