Management Training for Local Affiliated Society Leadership
Thanks to MSA’s Strategic Initiative support, one representative board member from each MSA LAS will be given free registration. This is on a first come first serve basis. Registration opens to everyone when standard conference registration begins.
Separate registration required — see registration form (Spring 2025)
INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION FEE:
Breakfast, AM Break, Lunch, PM Break
ORGANIZERS:
- Bernd Zechmann, Baylor University
- Page Baluch, Arizona State University
SPEAKERS:
- Page Baluch, Arizona State University [AIMS: Arizona Imaging and Microanalysis Society]
- Aubrey Funke, Carl Zeiss Microscopy
- Tingting Gu, Oklahoma University [OMS: Oklahoma Microscopy Society]
- Andres Marquez, MSA Student Council Past President
- Jeffrey Pigott, Case University [MSNO: Microscopy society of Northeastern Ohio]
- Brian Van Devener, University of Utah [GBMS: Great Basin Microscopy Society]
- Bernd Zechmann, Baylor University [TSM: Texas Society for Microscopy]
This PMC will focus on providing management training to Local Affiliated Society leaders to strengthen and build the LAS communities. The current system of LAS management does not include a formal succession plan which would provide incoming leadership with training as they onboard to their new role. This is common with many volunteer-based organizations. There will be years that a group will flourish due to leadership from an experienced volunteer and other years where there will be little to no activity because the skills were not passed on to prepare an unseasoned leader. This PMC invites the primary leaders of each LAS to learn the basic skills of managing their organization. This would include skills regarding budgeting, fundraising, event management, outreach, communication, student involvement, and marketing. During this one-day course, attendees will receive instruction from their peers who have had many years of experience as well as feedback from sponsors who will provide insight into what makes a good working relationship. This training will strengthen existing LAS groups while bringing others up to speed. The added benefit of hosting this in-person training is to provide an opportunity for communication and networking between the different LAS communities that are geographically distant.
Topics covered within this PMC will include:
- The first steps needed to set up a Local Affiliate Society as a partner with MSA
- Key accounting steps such as start-up funding, non-profit status registration, banking and budgeting
- Establishing a governance board, business plan, officer terms, business plan, and by-laws
- Communication system through websites, marketing, social media, member/board meetings
- Event management including activities such as meetings, workshops, catering, fundraising, venues, and outreach
- Involving students with event planning and student focused events
- Long term and succession planning
- LAS Committee support for event speakers, meetings, student activities and website development