MGA Scoop - December 2020 Issue

MGA Scoop

December 2020

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 covid19.ieee.org.

Upcoming Events

  • Global Health, Wellness and Technology in a Post-COVID World

    2 December 2020 | 12pm ET | Free Event
    COVID-19 brought technology to the forefront to help protect and maintain our health and wellness in 2020. These innovations are essential for us to safely return to “normal” at work, school, and other aspects of our daily lives that we know and love. How is technology transforming the vital industries and spaces we rely on?

    Join IEEE for a conversation that will explore how technology allows us to move among these spaces safely now -- from offices and manufacturing facilities to schools, hospitals, restaurants, and hotels -- and in the near future.

    Register now

  • IEEE Virtual Tech Talk: IEEE 802 Networking Standards – 802.22 TV White Space

    9 December 2020 | 9am ET

    IEEE 802.22 takes advantage of the favorable transmission characteristics of the VHF and UHF TV bands to provide broadband wireless access over a large area up to 100 km from the transmitter.

    In this panel with the IEEE 802 Networking Standards Working Group, we will talk about TV White Spaces and the award-winning IEEE 802.22 Wi-FAR™ Systems on Wireless Regional Area Networks (WRANs). Some of these devices have recently received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

    Register now

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

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.

Featured Article: IEEE Experts Weigh Social Implications of Emerging Technologies in Future Pandemics
The technologies include big data, blockchain, 5G, and drones.

IEEE Into Focus Photo Contest

Promote this monthly contest - it's a great way to engage members!

Here is how it works:

An IEEE member submits a photo of what they think represents their experience as an IEEE member. Examples may include building a robot, attending a conference, collaborating on a project, or engineering new technology. When they post their photos on social media, people vote for their favorite. The one with the most votes at the end of the month receives an US$50 Amazon gift card and has the chance to show off some of the innovative projects and might even see their photos in future communications.

Learn More

If you have any questions, reach out to Adrienne Hahn at a.hahn@ieee.org.

Announcing the 2020 MGA Individual Award Recipients

At the IEEE Member & Geographic Activities Board 21 November 2020 meeting, the awards for the MGA Larry K. Wilson Transnational, MGA Innovation, MGA Leadership, MGA Achievement, and MGA Young Professionals Achievement were selected.

The following individuals were selected as 2020 MGA Award recipients.

The MGA Larry K. Wilson Transnational Award is presented to one individual annually, to recognize the accomplishment judged to be the most significant and effective in fulfilling one or more of the goals and strategic objectives of MGA as related to transnational activities. This award is made in memory of Dr. Larry K. Wilson.

  • Norberto Marcelo Lerendegui (R9), Argentina Section
    “For long-term exemplary service and significant contributions to Region 9 activities, empowering students and fostering virtual meetings.”

The MGA Innovation Award is presented to recognize an individual, or a team whose accomplishment/project is judged to be the most innovative and effective in fulfilling one or more of the goals of MGA.

  • Team: Camila Seibel Gehrke, Cecilia Flavia da Silva, Janislley Oliveira, Bruna Seibel Gehrke, Smith Lima da Silva, Camila Lijo (R9), Northeast Brazil Section
    “For the innovative idea of SolvIEEE it! - a competition to strengthen the relationship between members and industry.”

The MGA Leadership Award is presented to recognize those individuals who have exhibited exemplary and substantive leadership of an extraordinary nature in implementing activities that support the goals of MGA at the local, regional, national, and/or international level.

  • Karen Panetta (R1), Boston Section
    “For outstanding leadership and distinguished service to IEEE by promoting women in engineering and increasing the value of membership by engaging all populations including students, young professionals and life members.”
  • Thomas M. Coughlin (R6), Santa Clara Valley Section
    “For inspirational leadership and contributions to Region 6 and IEEE-USA.”
  • Robert Allen Scolli (R5), Oklahoma City Section
    “For outstanding leadership and sustained contributions in promoting and expanding volunteer engagement and enhancing membership value for IEEE members at the Chapter, Section, and Region 5 level.”

