Standardization News

ASTM International Committee Weeks: Let’s Get Back to It

BY:
Nora Nimmerichter

As ASTM International begins to resume in-person Committee Week meetings, it is worth mentioning that standards development is one of the most important enablers of consistency across multiple industry sectors; it’s never been timelier to remember that standards support both the short and long-term objectives for a diverse group of manufactures, users, distributors, testing laboratories, academics, consultants, consumers, and government personnel.

Due to restrictions brought about by COVID-19, this coming April will be the first time since early 2020 that committees will have the opportunity to attend a live ASTM Committee Week. The benefits of in-person ASTM Committee Weeks contribute significantly to the development of standards, as well as professional growth, networking, and making lasting connections.   

Why Should I Attend?

At a typical ASTM Committee Week, you can expect to see 17 to 25 different ASTM committees meeting with numbers ranging from 800 to 1,400 technical expert members participating globally. ASTM Committee Weeks offer a diverse and inclusive environment for all to come together and develop voluntary consensus-based standards. Standards development continues to offer multiple benefits to you, and your employer. 

ASTM Committee Weeks are open to anyone, regardless of membership, and there is no registration fee for attending and participating. All ASTM meeting attendees have a voice and are encouraged to participate in meeting discussions. Along with the opportunity to participate in discussions, there are opportunities for attendees to network, make connections, grow professionally, and build long-lasting business relationships. Outside of committee meetings, additional events include workshops and symposia, a member’s lunch with ASTM’s Board Chair and ASTM President, and training sessions to educate & help guide officers, members, and guests of ASTM through our open and transparent process. Additional activities are listed under the Meetings & Symposia link on our website.

Finally, there are opportunities to learn about additional standards-related services ASTM offers, such as training, certification, proficiency testing, and specialized programs for new and emerging standards professionals. 

How Should I Prepare for ASTM Committee Week?

Members can take advantage of the “MyTools” offered to you on your “MyCommittees” page. You can access posted agendas, minutes, meetings and schedules, closed ballots and results, or download all meeting materials at once using the ‘MyMeetingMaterials’ link. Check out ‘Tips for Meeting Preparation’ to help you prepare.

As ASTM Committee Weeks get closer, members will receive important emails and reminders from the Meetings Department about the upcoming events, including hotel information, registration, meeting, and onsite details. Once registered, you will receive event-specific emails and a ‘Know Before You Go’ email within the week of the event, including hotel floor plan, meeting handouts, link to access the new mobile application, and a QR code for ease of check-in and badge collection.

At ASTM Committee Week? Let’s Get Started

Once you are at ASTM Committee Week, a good place to start is locating the ASTM registration desk. ASTM Staff are on-hand to help with registration questions, assist with your meeting badge, and provide any additional information pertaining to your committee meetings. You will also find meeting room maps, information about trainings, workshops, and symposia along with a members' work area with complimentary WIFI, computers, and printers, and access to standards. A message board is also located here to show any last-minute meeting/event changes and other announcements.

ASTM Committee Weeks are excellent venues to engage in the development of standards that impact your organization, industry, and needs. It is also a great environment for technical exchange, professional development, and networking with other professionals.

We look forward to welcoming you back at a future ASTM Committee Week!

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