Bringing together the ICAS Area Network Chairs and International Ambassadors

On 10 March 2026, we brought together Chairs and Deputy-Chairs from across our Area Networks, Members Board representatives, as well as a number of International Ambassadors to connect, share, learn and catch-up. The meeting focused on what’s working across regional networks and where a little extra support could unlock even better member engagement. The conversation was practical, upbeat, and rooted in sharing ideas that can be reused across geographies.

A consistent highlight was the power of simple, repeatable event formats. Chairs shared how informal social events and reliable annual staples like a quiz or dinner have created welcoming entry points for members and help sustain momentum year after year within many of the Area Networks. Several regions described having a recurring calendar of similar events that removes friction from planning and makes it easier to focus on quality and community-building.

The group also discussed how local networks can act as a pipeline into wider governance and leadership, helping members build skills and confidence before stepping into bigger roles on other ICAS Boards. Inclusivity and representation came through as an important strength where committees reflect their local membership. Many Ambassadors emphasised the value of collaborating across institutes or neighbouring regions, opening events to a wider audience to strengthen connections and broaden the offering.

Student engagement was a clear priority, with regions sharing both successes (inviting students to events early) and frustrations (where engagement has been harder to build). Another recurring theme was avenues of communication. Chairs and Ambassadors want central and local plans to connect more smoothly, with clearer, more localised messaging that answers the member’s unspoken question “what’s in it for me?” Practical suggestions included segmenting communications by career stage or wide-appeal interests (for example, ICAS Foundation, ethical leadership, Rising Stars) and improving member data quality by encouraging members to keep their profiles up to date so they don’t miss out on what’s relevant to them.

Looking ahead, the meeting closed with a set of clear takeaways: share upcoming event plans more proactively so regions can reuse what works; seek better visibility of students and opportunities to build relationships earlier; and sense-check budgets while exploring sponsorship or paid events where appropriate. Chairs were also asked to be ready to answer a simple prompt for the upcoming Members Board discussion: “What do you come to ICAS for?”, a question intended to sharpen the overall value proposition and make engagement easier for members at every stage.