It’s that time of year when you as an IAPMO member have the opportunity to apply for committee appointment for the 2026 Calendar year.
I would like to take this opportunity to explain how important these committees are to our industry. If you are selected to serve on a committee, you can provide input, tackle issues or problems, and suggest solutions to the biggest challenges of the day. Committee participation also helps broaden your professional network. I have been in this industry for 35 years and have witnessed committee members rise through the ranks all the way to election as IAPMO Board of Directors president. I would like to emphasize becoming a committee member is an honor and a significant personal accomplishment. Committee members are the backbone of our industry. New members and new ideas help shape our next generation.
I’m counting on you to apply!
The deadline to apply is Oct. 1 for the 2026 Calendar year.
Become an IAPMO committee member and contribute to the creation, validation, and enhancement of tools, standards, and practices that will be promoted by the association to help advance the industry and serve the population.
Committees are crucial to IAPMO because they facilitate a structured approach to addressing specific issues, promoting diverse perspectives, and enhancing efficiency. Further, they enable a group of individuals to work collaboratively on projects, leading to more thorough analysis, better decisions, and improved outcomes. IAPMO committees also help the organization tap into specialized expertise and streamline processes, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the organization.
Some key benefits include:
- Expand Your Network. The biggest benefit (in my opinion) is the relationships you form on a committee.
- Demonstrate and Develop Your Leadership. You don’t have to be chair of a committee to demonstrate your leadership.
- Acquire New Knowledge and Skills.
- Pay it Forward.
Joining an IAPMO committee is a good way to help lead the organization toward its goals and also offers you a voice at the table to help identify problems, develop solutions and drive the agenda. Also, as someone new to committee work, you may develop or learn new skills.
Your checklist to get started:
- Visit https://iapmo.org/about/commit- tees and select Special Committees to review the list of committees in which you have the most interest.
- Join one of the committees by applying online or downloading the application and sending it to Member Services at IAPMO. The Board of Directors will select the committees from the applicants for the 2026 calendar year.
- Only volunteer for specific projects of interest. Committee meetings may be as little as 1-2 hours in duration; others may be more involved depending upon the project scope and complexity. Committee meetings may be in person or virtual, and often much of the work and communication can be completed via email.
- Refer a colleague to join a committee!
Joining a committee is like joining a Health Club. The more time you invest, the greater the return, and the better you feel.
Now I would like to switch gears for a moment. This year’s annual conference in Palm Springs, California, is right around the corner. Those of you who have never attended, I would like to assure you there will be an abundance of classes from which to choose. This is an excellent opportunity to earn CEUs and credit for your career.
This IAPMO annual conference is co-located with ASSE International and ARCSA International, which gives you multiple opportunities to engage with all three organizations. In my experience, if this is your first conference it certainly won’t be your last. There are so many opportunities to engage with new and experienced members inside and outside the classrooms, in hallways, at breakfast, and outings. I am certain you will have an experience to remember and look forward to year after year.
I can’t wait to meet you along with the whole IAPMO team at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, Sept. 14-19.
See you soon!
Tricia Megee
Last modified: July 2, 2025