Insiders Peek: Chapter Leadership

Nov 14, 2024 By Aleida Fuentes

IIDA Chapter leadership gather for regional strategy sessions across the U.S. to shape how we engage, impact, and succeed as a community

By Aleida Fuentes Nov 14, 2024

Published in Membership

Every year, IIDA chapter leadership rallies to bring our members meaningful programming, networking, and support to elevate both individual designers and the architecture and design industry at the local level. Chapters are truly the heart of the IIDA experience—creating opportunities for networking, community-based programming, and leadership growth that help members maximize their IIDA membership.

To support these efforts, IIDA chapter leaders gather three times a year for the Chapter Leadership Council (CLC). Each meeting provides hands-on professional development and new insights to enhance the member experience in every community.

This fall, IIDA Headquarters hosted regional CLCs across five regions in the U.S., spotlighting key topics driving member engagement, sponsor benefits, and industry advancement. We presented chapter benchmarking insights for each region, offering leaders a unique look at regional metrics and growth opportunities. Many CLCs were also paired with local chapter events, creating dynamic opportunities for networking, collaboration, and inspiration among regional members.

Midwest Region | Milwaukee

The IIDA Wisconsin Chapter hosted the Midwest Regional CLC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Participating chapters included IIDA Illinois, Ohio/Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Hosted by IIDA Director of Member Services Cody Czmyr and Wisconsin Chapter President Maya Johnson, IIDA, the CLC covered sponsorship, advocacy, and city centers. The weekend kicked off with a reception followed by the Wisconsin chapter’s 2024 Fashion Show. On Day 2, programming unfolded at the EUA Milwaukee offices where chapters engaged in sponsorship and advocacy roundtables, sharing valuable strategies and ideas. Later, city center breakout sessions allowed chapter leaders to dive into the unique needs and best practices for engaging local communities, resulting in a productive day of discussions.

Leaders from the IIDA Illinois, Ohio/Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin chapters.

Leaders from the IIDA Mid-America, Gateway, Great Plains, Northland, and Texas/Oklahoma chapters.

Central Region | Minneapolis

The IIDA Northland Chapter hosted the Central Regional CLC in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Participating chapters included IIDA Mid-America, Gateway, Great Plains, Northland, and Texas/Oklahoma. IIDA Chapter Relations Manager, Aleida Clincy and Northland Chapter President, Rob Sheehan, IIDA, hosted the CLC, covering futurism, sponsorship, and member engagement. The weekend kicked off with a welcome reception and guided tour of the Hewing Hotel, led by its designers from ESG Architecture & Design.

On Day 2, programming began with breakfast in the Rock Island Room at the Renaissance Hotel, featuring “Future of Design,” a panel exploring the evolution of the design industry and its ongoing advancements. Immediately after, the CLC commenced at the Mill City Museum with a futurism roundtable, sparking lively discussions on insights from the morning panel. Later in the day, the conversation opened up to unpack membership engagement and chapter sponsorship. The CLC ended with an informal tour of the Mill City Museum, exploring its unique blend of Minneapolis history and industrial architecture. The museum, built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, offered guests a historic ambiance and provided an inspiring close to the day’s programming.

Eastern Region | Washington, D.C.

The IIDA Mid-Atlantic Chapter hosted the Eastern Regional CLC in Washington, D.C.. Participating chapters included IIDA Mid-Atlantic, New York, Virginia/West Virginia, and Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware. IIDA Director of Member Services, Cody Czmyr, and Mid-Atlantic Chapter President Ursula Finley, IIDA, hosted the CLC diving into essential topics such as sponsorship, EDI, and strategies for engaging emerging professionals and students. Chapter leaders started the weekend with a welcome reception at Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel and a group dinner at Sixty Vines Foggy Bottom in Washington, D.C.

Programming on day 2 took place at AECOM’s D.C. office, starting with a welcome and introductions by Finley. The morning featured sponsorship roundtables, where each chapter shared creative event sponsorship strategies and exchanged insights on maximizing annual sponsorship impact. The afternoon included breakout sessions on engagement strategies for emerging professionals and students spurred brainstorming, as groups discussed ideas to attract and retain members. Later, the EDI roundtable encouraged open, productive conversations on how chapters can foster inclusivity and drive meaningful impact.

Leaders from the IIDA Mid-Atlantic, New York, Virginia/West Virginia, and Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware chapters.

Western Region | San Francisco

The North California Chapter hosted the Western Regional CLC in San Francisco, California. Participating chapters included IIDA Hawaii Pacific, Northern Pacific, Rocky Mountain, Intermountain, Oregon, Southwest, Southern California Chapters. Northern California President, Melissa Pesci, IIDA; IIDA Director of Member Services, Cody Czmyr; and IIDA Chapter Relations Manager, Aleida Clincy facilitated the Western Regional CLC throughout the weekend covering a variety of topics.

The CLC kicked off with a warm welcome at Ripple, where attendees explored the iconic Battery Street location, connecting over an upbeat happy hour with appetizers, an insightful tour, and panel discussion. Day 2 began at the showroom of Two Furnish where chapters presented their sponsorship strategies, sparking a collaborative group discussion to identify opportunities for enhancing member support. Later, the Northern California Board shared presentations on impactful chapter initiatives in climate action, EDI, and philanthropy, offering fresh ideas and inspiration. The afternoon continued with a session led by Czymr and Clincy before attendees enjoyed dinner at La Mar along the Embarcadero waterfront. The final day delved into finance and budgeting, with each chapter sharing insights on managing resources effectively.

Leaders from the IIDA Hawaii Pacific, North California , Northern Pacific, Rocky Mountain, Intermountain, Oregon, Southwest, Southern California chapters.

Southern Region | Atlanta

The IIDA Georgia Chapter proudly hosted the Southern Regional CLC in vibrant Atlanta, Georgia, welcoming chapter leaders from IIDA Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, Delta Regional, Alabama, South Florida, and Florida Central. Georgia Chapter President Lindsay Shockey, IIDA, President-Elect Courtnei Maxwell, IIDA, and IIDA Director of Member Services Cody Czmyr guided the weekend's sessions, diving into key topics on professional development and mid-senior level membership. The Southern Regional CLC kicked off with a lively welcome reception at Punch Bowl Social, located in the heart of The Battery Atlanta. On Day 2, programming shifted to Empire Office where chapter leaders launched into a membership roundtable, which included an engaging discussion, sharing insights and best practices across the region. The afternoon continued with breakout discussions on professional development, organized into smaller groups for a deep dive into tailored questions. Wrapping up the day, the Georgia Chapter presented their “Patron Event,” followed by a sponsorship roundtable where attendees swapped creative sponsorship strategies, focusing on effective ways to engage supporters and drive chapter success.