Bi-Monthly Newsletter
ISSUE: February 2026
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REGION 6 DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
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Welcome to the February 2026 edition of the IEEE Region 6 Bi‑Monthly Newsletter.
The year is already off to an energizing start, marked by collaboration, innovation, and meaningful engagement across our Region. From celebrating world‑class innovators and award recipients to strengthening partnerships through cross‑region meetings, policy discussions, and community‑focused initiatives, Region 6 continues to demonstrate the extraordinary impact of volunteers united by a shared mission.
This issue highlights many moments that make me especially proud of our community—honoring IEEE Medal recipients and Region 6 award winners, empowering students and young professionals through leadership workshops, expanding our digital presence, and delivering real‑world impact through programs such as MOVE disaster response and inclusive STEM education. These achievements reflect the dedication, creativity, and leadership that define Region 6.
Our joint meeting with Region 4 and our participation in the IEEE‑USA Board Retreat further underscored the value of collaboration across regions and organizational units. By sharing best practices and aligning on priorities, we strengthen IEEE as one connected community working toward a common purpose.
Thank you to every volunteer, leader, and member who contributes their time, expertise, and passion. Your commitment continues to elevate Region 6 and expand our influence across industry, academia, public policy, and local communities. I welcome your ideas and feedback and look forward to continuing our work together to support you—our valued members and volunteers—and to advance technology for the benefit of humanity.
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Jensen Huang named 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor Recipient
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The IEEE Medal of Honor celebrates visionaries who transform technology and humanity. This year, Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, has been awarded the 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor, the highest recognition from IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization. This accolade, accompanied by a $2 million prize, acknowledges Huang’s visionary leadership and pioneering work in accelerated computing, which has positioned NVIDIA as a leader in technological innovation. Under Huang’s guidance, NVIDIA invented the first graphics processing unit (GPU) in 1999, a breakthrough that revolutionized computing and facilitated advancements in various fields such as medicine, engineering, and autonomous vehicles. Huang’s foresight in accelerated computing laid the groundwork for modern AI technologies and the current industrial revolution.
Join Region 6 in celebrating this amazing innovator and learn more about what we have planned in the run up to the big event. A heartfelt congratulations to Jensen Huang from Region 6.
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Region 6’s 2026 IEEE Medal Recipients Announced
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On December 10, 2025, IEEE announced the recipients of the 2026 IEEE Medals, the organization’s highest level of recognition honoring individuals whose transformative innovations and leadership are advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. The 2026 honorees represent global pioneers whose contributions span computing, communications, semiconductors, healthcare, sustainability, and critical infrastructure—driving scientific discovery and improving quality of life worldwide. Their work reflects the ingenuity, excellence, and societal impact that define IEEE’s mission.
Among this year’s recipients:
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IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal: IEEE Life Fellow Scott J. Shenker (University of California, Berkeley), recognized for groundbreaking research in computer networks and internet architecture that underpins modern cloud computing and software-defined networking.
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IEEE Nick Holonyak, Jr. Medal for Semiconductor Optoelectronic Technologies: IEEE Fellow Steven P. DenBaars (University of California, Santa Barbara), honored for pioneering gallium nitride semiconductor and LED technologies enabling energy-efficient lighting and advanced displays.
IEEE Region 6 joins the global IEEE community in recognizing the 2026 IEEE Medal recipients for their extraordinary contributions to engineering, science, and society.
Read more here:
https://www.ieee.org/about/news/2025/ieee-announces-2026-medals-recipients
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2025 MGA Young Professional – Alberto Tamyong
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IEEE Region 6 is proud to congratulate Alberto Tam Yong on being recognized as one of the recipients of the 2025 MGA Young Professionals Achievement Award. This award honors his exemplary leadership in elevating Young Professionals in IEEE Region 6.
Thank you, Alberto, for your dedication, service, and positive impact on our Region! 👏
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2025 Director’s Special Award – Alan Weissberger
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Congratulations to Alan Weissberger on receiving a Director’s Special Award honoring over five decades of exceptional leadership, technical contributions, and unwavering dedication to IEEE, the IEEE Communications Society, the IEEE Santa Clara Valley Section, and the global communications community. Alan’s lifetime of service and impact has shaped generations of engineers and volunteers across IEEE.
👏 Thank you, Alan, for your enduring legacy and extraordinary contributions to IEEE.
