Section Websites Program
Section website hosting is a free service offered to every SPE section to help sections communicate with current and prospective members without spending a lot of time or needing to be a web expert. Through this program, sections can create pages and update their website from any computer using only a web browser. There is no software to buy or install. Templates help make professional-looking pages quickly and easily. A detailed help website eases the learning process and provides a quick reference available any time of day. Sections can format web pages and add images using a simple word-processing-like screen in their own browser. Knowledge of HTML code is not necessary. If, however, the section has HTML code from an existing website they want to use, that code can be pasted into the pages in the software.
Benefits
Some of the benefits sections can gain through this program include:
Publish various types of section documents on the web
• Newsletters
• Chairman’s comments
• Articles
• Graphics, photos, and advertising
• Files for downloading
Maintain an Event Calendar
Events can be entered by filling out a form in the section’s browser. Dates, text, or images such as maps and logos can be included. Your events might include:
• Regular section meetings
• Section-sponsored industry meetings and conferences
• Distinguished Lecturer or SPE officer visits
• Links to local, regional, national or international events of
interest
• Community service projects and fundraisers
Help members get the most out of SPE
Links to valuable SPE resources can be provided such as:
• eLibrary
• SPE Store
• Meeting search
• Online dues payment
• Member Directory and personal information update area
Use the section website as a potential revenue source
There are a number of ways the section’s website could bring the section revenue.
• Post banner ads
• Sell one or more sponsorships of your site to local companies
• Post employment ads or announcements
System Features
Each site can have its own look
SPE staff will assist sections with design, including banners, graphics and colors. First, the section chooses a color scheme from those available. Additional schemes can be created; nominal charges may apply depending on the complexity of what is requested. The SPE staff can work with a photo or image the section provides for use in the banner header or design a header for the section with the section’s input.
Reference material and support is provided
There is an extensive, SPE-specific online help site with easy-to-follow instructions at http://helpsite.spe.org. This help site is a good source of information, and it was built with the same system the section will be using, so it’s a good resource for examples. SPE staff also provides support by email and telephone.
Menus are created automatically
Main menu items the section creates appear across the top, with sub-menus on the left. These menus can be used to organize the section’s site to suit the membership’s needs. Quick links to additional pages on the section’s site or other sites can be easily created.
Search function is available upon request
Once the section has more than a few pages, there is an option of adding a Search box. This allows users to search the section’s web pages as well as any files the section has posted.
Statistical usage reports are available on demand
Examples of available reports include information on how many people are visiting the section’s site and how many pages they’re viewing. Many types of usage statistics are available.
Special customizations can be made for a nominal fee
There is a lot that can be done with the system as provided, but if your section has more specific needs, you can get a quote from the SPE staff on customizing the system for your section.
Product Information
SPE selected tmsPUBLISHER content management software for this program,
which was a 2001 Best Software Product Award Winner. You can learn more at http://www.tmsasia.com. 
How to Get Started
Send an email to sections@spe.org to start the process. Just tell us you are interested in a hosted site, and staff will take it from there.
