IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) International Leadership Summits (ILS) will continue as a part of IEEE WIE’s portfolio of global initiatives that focus on Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Emerging/Disruptive Technology. All summits are to be aligned with the IEEE WIE Vision Mission and Goals. WIE Summits provide regional opportunities for networking, mentorship, training, and collaboration.

The call for the 2025 WIE Summits is closed.

Please click here for a downloadable version of the information below.

  • Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on 31 October each year.
  • All submissions must use IEEE WIE templates for proposal, planning, and execution.
  • A letter of endorsement from the Section Chair is required. Additional endorsement letters from the IEEE Region may also be submitted.
  • Summits must take place by December 15th of the same year.

Here’s a helpful tutorial with detailed instructions to complete the application process for the IEEE WIE International Leadership Summits.

The IEEE WIE Summits Subcommittee will evaluate and recommend approval of up to ten (10) Summit proposals based on the following criteria:

  • Alignment with IEEE WIE’s mission, vision, and objectives.
  • Preference will be given to locations that have not hosted a WIE ILS in the past three years, with priority given to new organizers.
  • Adherence to the Summit themes and tracks.
  • Availability of a Volunteer Organizing Committee, including local section volunteers in key roles (Program Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer).
  • A secured venue and a detailed preliminary budget.
  • High-quality session topics, sponsors, and speakers.
  • Describes ways in which their Summit will address the needs of WIE membership in their area.
  • Consideration of geographic diversity and potential for future growth.

Note: Returning organizers should demonstrate growth, while new organizers must address the needs of WIE members in their area.

  • Summit themes should reflect the WIE mission, vision, and objectives.
  • Suggested tracks include innovation, empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership skills, and emerging/disruptive technology.   For example, a proposed theme could be “Innovating for Tomorrow: Women in Engineering at the Forefront of Technological Advancements”.
  • Programs should include presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations.
  • Speakers from outside IEEE, including industry, academia, and government representatives, are encouraged.
  • Conference proceedings and paper publications are not permitted at WIE Summits.

  • The Organizing Committee must include IEEE WIE Graduate Student (or higher) members, with at least one member residing in the proposed location.
  • Local IEEE WIE Section AG and Section Members should be involved in the organizing committee.
  • Committee members may come from multiple geographic locations but must include members from the Summit’s proposed location.
  • Key roles must include Program Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer.
  • Subcommittees should be led by IEEE WIE Graduate Student members or higher.

  • Adhere to all rules defined by the IEEE Conference Standards Policy 10.0.
  • The Organizing Entity is responsible for all financial outcomes, including surpluses and losses. Surpluses should be reinvested locally to support IEEE WIE activities.
  • Approved proposals receive seed funding of $1,500 USD, which does not require repayment.
  • Funding is contingent upon adherence to IEEE WIE Summit guidelines, templates, and branding standards. Non-compliance may result in withdrawal of approval and funding.
  • The organizers must submit a revised event budget within two (2) months prior to the Summit start date.
  • Submit a final event report using the provided template, including a financial summary, within two (2) months after the Summit.
  • Summit registration rates should include discounts for IEEE and WIE members.

  • Adhere to IEEE and IEEE WIE branding guidelines for logo usage, event title formats, and color schemes.
  • Refer to the WIE ILS Branding Guidelines and Virtual Tools for detailed instructions.
  • Use the provided WIE ILS website template for event promotion.
  • Keep WIE staff included in all event communications by copying them at wie-Summits@ieee.org and providing links to Summit social media accounts.
  • Promote the event via social media, newsletters, and other channels before the event to build excitement.
  • During the event, engage attendees with interactive sessions and real-time updates.
  • Post-Event, send follow-up emails, surveys, and content to maintain engagement.
  • Focus marketing efforts on attracting new IEEE and WIE members through various promotional activities.

IEEE WIE International Leadership Summit Branding Guidelines and Virtual Tools

Download the presentation slide deck here.