The MGA Achievement Award is presented to recognize individuals, or a team, involved with MGA and its organizational units for singular achievement in the development and completion of a project(s) or activity(ies), directed to the fulfillment of one or more of the MGA goals. This award is designed to recognize those substantive projects or achievements of a relatively short nature (one to three years), but that has left an undeniable imprint on the fabric of regional operations.

  • Jenifer Castillo (R9), Puerto Rico and Caribbean Section
    “For sustained and outstanding achievements in promoting Students, YP, and WIE membership development in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
  • Albert Lysko (R8), South Africa Section
    “For dedication and exemplary leadership in promoting, strengthening and proactively supporting IEEE activities and volunteerism at the local and global levels.”
  • Suresh Nair (R10), Kerala Section
    “For exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to the IEEE community by inspiring a generation of engineering professionals towards the vision of ethical advancement of technology for the benefit of humanity.”
  • Team: Engineers Assisting Ventilator Maintenance project(R9), Rio de Janeiro Section
    “For engaging IEEE volunteers to work collaboratively with external institutions on a project that served the Rio de Janeiro area in fighting against COVID-19.”
  • Amit Kumar (R10), Hyderabad Section
    “For exemplary leadership and distinguished contributions in promoting IEEE activities at the Section, Council, and Region levels.”
  • Kurnianingsih (R10), Indonesia Section
    “For organizing a successful regional Congress involving students, YP, WIE and LM, and excellent information management service to Region 10.”

The MGA Young Professionals Achievement Award is designed to recognize those substantive projects or achievements of a relatively short nature (one to three years), but which have left an undeniable imprint on the fabric of IEEE Young Professionals operations.

  • Machani Ajay Kumar (R10), Hyderabad Section
    “For enhancing collaboration through IEEE PES Day Activities and engaging Student and Young Professional members worldwide.”
  • Shashank Gaur (R8), Portugal Section
    “For continuous hard work and dedication in making IEEE a better place for young engineers.”
  • Vijay Sabeen Paul (R10), Victorian Section
    “For providing inspiring leadership to Young Professionals, with initiatives that inspire the advancement of technology for humanity.”
  • Saeed Hussain Ali Al Mansoori (R8), UAE Section
    “For outstanding contributions to the Young Professionals and IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society activities in the United Arab Emirates Section and Region 8.”
  • Weizhi Meng (R8), Denmark Section
    “For outstanding contributions in the formation of an IEEE Young Professional Affinity Group, and leading activities in Denmark and Region 8.”
  • Ronny Israel Cabrera Tituana (R9), Ecuador Section
    “For outstanding contributions to the IEEE mission through activities and programs for the benefit of Young Professionals in Ecuador and Latin America.”

Announcing the 2020 Supporting Friend of IEEE MGA Award Recipients

At the IEEE Member & Geographic Activities Board 21 November 2020 meeting, the 2020 Supporting Friend of IEEE MGA award recipients were selected.

Individual Supporting Friend of IEEE MGA Award recipient:

  • Barry Porter (R3), Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
    “For visionary leadership and support of IEEE MOVE Community Outreach”

Organizational Supporting Friend of IEEE MGA Award recipient:

  • Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) East Corporation (R10), Sendai, Japan
    “For longstanding support to the activities of the IEEE Sendai Section”

2020 Year-End Finance Action Items for IEEE Conferences

The IEEE Meetings, Conferences & Events (MCE) team requests the assistance of financially-sponsored conference organizers to accomplish the following year-end goals:

Updated financial information

If your 2020 conference cannot close before year-end, please submit an updated financial report via the Conference Financial Reporting Form or your designated analyst.

Submission of 1099/1042 reportable payments

To comply with IEEE’s tax reporting requirements, please submit your 1099/1042 Schedule of Payments prior to year-end:

  • Conferences taking place in the U.S. - Report all payments made to U.S. citizens and resident aliens (1099) and non-U.S. persons (1042).
  • Conferences taking place outside the U.S. - Report only payments made to U.S. citizens and resident aliens (1099).

