The Member Engagement Initiative (MEI) was created in 2004 to strengthen local senior and student chapter activities, as well as to bring more young members into the Society and provide additional leadership opportunities for SME members.
Today, the MEI structure provides increased support for member leaders at the local chapter level as well as engagement of worldwide members around specific technology interests. Through various MEI activities, members of the local chapters, Technical Community Network (TCN) and industry focus areas have put the pieces in place for:
- Professional growth
- Networking
- Technical knowledge transfer
- Leadership training
- Personal enrichment
Members from all areas of the world come together in their
local chapters to learn from each other via on-site training, webinars, plant tours, engagement with local industry and economic leaders to help grow their local manufacturing community.
Worldwide members also engage with each other through
SME's Technical Community Network (TCN) and
Industry Focus Areas based on their specific interest in one or more technology areas. Through webinars, conference calls and face-to-face meetings, members share their industry knowledge, technological findings, best practices and offer problem-solving solutions to each other.
Membership Consultants are a critical part of the MEI. These seasoned chapter volunteers work with their assigned chapters to ensure that they have the proper tools, connections and support needed for a successful chapter and member engagement experience.
Oversight responsibility for the MEI and all member engagement resides with the
SME Member Council, which is an elected body of SME members. The Member Council, along with SME Membership Consultants, works with
SME's Member and Industry Relations Managers to ensure members are able to find engagement opportunities that best serve their own individual needs.