6 Types of NEM Ontario Events You Can Lead
With National Engineering Month (NEM) 2025 fast approaching, we’re excited to invite passionate individuals like you to lead events that inspire and engage the engineering community. This year, we’re introducing updated NEM weeks, each with vibrant themes designed to celebrate the diverse impact of engineering. Whether you’re looking to showcase your expertise, foster meaningful connections, or contribute to lifelong learning, there’s an event type for everyone.
Here are 6 types of NEM Ontario events that have been successful in the past:
1. Panel Discussions
Panel discussions bring together experts to discuss a specific topic, guided by a moderator. These events provide an opportunity for thought leadership and allow you to explore key industry topics in an engaging, interactive format. Panels are a great way to showcase your industry knowledge while fostering dialogue with the audience.
2. Fireside Chats
Fireside chats are informal, yet insightful conversations between a moderator and a guest. This event format allows for deep dives into the personal stories and experiences of industry leaders, giving the audience valuable insights in a relaxed, conversational setting. It’s a great way to build connections and share knowledge on a more personal level.
3. Skill-Building Workshops
As engineering is an ever-evolving field, skill-building workshops offer participants the chance to deepen their knowledge and improve their practical skills. You could host a workshop on topics like effective communication, conflict resolution, or project management—skills that are invaluable to both students and professionals.
4. Engineering Competitions
The Student Impact Challenge is an exciting opportunity for engineering students to demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills through friendly competition. This annual event allows students to host competitions at their schools, ranging from hackathons to project-based challenges, with cash prizes up for grabs. It’s a fantastic way to engage students and promote collaboration. Learn more about the Student Impact Challenge and encourage your students to apply today!
5. Case Studies or Research Presentations
Share the real-world impact of engineering through case studies or research presentations. These events allow you to highlight innovative projects, tackle pressing issues like sustainability or AI, and tell compelling stories about how engineering solutions make a difference. Presentations like these not only inform but also inspire your audience to think critically and creatively.
6. Networking Events
Networking is essential to career growth, and NEM in Ontario is the perfect opportunity to connect with other professionals. Whether casual or structured, these events provide a platform for engineers to meet peers, discuss industry trends, and share career advice. Hosting a networking event can be a powerful way to facilitate connections that lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
Why Lead an Event?
Still wondering if leading an event is right for you? Here are a few compelling reasons to get involved:
31 Reasons to Get Involved: Leading an event during NEM 2025 provides countless opportunities for growth—personally, professionally, and for the industry as a whole. Whether it’s enhancing your leadership skills or connecting with other engineers, each day and event offers a new reason to participate and contribute.
- Make an Impact: With 31 Days of celebration, you have the chance to lead an event that inspires the engineering community and helps shape the future of the profession. You’ll be making a lasting impact by sharing your passion and knowledge with others.
- Enhance Your Skills: Organizing and leading an event hones your leadership, communication, and event management skills—valuable assets that will benefit you throughout your career.
- Expand Your Network: By hosting an event, you’ll meet professionals and students across the engineering field, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and career growth.
- Get Recognized: As an event leader, you’ll gain recognition for your expertise and commitment to advancing the engineering community, which can lead to greater professional visibility and career advancement.
- Up to $500 in Funding: If you qualify, you can receive up to $500 to fund your event, helping to cover logistics and make your event a success.
Ready to Lead?
If you’re still unsure about what type of event to run, don’t worry! You can start your application now and fill in the details later. Just be sure to submit your application by January 30, 2025 to qualify for up to $500 in funding to support your event.
Need more info? Check out the FAQs on our website or email us at letstalk@nemontario.ca.
Let’s make NEM 2025 a month of growth, connection, and celebration of engineering. Join us in leading the way!
For more information about National Engineering Month Ontario, visit nemontario.ca.