MGA Scoop - March 2021 Issue
MGA Scoop
March 2021
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
Educational Activities

- 5G Deployment Course Series
Wireless technologies have become a fundamental part of daily life in the 21st century. In order to function, wireless devices need to connect to cellular sites that provide good coverage both outdoors and indoors. To do that increasingly requires placement of sites closer to populated areas–creating new challenges for both the wireless industry and local governments.
Join IEEE as it hosts a two-part paid course series entitled “Bridging the 4G/5G Gap: Telecommunications Roadmap for Implementation” presented by David Witkowski as he provides historical and technical context, risk vs. reward tradeoffs, and what is needed for 5G integration in today’s world.
Attendees will earn a Certificate of Completion and up to 4 PDHs/0.4 CEUs for attending both events.
Part One
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2021
Time: 1:00pm ET
Duration: 2 hours
Part Two
Date: Wednesday, 9 June 2021
Time: 1:00pm ET
Duration: 2 hours
Save 30% by registering for both events! See pricing and more details for these events today. - IEEE TryEngineering Tuesday: Photonics
Do you know any young aspiring engineers interested in photonics? Learn how photonics transforms science into technology in the next IEEE TryEngineering Tuesday: Photonics on 2 March at 12pm ET.
Register today - IEEE 802 Virtual Tech Talk: - The Radio Regulatory Technical Advisory Group
Learn about the importance of government regulators and get an overview of how the IEEE 802 Wireless community works with radio regulatory and spectrum management bodies. Register today for the next IEEE Virtual Tech Talk: IEEE 802 Networking Standards – The Radio Regulatory Technical Advisory Group on 3 March at 9am ET.
Save your seat! - Engineering Education 2.0: Interviews in the Field
In IEEE's third session of Engineering Education 2.0, examine the engineering field as a whole and the concept of ”teaching as research” to innovation in practice with industry experts. Save your seat today for this virtual event on 11 March at 12pm ET.
Register today - IEEE Volunteer STEM Portal
IEEE TryEngineering launched a new Pre-University Volunteer STEM Portal to support IEEE volunteers in their STEM outreach initiatives as well as building local STEM communities. Whether you're an experienced volunteer or new to STEM education, the portal offers a range of resources to help you elevate existing programs or assist in creating new programs. Register now to learn how to make a difference in your area!
Please join whichever session best fits your schedule:
23 March 2021 | 10am ET
Register today
24 March 2021 | 10am ET
Register today
25 March 2021 | 10am ET
Register today
View the world clock site to check your local time zone.
IEEE Virtual Events Calendar
The IEEE Virtual Events Calendar provides an up-to-date listing of major upcoming events and offerings available on demand.
IEEE Spring Dataset Upload Contest is Now Open

Authors, researchers, and engineers around the world are using IEEE DataPort to make significant research advancements in a variety of fields, from applied machine learning to renewable energy. This research data platform has more than 700,000 users, 2,000 datasets, and an active technical community.
If you’ve ever thought about uploading your research data to IEEE DataPort, now is the time. The Spring 2021 Dataset Upload Contest is now open. Anyone who uploads a dataset in March or April is eligible to enter the contest for a chance to win one of three great prizes – an iPhone 12 (first place), iPad Air (second place), or Apple Watch Series 6 (third place).
Entering is easy – just upload a standard or open access dataset on IEEE DataPort, read and agree to the contest rules during the upload process, and you’re in. IEEE DataPort accepts datasets in any format up to 2TB. Once uploaded, you can store your research data indefinitely on IEEE DataPort, obtain a DOI, link to a paper, generate citations, and more – all at no charge.
Reminder - 2022 IEEE MGA Leadership Positions: Nomination Deadline 15 March
The IEEE Member and Geographic Activities (MGA) Nominations and Appointments (N&A) Committee is soliciting nominations for the following 2022 leadership positions:
- MGA Vice President-Elect/Board Chair-Elect
- MGA Treasurer
- MGA Vice Chairs
- Geographic Unit Operations
- Information Management
- Member Development
- Committee Chairs
- Admission and Advancement (IEEE)
- Awards and Recognition
- ieee.tv Advisory
- Life Members (IEEE)
- Member Benefits Portfolio Advisory
- Membership Recruitment and Recovery
- Potentials Editorial Board
- Student Activities
- Training
- vTools
- Women in Engineering (IEEE)
- Young Professionals (IEEE)
The deadline to submit nominations for the above positions is 15 March 2021.
Nominate Yourself or a Colleague
A complete list of available MGA positions, committee descriptions, and information on the MGA Nominations and Appointments process are available.
You may need your IEEE login information to access the nomination. For questions, email mga-noms@ieee.org.
Sections Congress Virtual Training 2021 Registration Now Open!