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2025 Director’s Special Award – Brianne Tengan
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Congratulations to Brianne Tengan on receiving a Director’s Special Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative contributions to Young Professionals within the IEEE Hawaii Section and IEEE Region 6.
Thanks Brianne for everything you do for our IEEE community! 👏
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2025 IEEE Region 6 Award Recipients Announced
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We are proud to recognize outstanding Sections, Student Branches, Chapters, and individual volunteers for their contributions to IEEE, STEM education, Women in Engineering, humanitarian efforts, and professional leadership:
• Outstanding Small Section: Eastern Idaho Section
• Outstanding Medium Section: San Fernando Valley Section
• Outstanding Large Section: Orange County Section
• Outstanding Medium Student Branch: University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
• Outstanding Large Student Branch: Arizona State University
• Outstanding Contribution to Promoting Women in Engineering – Individual: Sneja Mitinbhai Shah (Santa Clara Valley) and Kristine Joyce Locquiao (Hawai‘i)
• Outstanding Contribution to Promoting Women in Engineering – WIE Chapter: IEEE Hawai‘i Women in Engineering
• Outstanding Chapter of the Year: IEEE MTT Chapter, Santa Clara Valley / San Francisco
• Outstanding Service and Leadership to the IEEE: Kim Parnell (Santa Clara Valley)
• Outstanding Educator: Mike Ranjram (Phoenix)
• Outstanding IEEE Member – Contributions to STEM & Education: Benita McLarin (Oakland–East Bay)
• Outstanding IEEE Member – Global Humanitarian Projects: Andrew Alling (Hawai‘i)
• Outstanding IEEE Young Professional: Eric Ayers (Utah)
• Outstanding Engineer: Tanushri Doshi (Palouse)
Congratulations to all of our 2025 IEEE Region 6 Award winners! Your dedication, leadership, and service have made a meaningful impact across our sections, chapters, and communities.
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2026 IEEE Region 4 & Region 6 join meeting
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The 2026 IEEE Region 4 and IEEE Region 6 Joint Meeting was successfully held from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa in Mesa, Arizona.
This joint meeting brought together over 130 volunteer leaders and 30 guests from IEEE Region 4 and IEEE Region 6 for three days of productive discussions, strategic alignment, and cross-region collaboration. Past-President Kathy Kramer and President-Elect Jill Gostin attended the event and shared their strategies and visions for IEEE, along with Ignacio Castillo (Region 9 Director), Phil Gonski (Region 2 Director-Elect), Pat Donahoe (Region 3 Director-Elect), Drew Lowery (VP, MGA), Don Tan (VP, TAB), Ashaki Benion (IEEE Legal), Donna Hourican (IEEE Governance), Kelly Smith (IEEE CEE), Maghen Deusing (IEEE Innovation Portal), Eugene Khusid (vTools), Simay Koehler (HTB) and many others.
This year’s Opcom training, which normally takes place on Friday afternoon, was changed to 3 separate sessions offered in three consecutive weekends before the Opcom meeting. Friday was scheduled with optional meetings and open offices for volunteers who arrived early to meet one-on-one with representatives from vTools, CEE, Treasurers, etc. This change allowed the Excom more time to focus on interactive discussions.
Participants engaged in knowledge sharing on best practices, leadership development, member engagement, and operational strategies, while also exploring opportunities for future joint initiatives between the two regions. The meeting strengthened connections across regions, reinforced a shared commitment to IEEE’s mission, and highlighted the value of collaboration in advancing professional, technical, and volunteer activities. Overall, the event was a meaningful and successful platform for building stronger partnerships and setting a positive direction for the year ahead.
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2026 IEEE USA Board retreat dinner
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IEEE Region 6 was honored to join colleagues from across the country for the 2026 IEEE-USA Board Retreat Dinner in Las Vegas. It was a great evening of connection, collaboration, and meaningful conversations around shared priorities and the future impact of IEEE and IEEE-USA.
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MOVE-3 responds to SoCal Flooding in San Diego
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The San Diego, California region received heavy rains over New Year’s Eve, 2025, and New Year’s Day, 2026. MOVE received the request for emergency response from the Red Cross SoCal Region (Southern California). On New Year’s Day, MOVE-3 volunteers Bill Torre and Steve Kurtzman responded quickly to establish a Red Cross shelter.
MOVE volunteers Bill Torre and Steve Kurtzman drove the MOVE-3 vehicle to an evacuation center at Valhalla High School, which was set up in El Cajon, California (CA), and assisted other Red Cross volunteers to stand up the shelter for victims of flooding in the area.
