On Wednesday March 25^th, 2009 Chapter 81 participated in two membership information sessions. Both events were held at Conestoga College, Doon Campus, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Each event was held for a uniquely different audience. The daytime session was part of a larger student job fair hosted at the College. Our chapter participated not as an employer, but as an aid to the students. We helped them to understand not only the vast benefits of SME Membership, but also how SME networking would be one of their best career decisions. There was much interest in what SME had to offer.

 SME Chapter 81 and S251 booth at Conestoga College, Doon Campus, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

 SME Chapter 81 also held an information session at the College in the evening of the same day. This session was more specifically directed to senior chapter members and their friends. The session was a multi-chapter event with participants from surrounding chapters, including Toronto 26, Hamilton 42 and London 91.

The evening began with a welcome from Chapter 81 Chair Karl Wolf. Mr. Wolf introduced the two guest speakers for the event. First, with opening remarks was Mr. Paul Minich, Manager Canadian SME office in Toronto. Second on the agenda, and the primary focus of the evening, was the presentation by Mr. Tim Welbaum. Mr. Welbaum gave us an excellent and concise wrap-up of SME’s offerings. Mr. Welbaum’s presentation certainly added "fire and passion" to the event. Although all of SME’s offerings can not be shown in one hour, there was certainly interest sparked and new information to be learned, not only by existing members, but also new prospects.

The evening was a great success. Members of the audience remained and networked for at least one hour after the presentation. Our chapter responded to at least ten requests for membership, student and senior. Chair, Karl Wolf received many letters of thanks. One comment from a satisfied guest, "It was a pleasure to meet you and a number of your members and to learn a great deal about the SME in such a short period of time."

 Tim Welbaum presenting at SME Chapter 81 Information Session hosted by SME Chapter 81 at Conestoga College, Doon Campus, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada