We welcome in 2022 with plenty of hope and expectations, looking forward to new experiences and challenges. We will likely face more adversity and need to remain flexible to adjust to working through the effects of the pandemic. I commend ASPE’s Staff and Chapter leaders for their efforts in developing and utilizing virtual resources to keep members involved. The majority of Region 2 Chapters are back to in-person monthly meetings, with the exception of the Toronto Chapter, which continues to offer virtual meetings per Canadian government recommendations.
Generally, meeting attendance has been reported to be down compared to pre-pandemic numbers. Several Chapters have been offering hybrid in-person/virtual options to increase meeting participation. This is the time and opportunity for Chapters to be creative and look at new means and ways to attract their members.
Region 2 Chapters have also reported financial stability, with positive gains in their accounts as well as their efforts to pursue new members and retain existing members.
The 2022 Region 2 Meeting has been scheduled for June 3–4 in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh and Johnstown Chapters will collaborate to host this regional event. The two Chapters worked together previously to successfully host the 2019 ASPE Tech Symposium. Those who attended that Symposium would remember the iconic “vest” that the Host Chapter members fashioned. I know Society President Carol Johnson, CPD, LEED AP, CFI, FASPE, remembers and liked the idea.
There is growing excitement and expectation among the members of Region 2 Chapters to attend, volunteer, and participate in the 2022 ASPE Convention & Expo this September. The Chapters anticipate sending the full regiment of delegates and representatives to the event, with hopes that pandemic restrictions and guidelines are diminished and relaxed. The Toronto Chapter remains under pandemic travel restrictions, with the expectation that things may open up and relax in the near future. The recent success and sellout attendance of the 2021 Tech Symposium in San Diego provided high expectations and enthusiasm for the upcoming Convention, especially since it will be hosted in Indianapolis, a Region 2 Chapter city. Region 2 members are looking forward to contributing to the success of this event.
Thank you all for participating, supporting, and contributing to ASPE!