Bill and Steve established internet access, installed laptops, and a printer for the Red Cross Shelter team. Fortunately, power and communications were still available at the shelter, so the team did not need to deploy MOVE-3’s modular internet access and power equipment.
MOVE-3 is the newest addition to the MOVE fleet. Like MOVE-1 and MOVE-2, it provides mobile power and internet communications capabilities that are brought to Red Cross disaster response operations. Unique to MOVE-3 is the modular configuration of its equipment, which can be deployed with or without the vehicle.
(By Timothy Troske)
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Young Professional Workshop @ 2026 IEEE Rising Stars
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At the IEEE Rising Stars Conference, the Region 6 YP committee hosted a Young Professionals Workshop, led by Yash Puneet, which attracted approximately 95 attendees and speakers from multiple IEEE Regions. The workshop spanned a range of topics, including Affinity Group Operations, Personal Branding through Websites, and creating custom AI agents for productivity. It also featured a Mentoring Meet session to demonstrate the value of this program to all attendees as well as provide an opportunity to be mentored by industry and IEEE leaders who were also present at the conference.
Thanks to our speakers Alberto Tam Yong, Yash Puneet, Chamika Sudusinghe, Anil Roy, Chad Kidder, Naznin Akter, Georolyn Ngo, Sunny Bellary, and Pavan Penkey, for their engaging sessions!
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Student Leadership Workshop @ IEEE Rising Stars 2026
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The Region 6 Student Activities Committee hosted a Student Leadership Workshop led by Daniel Thomson at the IEEE Rising Stars Conference dedicated to bridging the gap between academic involvement and professional excellence. We began by building a strong community through self-introductions and interactive icebreakers before “decoding” the vast IEEE global network. Leaders engaged in intensive strategy sessions to solve the Involvement Gap, transforming common organizational pain points into actionable growth plans. The afternoon provided practical masterclasses on securing funding, mastering event logistics, and long-term strategic visioning. Our student leaders left equipped with a clear roadmap, the resources to fund their ambitions, and a renewed commitment to driving engineering impact within their branches.
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Announcing Region 6 Student Activities Committee (SAC) Media Channels!
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The Region 6 Student Activities Committee is Expanding its Digital Presence! We are excited to announce we are now officially live on Instagram and LinkedIn!
Instagram: @ieeer6sac (https://www.instagram.com/ieeer6sac/)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ieee-r6-sac
Tag our socials, engage with our posts, and submit events/initiatives your student branches are involved in to be featured on our socials! We have launched our very own website! This will be your one-stop shop for resources, opportunities, and updates as it is expanded, so bookmark it and check back often!
Website: https://site.ieee.org/r6-students/
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2025 IEEE New Era AI World Leaders Summit
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The 2025 IEEE New Era AI World Leaders Summit, held on December 6–7, 2025 at the University of Washington, Bothell, convened leaders from academia, industry, government, and professional societies to examine the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in shaping our world.
The summit featured forward-looking discussions on responsible and trustworthy AI, AI governance and policy, and real-world deployment of AI technologies across critical sectors including energy systems, healthcare, education, and smart infrastructure. Speakers and participants emphasized the importance of aligning technical innovation with ethical frameworks, societal needs, and public policy.
🔹 Key themes highlighted at the Summit included:
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The growing responsibility of engineers and technologists in guiding human-centered AI
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The need for collaboration between research, industry, and policymakers
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Preparing the future workforce through education, leadership development, and inclusion
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Ensuring AI innovation advances the public good on a global scale
By convening diverse perspectives and expertise, the New Era AI World Leaders Summit reinforced IEEE’s mission to foster innovation while promoting ethical, transparent, and impactful technology development.
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STEM Education for Sustainable Development – IEEE Region 6 Impact
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Technology and STEM education empower people with the confidence and skills to tackle real-world challenges, nurturing the next generation of innovators and strengthening local communities. By expanding STEM access in underserved areas, IEEE helps build a more diverse, technically skilled workforce while addressing global challenges such as inequality, poverty, and limited access to technology. Guided by Kathleen Kramer’s “One IEEE” framework, Education Activities Committees from Regions 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 collaborated to deliver broader, more strategic, and more effective STEM programs. Through IEEE MGA Surplus Funds, matched by IEEE Region 6, six impactful STEM outreach projects were delivered across the Hawaii, Eastern Idaho, Northern Nevada, Oakland East Bay, Foothill, and Orange County Sections—all focused on empowering underserved and underrepresented communities.