IEEE Sections Congress, the triennial flagship event hosted by MGA, brings together the volunteer leaders from every member country to share ideas and solutions. IEEE Sections Congress is going virtual, and you are invited to attend!
Volunteer leaders from around the world will meet virtually, exchange ideas, and learn about the products and programs IEEE offers to members in their local areas. Once the virtual training session is over, volunteers can apply what they have learned and bring new ideas and insights to their Sections, Chapters, and Affinity Groups.
There will be dynamic and engaging networking sessions that will allow for exchanging ideas and best practices. IEEE organizational units will offer exhibit booths that will provide information on IEEE resources and tools to strengthen and support vital units.
As an IEEE volunteer and a vital member, save the date to attend Sections Congress Virtual Training 2021. This virtual event will take place from 9 - 11 April 2021. Stay tuned by going to sections-congress.ieee.org.
Call for Nominations – 2021 MGA Awards
Nominations for Outstanding Section Awards – Deadline 15 May 2021
Each year, the MGA Outstanding Section Awards are presented to one large, one medium, and one small Section (across all Regions), to recognize their excellent work and successful efforts in fulfilling the educational and scientific goals of IEEE for the benefit of the public. The recipient Sections are acknowledged for maintaining, enhancing, and supporting the Student Branches, Technical Chapters, and Affinity Groups within their geographic boundaries.
Three awards are presented, as follows:
- Large Section = 1,501 or more members (including Students) as of 31 December of the prior year
- Medium Section = 501-1,500 members (including Students) as of 31 December of the prior year
- Small Section = 500 or fewer members (including Students) as of 31 December of the prior year
To nominate your Section for the MGA Outstanding Large, Medium, or Small Section Award, please click here.
Nominations for Friend of IEEE MGA Awards
These awards are designed to specifically recognize support provided to IEEE and its members by firms, divisions of firms, or individuals. Nominators can submit individuals or organizations for a Friend Award at the supporting or sustaining level. Nominations for this award may be submitted at any time during the year.
To learn more about the Friend of IEEE MGA Awards click here.
To submit a nomination for the Friend of IEEE MGA Award click here.
For questions, contact mga-awards@ieee.org
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.
The IEEE Virtual Events Calendar provides an up-to-date listing of major upcoming events and those now available on demand.
Infrared Fever Detectors Used for COVID-19 Aren’t As Accurate As You Think
The no-contact temperature screening systems can be off as much as four degrees, according to IEEE Senior Member Erik Beall.
Give the Gift of IEEE Membership
Help someone in your life find their professional home in IEEE! IEEE Membership and IEEE Society membership dues are currently half price which makes it a great time to give the Gift of IEEE Membership! No promotion code needed as special pricing is automatically reflected at checkout.
STEM Education Discount
This special offer features an educational program that teaches kids (ages 10+) robotics, coding, and engineering skills through STEM kits and live and on-demand classes. Login at IEEE Member Discounts Marketplace to reveal the details of this private sale.
Auto Insurance Discounts
IEEE members in the U.S. and Canada may be eligible to save on auto insurance. Discounts are based on group rates for IEEE or other association membership discounts that may be applicable based on the State or Provence. Login at IEEE Member Discounts links to learn about or apply for coverage with the auto insurance companies.
Drive Member Engagement - Host a Virtual Conference Education Workshop for your IEEE Unit
Many Regions, Sections and Societies have utilized virtual workshops to connect with conference organizers, increase their knowledge and share best practices.
MCE Conference Education will support you and volunteer presenters conduct virtual workshops, with consultation, guidance and materials. A library of up-to-date presentations, including speaker notes is available to simplify the organizing effort.
IEEE Unit Virtual Conference Education Workshops – look to improve the organizer experience and lift the quality of sponsored conferences.
- If you are interested in conducting conference organizer/leader education for your Region, Section or Society, please contact Kevin Hanft (mce-education@ieee.org)
On-Demand Conference Role-Based Education
MCE Conference Education has comprehensive education resources. All courses are available in the IEEE Center for Leadership Excellence (CLE).
Conference role-specific learning paths help you gain the knowledge and skills to be successful.
- Conference Treasurer
- Technical Program Chair
- Conference Publications Chair
- Event Planning
Conference Education Role Based Learning:
An IEEE Account is required for CLE access.
Members in the News
Reach business objectives with the right IoT data pipeline
IEEE member Geoff Mulligan discusses how IoT data pipelines handle data for organizations and can lead to business efficiencies.
Six industries impacted by the combination of 5G and edge computing
IEEE Senior member David Witkowski discusses the reasons for implementing edge computing in 5G and why the automotive industry is one that will see some of the biggest impact from the combination of the two technologies.
Educational Activities
Machine Learning - New Course Program on ILN
The purpose of the course program, Machine Learning: Predictive Analysis for Business Decisions, is to provide an overview of machine learning in the age of big data, cloud computing, and our data-saturated society. Get access to it today on the IEEE Learning Network. Earn your PDHs/CEUs while learning something new! IEEE members save US $100.
IEEE EAB Awards
IEEE Educational Activities Board (EAB) Awards recognize and honor major contributions to engineering and technical education. Awards are given for meritorious activities in accreditation, continuing education, educational innovation, pre-university education, service to the IEEE EAB, employee professional development, informal education systems, and related achievements that advance the practice of engineering and of engineering education.
You know deserving individuals! Who will you nominate?
Award nominations, as well as applications for the Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Scholarship and the IEEE Life Members Graduate StudyFellowship in Electrical Engineering, are accepted through 3 May 2021.
View the 2020 EAB awardees.
ILN Weekly Newsletter
Stay up to date on the latest courses and discounts available on the IEEE Learning Network (ILN). Subscribe today to the ILN weekly newsletter for information on ILN courses, events, and more!
EPICS in IEEE Projects
Across the globe, engineers, students, and community organizations come together to transform lives in their communities through EPICS in IEEE projects. Since 2009, EPICS has facilitated more than 130 projects in over 30 countries that have impacted more than 250,000 people. In addition to funding, we provide mentorship and greater visibility and recognition of projects.
Take a look at some completed projects.
Resources for Volunteers
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Webex Event User Guide available here
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Interested in using Google Meet? Find out more at http://meet.google.com or send us an email at mga-im@ieee.org.
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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:- IEEE.tv’s video on Recording Your Presentation with Zoom
- MGA’s vTools resources