Frequently Asked Questions And Resources
General Information
Do I have to be an SPE member to serve on an Event Program Committee?
No, you do not have to be an SPE member to serve, but it is preferred.
As an Event Program Committee Member, do I need to register for the event?
Yes, all participants are expected to pay registration to attend the event. SPE is a not-for-profit organization. Income from events are invested back into SPE to support many other Society programs. When you pay to attend an SPE event, you help provide even more opportunities for industry professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence.
As an Event Program Committee Member, am I required to travel and pay for these expenses?
Yes, all participants are expected to pay all their travel expenses to serve on the committee and attend the event. However, most SPE conferences and symposiums do offer a reduced rate for committee member registration.
Does SPE offer funding/reimbursement?
No funding is available, however most SPE conferences and symposiums do offer a reduced rate for committee member registration.
How do I volunteer to serve on an Event Program Committee or know if one is in need of volunteers?
You can access the volunteer portal for more details. You can also ask your colleagues if they are serving (or have served) on a event program committee.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
- Enhance your leadership skills.
- Influence SPE programs and activities with your knowledge and experience.
- Meet and work with other members near you and around the globe.
- Contribute in your area of interest.
- For more, read about these SPE members' volunteer experiences.
I am a student, can I volunteer?
SPEI opportunities are generally for SPE professional members. However, we encourage our SPE student members to become engaged by volunteering with their university chapter.
What is the dress code for committee members at the event?
Most SPE events are business casual, but speakers can elect to dress more formally while presenting.
How can I update SPE with my former volunteering experience?
If you are a volunteer and your service history appears to be incomplete, please email volunteer@spe.org to update your volunteer history.
Conference, Symposium or Regional Meeting
As a committee member for a conference, symposium or regional meeting, what are my roles & responsibilities of service?
The goal is to develop a high-quality program of papers and special sessions and to serve as session chairs/moderators onsite. Members will solicit abstract submissions through an open call for proposals and select the best to write formal manuscripts for the program and publication. More details can be found in the webinars.
What is the term of service and how much time should I expect to spend on committee activities?
The term of a Conference/Symposium/Regional Meeting committee member is 3 years. Rotation of chairpersons and committee members and inclusion of new members provides for new, innovative ideas to be infused into the program. The committee will meet 3-6 times throughout the planning process. This may be by teleconference, virtual meetings, or face-to-face. There is an organizational or “kick-off” meeting, 2-3 subsequent status meetings/calls (as the program dictates), and the Program Selection Meeting where the committee will review the rated paper proposals and develop the approved technical program.
What is a session chair and what are their duties?
Facilitate the session, staying with the scheduled presentation times and ensure a meaningful discussion after each presentation.
Workshop, Forum or Summit
As a committee member for a workshop, forum or summit, what are my roles & responsibilities of service?
The goal is to develop a high-quality program of invited speakers and to serve as session chairs/discussion leaders onsite. Members will procure speakers to make presentations (presentations only, no formal call for abstracts/manuscripts). More details can be found in the webinars.
What is the term of service and how much time should I expect to spend on committee activities?
The term of a Workshop/Forum/Summit committee member is 1 year. The committee will meet monthly throughout the planning process. This are usually by teleconference or virtual meetings.
What is a session chair and what are their duties?
Facilitate the session and ensure a meaningful discussion after each presentation.