🔹 What we achieved (Fall 2025):
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Hands-on coding, robotics, renewable energy, space science, digital logic, 3D printing, UAVs, and inclusive STEM programs
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Reached hundreds of students, families, and educators, including public school students, immigrant communities, neurodivergent young adults, and first-generation learners
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Led entirely by dedicated IEEE volunteers, with strong community and school partnerships
💡 From middle school coding adventures in Hawai‘i to UAV workshops in Orange County and inclusive STEM programs in Oakland East Bay, these projects show how targeted funding + passionate volunteers = real community impact. Thank you to all project leads, volunteers, partners, and IEEE MGA & Region 6 for making STEM more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring 👏.
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IEEE Region 6 Executive Committee Meeting on November 15, 2025
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What an energizing day of collaboration, big ideas, and future-focused planning! Our Region 6 leaders gathered for a power-packed agenda to shape our direction for 2025–2026 and beyond. Director Region 6 Joseph Wei kicked off the morning with inspiring updates and priorities, followed by forward-looking visions for 2027–2028 from our Directors-Elect.
We dove into dynamic discussions on budget strategy, Area Meeting coordination, and new regional initiatives; explored bold plans for the future of Rising Stars, GHTC, and SusTech; and brainstormed fresh approaches to student engagement and funding. The team also reviewed communication and governance updates, prepared for Sections Congress, strengthened collaboration around key industry events, and wrapped up with exciting planning for the 2026 Joint OpCom.
A truly productive, energizing, and inspiring day for Region 6! 💙⚡
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75th IEEE Hawaii Section Anniversary Celebration
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On November 13, the IEEE Hawaii Section marked a significant milestone—its 75th Anniversary—with a celebratory event at The Pacific Club. The evening brought together IEEE leaders, volunteers, and members to honor decades of technical excellence, service, and community building in Hawaiʻi.
Attendees heard reflections and stories from Edward Sun, Wayne Shiroma, and John I., who highlighted key moments, achievements, and personal experiences that have shaped the Hawaii Section over the years. The celebration also featured a special video message from Kathleen Kramer, IEEE President, extending her congratulations and best wishes.
The event was strengthened by the presence of IEEE Region 6 leadership, including Joseph Wei and Scott Tamashiro, underscoring the strong connection between the Hawaii Section and the broader Region 6 community.
The 75th Anniversary celebration reflected not only the Hawaii Section’s rich history, but also its continued commitment to advancing engineering, supporting professionals, and serving the community. Here’s to the next 75 years of IEEE Hawaii’s impact and leadership.
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IEEE Region 6 at TechEquity AI Summit 2025
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On November 7–8, 2025, IEEE Region 6 was represented at the TechEquity AI Summit held at the Plug and Play Tech Center in Sunnyvale, California, an industry-leading event featuring AI startups, investors, and technology leaders from around the world.
The IEEE Santa Clara Valley Section, with support from the San Francisco Bay Area Council (SFBAC), organized multiple IEEE exhibit booths to showcase IEEE programs, membership, and technical communities. Volunteers and leaders from the IEEE Santa Clara Valley Section, IEEE San Francisco Section, and IEEE Oakland–East Bay Section, along with IEEE Santa Clara Valley Women in Engineering and IEEE Region 6 Young Professionals, engaged with students, early-career professionals, and industry participants throughout the conference.
The summit featured technical tracks spanning enterprise AI, healthcare, startups, education, smart cities, and creative applications, as well as hands-on workshops and international AI product exhibits. Complimentary and discounted conference passes were also made available to IEEE members, supporting broader participation.
IEEE Region 6 thanks the IEEE Santa Clara Valley Section, event organizers, and dedicated volunteers for their collaboration and leadership in strengthening IEEE’s presence within the AI innovation ecosystem.
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Renew Your IEEE Membership and Stay Connected!
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Thank you for being part of IEEE! Your membership plays a vital role in advancing technology and improving lives around the world. Every member contributes to a global network of innovators, engineers, and professionals who are shaping the future through collaboration, research, and innovation.
By renewing your IEEE membership, you continue to:
✅ Access cutting-edge knowledge through IEEE publications, conferences, and standards.
✅ Expand your professional network across industries, disciplines, and continents.
✅ Develop leadership skills through volunteer opportunities in your local section and technical societies.
✅ Inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technologists.
