The IEEE Rochester Section Executive Committee convened on May 5, 2026, bringing together section leaders, volunteers, and new participants from the local engineering community to review ongoing initiatives, plan upcoming events, and discuss future strategic direction.

Advancing AI Engagement and Regional Collaboration

A major theme of the meeting was the growing focus on artificial intelligence activities within the section. Members highlighted recent AI-related presentations and symposium sessions, as well as opportunities to expand programming in this rapidly evolving area. The Rochester Section is contributing to a broader regional IEEE initiative to track and coordinate AI efforts, reinforcing its active role in technical leadership and collaboration.

Strengthening Programs and Community Events

Planning is underway for several key upcoming events, including the Summer Picnic and the Fall Joint Chapters Meeting, with volunteers already stepping forward to lead these initiatives. The committee is also seeking support to organize the Winter Dinner and Awards Banquet.

The recent Joint Chapters Meeting was recognized as a success, drawing strong attendance and positive feedback on its technical content and organization—underscoring the section’s continued commitment to delivering valuable programs for members.

Operational Updates and Strategic Planning

The committee reviewed financial updates, approved prior meeting minutes, and continued discussions on improving hybrid meeting participation to better serve both in-person and remote attendees. For the near term, meetings will remain at the current location while options are evaluated for future flexibility and accessibility.

Strategic planning discussions also explored opportunities to enhance member engagement, expand partnerships, and further integrate emerging technologies into section activities.

Looking Ahead

With a strong slate of events, increased focus on AI initiatives, and ongoing efforts to improve member engagement, the IEEE Rochester Section continues to build momentum heading into the rest of 2026. The Executive Committee remains focused on fostering collaboration, delivering high-quality technical programming, and supporting the professional growth of its members.

IEEE Rochester Section ExCom – April 2026 Meeting Recap

The IEEE Rochester Section Executive Committee met on April 7, 2026, to review Section progress, continue strategic planning efforts, and prepare for a busy calendar of technical events and community activities. This summary highlights key updates, upcoming events, and ways members can get involved.

Building Momentum with Strategic Planning

A significant portion of the meeting focused on strategic planning through a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). This effort is part of a multi-meeting initiative that will guide the Section’s future direction, including membership growth, programming priorities, and long-term engagement strategies.

The process will continue in upcoming meetings, with the goal of developing a clear action plan for the rest of 2026.

Section Updates and Highlights

• The Section welcomed new members and leadership, including Women in Engineering representation, helping strengthen diversity and engagement.
• Financially, the Section remains stable supported by successful recent events such as the Joint Chapters Meeting.
• The recent Joint Chapters Meeting (JCM) was reported as a success, with strong participation and opportunities to further involve chapter leadership in future programming.

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

The Section has a strong lineup of technical and community events in the coming months:

• April 11–19, 2026 – IEEE Education Week
• April 13–14, 2026 – Microelectronics Engineering Conference (RIT)
• April 16, 2026 – Engineering Symposium of Rochester
• May 18–19, 2026 – IEEE STRATUS (UAS remote sensing event)
• May 30, 2026 – Regional training event (Corning)
• June 14, 2026 – Electrostatics Society of America tutorial / annual meeting
• August 21–23, 2026 – IEEE Sections Congress (Glasgow, Scotland)
• September 19, 2026 – Rochester Section Picnic
• December 2026 – Rochester Section Awards Dinner

These events provide valuable opportunities for technical learning, networking, and professional development across the region.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Section is actively seeking volunteers to help support upcoming programs and leadership needs:

• Event leadership roles needed:
  • Summer Picnic coordination
  • Winter Dinner and Awards Banquet planning [IEEE Roch…or minutes | PDF]
• Open committee and leadership roles:
  • Educational Activities Chair
  • Nominations and Appointments Chair
  • Professional Activities Chair
  • Student Representative Chair [IEEE Roch…or minutes | PDF]
• Additional ways to get involved:
  • Help organize or promote technical events and webinars
  • Support industry engagement and partnerships
  • Contribute to newsletter content and communications
  • Assist with restarting the HKN chapter at RIT
  • Participate in planning for regional training and future events

Opportunities for Members and Students

Several initiatives were highlighted for broader member participation:

• Funding opportunities of up to $10,000 for community-focused engineering projects (application deadline: May 1, 2026)
• Scholarships for high school students through the TryEngineering Summer Institute
• Ongoing awards nominations and recognition programs
• Emerging collaborations with local universities and industry partners

Looking Ahead

With strong financial health, a full calendar of events, and an active focus on strategic planning, the IEEE Rochester Section continues to build momentum in 2026. Member participation—especially through volunteering and event involvement—will play a key role in sustaining this growth and expanding the Section’s impact across the local engineering community.

IEEE Rochester Section ExCom – March 2026 Meeting Recap

The IEEE Rochester Section Executive Committee met on March 3, 2026, to review ongoing initiatives, finalize event planning, and identify opportunities for member involvement. This recap highlights key updates and ways to get involved for members who were unable to attend.

Preparing for Upcoming Technical Events

Planning continues for the Engineering Symposium of Rochester (ESR), with an immediate need for additional speakers for the electrical track. Members interested in presenting or contributing are encouraged to reach out—this is a great opportunity to showcase expertise and support the local engineering community.

