At IMEX America this October, we hosted over 80 global chapter leaders to discuss SITE’s future direction and the crucial role chapters play — now, and in the months ahead.
With membership growing to include more than 3,000 professionals this year — a new record for SITE — this is an excellent time to focus on regional growth, especially outside the US.
One of the most pressing discussions during this year’s IMEX Chapter Leaders Meeting, created and led by Chapter Relations Specialist Dani Kloap, focused on how to engage chapters dispersed across wider geographic regions: a new reality more chapters will continue to face, as SITE continues growing its footprint.
What chapters are doing now
As SITE looks to enhance its impact worldwide, engaging members regionally has become a top priority for many local leaders. Here’s what chapter leaders are doing now to connect members, no matter how many miles stand between them.
Leveraging local events
Chapters have found some success in coordinating meet-ups and other member-focused events in line with larger regional gatherings such as trade shows or wide industry conferences. Piggybacking on these events gives chapters an opportunity to boost attendance at chapter gatherings and fosters built-in networking opportunities.
Tanya from SITE Australia & New Zealand, for instance, highlighted how strategically timing their chapter’s in-person meetings around marquee ANZ industry events has strengthened their community and introduced new beneficial connection opportunities for chapter members.
Strengthening communication
Building a robust communication strategy is key to connecting with members across vast distances, leaders agreed.
Establishing consistent channels, such as newsletters, social media platforms, and dedicated online communities (more on this coming soon from SITE HQ, in 2025!) keeps members informed and engaged about chapter happenings.
Planning for succession planning
Leaders in the room at IMEX America also readily identified the need to develop and stick to a clear succession plan, with leadership turning over every year or two.
Jen Brown from SITE Midwest elaborated on their chapter’s approach, where the incoming president acts as the VP of Strategy. This allows for strategic preparation, Jen said, and has resulted in smoother leadership transitions within the chapter — even across a large region like the Midwestern US.
Purposefully collaborating across borders
Other SITE chapters are truly taking the lead here in their regional collaborative efforts, extending beyond national borders to make all members feel welcome.
The newly revamped SITE Spain & Portugal chapter, for instance, has been able to form successful partnerships this year that have helped members share resources, benefit from combined events, and enjoy an overall richer exchange of ideas and information with one another.
An example of collaborating across borders will be highlighted during IBTM Barcelona. SITE Spain & Portugal have intentionally organized an event bringing together Spain, Portugal and the LATAM region.
A final note of thanks
Thank you to all of the chapter leaders who joined us at IMEX America, and to all chapter leaders for their volunteer commitment this year. Your efforts are invaluable in shaping our industry and helping members form valuable connections that advance the business case for incentive travel.
We also want to give a special thank you to Tourism New Zealand, this year’s chapter sponsor.
Stay tuned for more updates from our next in-person chapter leader meeting, which will take place in March 2025 just before SITE Global Conference in Tulum, Mexico!
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