It takes the on-going dedication of many volunteers to make a user group successful. Connect prides itself in being a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to HP Business Technology products and services. Our volunteers are an integral part of the organization and contribute to its success by setting the direction for programs, events, and service offerings.
Connect volunteers are the forefront of the organization and work directly with key members of the community and HP. As a result, the knowledge gained from serving as a volunteer will improve the way you do business and your bottom line. Connect is always open to volunteers interested in participating in any of the below listed committees. If you are interested in serving on any of the below committees, please fill out the volunteer interest form or contact us at any time.
Connect Committee Descriptions
(the entire descriptions of all of Connect committees can be found here)
Business Development Committee
The Business Development committee is responsible for overseeing the development of strategy to grow the organization's business and product offerings. The committee shall evaluate the business and recommend strategies for realization of its full potential, using such tools as marketing, sales, information management and customer service. The committee's overarching theme is that business development never stops but is an ongoing process.
Technical Resource Committee
The Technical Resource committee is responsible for ensuring relevant, quality content is presented at Connect events (both virtual and face-to-face). For conferences and face-to-face events, the technical resource committee has oversight of the program committee and pre-conference seminars. Throughout the year, the technical resource committee shall review webcast topics and suggest new areas that Connect should be exploring. The committee shall also work with the SIG committee to ensure that new relevant SIGs are continually being formed.
Special Interest Group & Advocacy Committee
The SIG & Advocacy committee is a combined committee that has a co-chair for the SIGs and a co-chair for the Advocacy portions. The SIG portion is responsible for oversight of all Connect SIGs and activities. The advocacy portion is responsible to ensure that SIG-driven advocacy initiatives are promoted and highlighted. The committee shall also work with the technical resource committee to ensure that relevant SIGs in new or expanding technology areas are formed. The committee will then provide the necessary resources and support for any SIGs that are in formation. They shall regularly review all existing SIGs to ensure that they are still relevant and active.
Membership and VolunteerCommittee
The Membership and Volunteer committee is responsible for ensuring that sound membership growth and volunteer engagement strategies are in place for Connect. Specifically the committee is tasked with the following: (i) formulating strategy for membership growth and volunteer engagement opportunities, (ii) overseeing membership progress and reporting to assess performance and identify adjustments where necessary, (iii) overseeing the volunteer engagement progress and reporting to assess performance and identify adjustments where necessary, and (iv) commission work to better understand Connect's target audience and their needs.
Marketing & Public Relations Committee
The Marketing Committee oversees the development and implementation of Connect's overall marketing strategy and activities. This involves four primary areas: Corporate (Public Relations, HP activities), Organization benefits (Web Site, Social Networking, Webcasts, Advocacy, Chapter Relations), Membership (e-Newsletter, retention/recruitment) and Conference (HPTF&E and Community Connect Europe). The Marketing Committee will also oversee The Connection publication editorial team to assure relevant organization information is reflected in the publication and we are tailoring content to the appropriate audience(s).
Partner Liaison Committee
The Partner Liaison committee is responsible for developing and maintaining close relationships with the vendor partner community. The committee shall update the community on items of interest to vendor partners and oversee the HQ staff in developing strategies for growing this important segment of the community. In addition, the committee also exists to provide thought leadership behind enhancing the year round experience and engagement of vendor partners in all aspects of Connect.
Chapter Council Committee
The Chapter Advisory Council is responsible for ensuring representation of global Chapter interests and a forum for discussion and capture of feedback. In addition, the council will advise the Board of Directors on matters relating to the Chapters, provide an opportunity/forum for Chapter leaders to share best practices and updates and reporting.
The event committee is tasked with oversight of all events and onsite community activities that Connect participates in or sponsors including HP Technology Forum & Expo and Community Connect Europe. These responsibilities include ensuring a positive attendee experience and profitability for the organization. In addition, the committee is responsible for evaluating potential opportunities for additional Connect events. In particular, the committee shall review opportunities in regions where Connect does not currently hold an event.
Social Networking Committee
The Social Networking committee is responsible for steering the overall website and the specific aspect of Connect's social networking to ensure growth of site wide activity, and membership involvement. The goal of this committee is to provide engagement of all member types and to grow the community. This committee also works directly with the marketing staff.
The Nominations committee is tasked with identifying candidates who would serve as Directors of the Board for Connect Worldwide. The Nominations Committee will execute all provisions of Connect's Nominations & Elections policies as outlined in the governing bylaws. The committee is responsible for effectively and fairly evaluating all candidates for the Board of Director's openings and determining a slate of candidates with will then be presented to the current Board of Directors for voting. Once the slate is approved, it is then opened to the Connect membership for voting. This committee is led by the Past President.
The NonStop committee oversees the development and programs of the NonStop community within Connect. This committee works closely with members and HQ staff to ensure ongoing support of content for programs and the continued support of the membership is quality. Programs may contain knowledge resources, learning venues, events and anything related. The committee is also charged with the leadership of The Connection bi-monthly publication.
The OpenVMS committee oversees the development and programs of the OpenVMS community within Connect. This committee works closely with members and HQ staff to ensure ongoing support of content for programs and the continued support of the membership is quality. Programs may contain knowledge resources, learning venues, events and anything related.
The International Development Committee is responsible for developing Connect programs that service geographies outside of North America, and align with the overall goals of the organization. The plans and programs developed will be brought to the board for investment approval and eventual execution by staff. During the development and eventual oversight of execution of these programs, it is expected that this committee will liaison with other committees, such as Events, Marketing, Social Networking, Chapter Council, Membership, NonStop and OpenVMS. During the 2010 year, the goals will be to develop an achievable short-term program that supports growth in one or two major countries, as well as a multi-year overall growth vision.
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