March 26, 2026 - Grab your popcorn — here’s the spoiler-filled version of the MINEXCHANGE Board meetings. The Board reviewed FY2025 results, looked ahead to FY2026, checked in on the Association Management System (AMS) transition, celebrated strong event performance, and tackled the “Mega Issue” which is shaping the next SME Strategic Plan and its global impact.

Sunday, February 22 started with the ceremonial gavel tap, as 2025 SME President Bill Hancock officially called the meeting to order. The board handled routine approvals before turning to finances and strategy. FY2025 finished stronger than expected, FY2026 is getting a boost from strong performance in meetings & exhibits, and the audit committee reported a clean FY2025 audit. A strong opening act as the next SME Strategic Plan begins to take shape. The board also kept a watchful eye on a few tension points, including market fluctuations and transition?related costs.

We heard updates from several committees, and there’s a lot happening across the Society. Association Growth is expanding virtual programming; Industry Innovation is advancing Innovation Island; and Industry Workforce is growing the Emily Griffith pipeline with future upskilling plans. Responsible Mining and Underground Construction shared solid progress on the 2026 symposium and permitting, Structure and Governance wrapped up board-approved bylaw updates, the newly formed Automation and Robotics Committee talked about new outreach for future automation programs, and Education Sustainability confirmed ongoing support for grants and fellowships while sketching out a new academic pipeline idea.

Staff also shared a few quick trends. International and student segments continue to grow, despite a slight overall membership dip; long-term work is underway on the membership model with a focus on keeping sections and divisions engaged. This will be a topic during the Strategic Planning  process. The AMS transition remains on track for an early July 2026 go-live, with brief, limited website access from June 19–July 8 and MINEXCHANGE 2026 is ahead of plan, with sponsorships and exhibit sales trending above goal. The Mining NOW partnership is also beating revenue targets, with sponsored episodes running through Mining NOW and SME Studios.

The board also discussed OTC’s evolving landscape and what format, forecasting and participation costs should look like going forward. AGI shared workforce and policy?focused updates, including critical minerals, AI tools, leadership development, and upcoming 2026 initiatives.

Sunday wrapped up with thanks to outgoing leaders and staff, recognition of Dave Kanagy’s 22 years of service, and the presentation of the 2026 President’s Pin to Mary Korpi. The board reconvened Thursday, February 26, with Korpi welcoming new officers, directors, and the board intern.

The Mega Issue focused on the next SME Strategic Plan: how global, outward?facing, and member?driven SME should be — without diluting value. Discussion centered on aligning with global standards, keeping pace with technology, and exploring ideas such as globally relevant certifications and international membership pricing.

AIME gave details on how it continues supporting Member Societies through funding, awards, scholarships, archiving, and oral history, along with recent distributions (including OTC and MINEXCHANGE awards). A visit to EnginZone in Peru also sparked ideas to strengthen the international member experience — insights that could help inform the next SME Strategic Plan — such as revisiting international rates and piloting bilingual, profit-sharing education products (for example, a tailings course). SME U remains in discovery as the AMS transition and Strategic Plan direction come into focus, with the goal of an implementation plan for board review in June 2027.

Exciting news was heard from the SME Foundation. Corporate Roundtable Partners (CRP) continues to grow — Epiroc and Weir are officially on board, and there are new, easier on-ramps for companies that want to join. The gala and silent auction were a hit and helped boost scholarship funding. Looking to 2026, the focus is on the “$4K by 40” match campaign, the Jamboree and golf events, and keeping the momentum going with CRP plus individual and planned giving. The board also approved the 2026 Foundation officers and trustees.

Overall, the meetings reflected strong momentum — solid finances, a standout MINEXCHANGE, and clear input for the next Strategic Plan. Next up: strategic planning September 15–17 and the Midyear Meeting September 17–20 in the Denver area.