President’s Column: Technical Sections: SPE’s Hidden Gem

_ Technical sections offer SPE members a powerful way to learn, share, connect and grow. From webinars and awards to student programs and global networking, these communities provide opportunities to build technical expertise and lasting professional relationships. Discover why they may be one of SPE’s most valuable member benefits. Get Involved If you are not familiar with SPE technical sections, I encourage you to explore this valuable member benefit. Unlike geographic sections and student chapters, which are assigned based on a member’s location and membership status, technical sections are an opt-in benefit. Each SPE member can choose to join the technical sections that align with their interests. Technical sections offer international scope and technical depth, especially valuable for young professionals, multidisciplinary practitioners, and individuals at different stages of their careers and leadership development. Technical sections also provide unique opportunities to connect with academia, industry leaders, and recognized subject-matter experts. These communities are networks of technical practitioners. They bring an external perspective that can complement project work and help deliver greater impact. Technical sections are led by global leaders and teams within a global framework and under the guidance of technical directors, providing an appropriate level of governance. As described on the SPE Technical Sections webpage, “A technical section is a group of SPE members worldwide who share a common interest in a specific technical topic.” These groups provide opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and work on projects related to their technical areas of focus. They share knowledge through discussions, webinars, and events, with the goal of strengthening technical competence and advancing the profession. Perhaps most importantly, there is no additional cost to participate. SPE professional members and students can join one technical section or all 25 as part of their regular membership dues.