With nearly 50 attendees representing 33 different Structural Engineers Associations (SEAs), 16 individuals representing all the national committees, and full in-person support of the Board of Directors, NCSEA successfully completed its first-ever SEA Leadership Retreat. Held virtually in 2020 and 2021, the time was right to hold a face-to-face meeting allowing what an in-person event does best – relieve isolation while encouraging collaboration.
The Retreat, held over two days, was focused on two objectives: strengthen the national committees’ relationships with local SEA committees and help all NCSEA volunteers increase their skill set regarding volunteer leadership. Retreat presentations included:
Improving Your SEAs Committees
Effective Meeting Planning & Programming
Tips & Tricks to Effective Association Operations
A special highlight was a presentation and workshop by Amanda Kaiser, a member engagement specialist from Kaiser Insights LLC. With live input from the Retreat attendees, Amanda created a Membership Engagement Handbook specifically for the SEAs. Also, an update of the We SEE Above and Beyond brand and marketing campaign was shared.
Fun was also had by all during the group dinner with prizes given away for the best obscure personal fact shared at each table. Attendees left with ideas and solutions for their SEAs and limited edition We SEE Above and Beyond logo wear and water bottle, thanking them for their level of local volunteer dedication and encouraging all in attendance to continue promoting the structural engineering profession.