✅ Support IEEE’s mission of advancing technology for humanity.
Set yourself apart from your peers — renew today and continue to grow, lead, and make a difference in our global community.
🔗 Renew your membership here: https://www.ieee.org/membership/renew.html
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EPICS in IEEE Call for Committee Members!
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Are you passionate about service learning and engineering for humanity? Here’s your chance to make an impact!
In 2026, several seats on the EPICS in IEEE Committee will open as members complete their terms. We’re seeking dedicated volunteers to help shape the future of EPICS in IEEE.
As a committee member, you’ll play a vital role in:
✔ Reviewing projects
✔ Making funding decisions
✔ Guiding strategic initiatives for the program
If you’d like to learn more about the commitment and responsibilities, feel free to reach out: epicsinieee@ieee.org
👉 Ready to apply? Submit your application here: Apply Now
Join us in empowering communities through engineering-driven solutions! 🌟
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CVD 2026 registration is now open!
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IEEE-USA Congressional Visits Day (CVD) is an annual event that brings engineers, scientists, mathematicians, researchers, educators, and technology executives to Washington, D.C., to raise visibility of and support for engineering and technology. This premier event is open to all IEEE members in the United States.
Join us 17-18 March 2026 in Washington, DC, for IEEE-USA’s annual Congressional Visits Day (CVD), where U.S. IEEE members meet with their Congressional representatives and key staff to raise awareness of engineering and technology’s long-term importance to the nation, and to discuss technically sound policy solutions.
Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/2d4dvj2r
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SusTech 2026 Student Poster Contest
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SusTech 2026 invites undergraduate and graduate students to submit abstracts for the Student Poster Contest. NOTE: Abstracts cannot be based on any paper submitted to SusTech 2026.
Students are encouraged to present ideas or designs for projects and products that support the sustainability topic areas of the conference. Selected posters will be showcased during the Virtual Student Poster Session on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM (Pacific Time).
📅 Important Dates
Abstract submission deadline: February 15, 2026 (11:59 PM US Pacific Time)
Notification of acceptance: February 28, 2026
Accepted posters must register for the contest and pay a $50 submission fee.
📄 Download the 1-Page Call for Posters Flyer (PDF)
Note: SusTech 2026 reserves the right to cancel the contest if there are insufficient entries.
👥 Who can participate?
Poster authors must be either undergraduate or graduate students at the time of submission and may be members of a team comprising of up to four students. At least one student author must be an IEEE student member at the time of the submission of the poster to the Contest. The poster should be fully the work of the student or students and completed before they have received the engineering or scientific degree. Posters should not be regarding an accepted submitted paper to SusTech 2026. At least one author must attend the Contest to present the poster. Remote presentation options will be available.
🏆 Awards
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places as determined by the judges. First place $1000; second $750; third $500, honorary $250.
For full contest details and the list of conference topics, visit:
🔗 https://ieee-sustech.org/student-poster-contest/
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Booking Now Open | IEEE-USA Bahamas Cruise
(Oct 5–9, 2026)
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IEEE-USA is excited to announce that booking is now open for the 2026 IEEE-USA Bahamas Cruise—a unique opportunity to network, learn, and relax in a truly unforgettable setting.
📍 Sail Details
🚢 Carnival Glory
⚓ Port Canaveral, Florida → Nassau & Celebration Key
📅 October 5–9, 2026 (4 days)
💰 Starting at $575 per person
This cruise blends professional development with exploration and connection, offering IEEE members and guests a chance to engage with peers while enjoying beautiful destinations and a relaxed learning environment.
🔗 Book your spot today: https://bit.ly/4ascfAf
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IEEE New Initiatives Program
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The New Initiatives Program is designed to support potential new IEEE programs, products, or services that will provide significant benefit to IEEE members, the public, the technical community, and customers, or which could have lasting impact on the IEEE or its business processes. Initiatives must be of strategic importance to IEEE.
📍Details on specific procedures for the submission can be found here.
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IEEE Future Directions
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The IEEE Future Directions Committee (FDC) seeks to identify, develop, and promote projects that are value-added for IEEE and its members, bringing together multiple Societies and Councils to provide broad and deep perspectives on a particular topic, application, or technology. These projects range from short-term activities to reach a specific goal to Future Directions Initiatives seeking longer-term cross-collaborative engagement among industry, academia, and government striving to develop and deploy various future technologies.
📍Details information can be found here.
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Please follow Region 6 LinkedIn page for real-time updates
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