Below are some key dates to keep in mind when planning an IEEE WIE Summit. A detailed Summit Timeline template will be provided to all approved WIE Summit organizers. The following is a suggested/sample timeline for an in-person event. 

  1. Upon approval of the WIE Summit:
    a. Summit Organizer Toolkit & Templates will be sent via email
    b. Approved Summits begin local marketing
  2. 1 month after approval:
    a. Initial planning session with IEEE WIE staff and subcommittee members will be scheduled and organizers must attend.
    b. Summit planning committee list submitted to wie-summits@ieee.org
    c. Materials required for the initial funding disbursement in the amount of $1,000 must be submitted to wie-summits@ieee.org. These materials include the created website link, confirmed venue, the proposed tracks, and preliminary Summit program
  3.  3-5 months prior to Summit start date:
    a. Call for speakers opens
    b. Event website must be up and running.
    c. Summit registration opens
  4. 6 weeks prior to summit start date:
    a. Final Summit program must be submitted to wie-summits@ieee.org
  5.  No later than 14 days post Summit end date:
    a. Summit post-event survey to be sent to attendees, sponsors, speakers, exhibitors
  6. 60 days post Summit end date:
    a. Post-event report, including program financials and summary must be submitted to wie-summits@ieee.org

Post-Summit Procedures:

  • Conduct attendee and sponsor surveys within two weeks of the Summit using provided templates.
  • Submit completed surveys, attendee, and sponsor lists to wie-summits@ieee.org within two weeks post-event.
  • Submit the final report within two months post-Summit, including financial details, event photos, sponsor information, and a program summary.

  1. Early Planning and Clear Goals:
    – Begin planning early to secure venues, speakers, and sponsors.
    – Define clear goals such as networking, professional development, and promoting diversity in engineering.
  2. Diverse and Inclusive Programming
    – Ensure diverse speakers from different backgrounds and expertise.
    – Include sessions on leadership, technical skills, work-life balance, and career advancement specific to women in engineering.
    – Incorporate workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions to actively engage participants.
  3. Empower and Mentor Organizers and Volunteers
    – Provide valuable experience and mentorship opportunities to students involved in the organizing process.
    – Equip volunteers with necessary skills and knowledge through training.
    – Encourage volunteers to take on leadership roles to foster their growth.
  4. Effective Communication and Collaboration
    – Hold regular planning meetings to ensure team alignment and information sharing.
    – Utilize efficient and clear communication tools to keep all members updated on progress and changes.
    – Establish processes to address misunderstandings and conflicts, prioritizing the summit’s best interests.
  5. Engage and Connect with the Audience
    – Use social media, newsletters, and other channels to build excitement and engage potential attendees during pre-event.
    – Design interactive sessions that encourage participation and networking among attendees.
    – Send post-event follow-up emails, surveys, and content to maintain engagement and gather feedback for future events.
  6. Leverage Technology for Global Reach
    – Incorporate live streaming and online networking opportunities to engage a global audience.
    – Consider a hybrid format to accommodate both in-person and virtual attendees, enhancing accessibility.
    – Ensure robust technical support for all virtual and hybrid components to provide a seamless experience.
  7. Showcase the Value of WIE
    – Feature the accomplishments and contributions of women in engineering through keynote speeches, case studies, and awards.
    – Provide ample networking opportunities for attendees to connect with industry leaders, peers, and potential mentors.
    – Offer resources such as career development tools, industry insights, and educational materials to support professional growth.
  8. Evaluate and Improve
    – Use surveys, polls, and informal feedback to collect attendees’ insights and suggestions.
    – Review Successes and Areas for Improvement by analyzing the event’s strengths and weaknesses to refine future summits.
    – Acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of organizers, volunteers, and participants to foster a sense of community and achievement.

 Contact Information

Should you have questions regarding the WIE ILS guidelines and process, please send an email to wie-summits@ieee.org.

Submission Form