The Joint Chapters Meeting (JCM) is also progressing, with ongoing coordination of speakers, registration, and logistics. While early registration numbers were modest, participation is expected to grow as the event approaches.

Upcoming Meeting Locations

The committee confirmed locations for upcoming ExCom meetings:

• May 2026 – Mendon Golf Club
• June 2026 – Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
• August 2026 – Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Additional updates regarding April’s meeting location will be communicated as finalized.

Financial and Section Updates

The Section remains in a strong financial position thanks to investment returns in the Long Term Investment Fund, supporting continued programming and future initiatives.

Updates were also shared on IEEE Section Congress, scheduled for August in Scotland, with local leadership participating in broader regional coordination efforts.

Communications and Engagement

The team discussed improvements to Section communications, including delays in the March newsletter and ensuring members consistently receive notices and updates. Contributions for upcoming newsletters are encouraged to help highlight Section activities and achievements.

Volunteer Opportunities and Next Steps

Several opportunities are open for members looking to get involved:

• Present at ESR (electrical track speakers needed)
• Contribute to the Section newsletter
• Support JCM planning and participation
• Engage in industry outreach and partnerships
• Participate in upcoming strategic planning (SWOT session)

In addition, volunteers are supporting efforts such as developing webinars for chapter leaders and strengthening connections with local industry partners.

Looking Ahead

With strong progress on key events and a focus on communications, engagement, and strategic planning, the IEEE Rochester Section continues to build momentum for 2026. Members are encouraged to get involved in upcoming activities and help shape the Section’s future.

IEEE Rochester Section ExCom – February 2026 Meeting Recap

The IEEE Rochester Section Executive Committee met on February 3, 2026, to review Section operations, plan upcoming activities, and identify ways to strengthen engagement across the local engineering community.

Strategic Planning and Operations

Chair Gene Saltzberg led discussions on improving communication processes, clarifying voting membership and quorum requirements, and aligning with IEEE’s corporate SWOT initiative to guide future Section strategy.

Financial Update

The Section remains on solid financial footing, having closed 2025 with a slight surplus and maintaining a healthy account balance. Year-end reporting is in progress to support planning and transparency.

2027 Student Activities Conference (SAC)

The committee explored the possibility of hosting the 2027 Student Activities Conference in Rochester. Early steps include gathering interest from student branches and identifying volunteers to support the effort, with further discussion planned at upcoming regional meetings.

Joint Chapters Meeting (JCM)

Planning for the Joint Chapters Meeting is progressing well, with the venue secured and logistics in place. The keynote speaker has been updated, and preparations remain on track for a successful event.

Member Engagement and Upcoming Activities

A key focus of the meeting was improving member engagement through partnerships and events. Several upcoming activities were highlighted:

• February 26, 2026 – Joint IEEE–Rochester Engineering Society (RES) webinar (continuing education / PDH opportunity)
• March 10, 2026 – Scheduled technical session coordinated with local partners
• April 16, 2026 – Engineering Symposium of Rochester
• May/June 2026 (planned) – Company site visit event (pending approval and scheduling)

Additional engagement efforts include a student panel discussion at RIT, technical webinars, and tours designed to strengthen connections with members and local organizations.

Continuing Education Initiatives

The Section continues expanding professional development opportunities, including webinars and a planned tutorial session at the Electrostatics Society of America Annual Meeting, which will also be livestreamed.

Looking Ahead

With strong financial health, active event planning, and a renewed focus on member value, the IEEE Rochester Section is building positive momentum for 2026. The Executive Committee remains committed to delivering meaningful technical programming, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing engagement opportunities for all members.

IEEE Rochester Section ExCom – January 2026 Meeting Recap

The IEEE Rochester Section Executive Committee kicked off the year with its January 6, 2026 meeting, bringing together section leadership to review past activities, plan for 2026, and discuss strategies to strengthen engagement across the local engineering community.

Reflecting on a Busy 2025

The committee reviewed a highly active 2025, which included a wide range of technical presentations, administrative meetings, and non-technical events. This strong foundation highlights the Section’s continued commitment to delivering value to its members through diverse programming.

Planning for 2026 Initiatives

Looking ahead, discussions focused on preparation for the upcoming Sections Congress and continued coordination of chapter activities. Updates on the Joint Chapters Meeting and engineering symposium planning reinforced the importance of flagship events in sustaining engagement and technical exchange.

Financial Health and Sponsorship Opportunities

The Treasurer reported a solid financial position, along with positive investment returns. The committee discussed a potential budget increase and explored sponsorship opportunities, particularly to support major events such as the Joint Chapters Meeting.

Membership, Awards, and Engagement

The committee reviewed membership trends, awards nominations, and committee activity. A key theme was the need to address declining meeting attendance and identify new ways to engage members, including strengthening communication and leadership involvement.

Elections and Administrative Updates

Election results were shared, and planning for the section newsletter and officer announcements was discussed. Additional administrative updates included website and email improvements, as well as preparation for future meetings.

Looking Ahead

With a focus on strong event programming, financial stability, and improved member engagement, the IEEE Rochester Section begins 2026 well-positioned for continued growth. The Executive Committee will carry forward these priorities as it builds momentum throughout the year.