Submission of transaction-level financial detail and back-up documentation

To avoid disruption in the event of an audit, submit auditable documents to your designated analyst:

  • registration reports/invoices
  • sponsorship reports/invoices
  • exhibit reports/invoices
  • expense contracts/invoices
  • bank statements (if IEEE Concentration Banking was not used)

Audit documents may be used in filing insurance claims for applicable conferences adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Timely conference closure

As per IEEE policy, all 2019 conferences must be fully closed by year-end. It is strongly recommended that 2020 conferences also be closed, where possible.

Please submit all above items by Friday, 11 December. If you have any questions, please contact your designated analyst or the MCE Business Operations team.

IEEE Transmitter Content

Read Creating Healthy Spaces Through Technology

IEEE Transmitter has a collection of articles, videos, and infographics available. Read how COVID-19 has brought technology to the forefront to help protect and maintain our health and wellness in 2020.

Read More

Fighting Fires and Floods with Robotics, AI, and IoT

IEEE Fellow Karen Panetta discusses how emerging technologies, such as robotics, AI, and IoT, are being/can be leveraged to help combat wildfires and other natural disasters to keep first responders safe.

Read More

You’re Invited to Join IEEE Collabratec - the Global Technical Community of IEEE

The innovations of tomorrow and the people making them happen are important to your work. That’s why we created IEEE Collabratec, the Global Technical community of IEEE, an open, free platform designed to help STEM professionals connect, expand their knowledge and move technology forward. IEEE Members have exclusive access to premium features including the IEEE Membership Directory, membership certificates, and personalized access to your local section through My IEEE.

Explore the premium benefits you could be taking advantage of now on IEEE Collabratec.

IEEE Member Discounts Marketplace presents two NEW offers

1. 15% off educational program that teaches kids (ages 10+) robotics, coding, and engineering skills through STEM kits and live and on-demand classes. Examples of projects include robots, drones, weather stations, and other electronics devices that prepare students for the skill-based economy. This offer is accessible in 40 countries.

2. More than 40% off America’s #1 estate planning software, offering a step-by-step easy to use interview format that lets you complete documents at your own pace. Package includes a customized estate plan, including a will, living trust, health care directive, financial power of attorney, and other essential documents.

Click here for details and access to these member exclusives.

IEEE EAB Awards

Each year IEEE Educational Activities Board (EAB) Awards recognize and honor individuals, sections, and societies for major contributions in developing and delivering educational products and services to IEEE members, professionals, educators, and students. Their products and programs inspire understanding of IEEE’s fields of interest, support career preparation and professional enhancement, foster diversity, and ensure access to lifelong learning opportunities.

This year the EAB Awards recognize 10 individuals and one section for their contributions to engineering education. Award recipients were honored for their accomplishments in the areas of pre-university and university education, professional and continuing education, and accreditation.

See all 2020 IEEE EAB Award recipients today by visiting: http://ieeetv.ieee.org/educational_activities.

Online Course Development Templates

In the creation of an online course (sometimes called an eLearning course), the first step is to create a storyboard. Download this PowerPoint template that walks the Subject Matter Expert (SME) through how to create the storyboard which will be used to create an online course.

Download Template

EPICS in IEEE

EPICS in IEEE not only assists communities in achieving their specific local community improvement goals but also provides them with the skills applied to learn so that they can think holistically about solutions during their career as engineers.

We invite you to join in the effort. Learn more about our project by visiting: epics.ieee.org.

IEEE-HKN THE BRIDGE - The Future of Renewable Energy

The Bridge Magazine Cover

THE BRIDGE, the official digital magazine of IEEE Eta Kappa Nu, is published three times a year. Read the 2020 Issue 3, which focuses on renewable energy.

Download Now

Attention Section Student Activities Chairs and Representatives

Please work with your local Student Branches to plan 2021 activities and remind them that the following is required in order for them to remain active:

  1. At least 10 active IEEE Student Members to remain an active IEEE Student Branch
  2. Annual Plan: https://sbr.vtools.ieee.org
  3. Officer Reporting: https://officers.vtools.ieee.org (Chair position is required)
  4. Meeting/Event Reporting: https://events.vtools.ieee.org

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: