SocialITE is a group started under the Alaska Section ITE with the mission of creating another networking medium for transportation professionals. This is accomplished through social gatherings held in relaxed, informal settings where members interact on a more personal and professional level. Having the events be socially driven rather than technically driven gives a good contrast to the ITE Section luncheons, which are primarily technical presentations that do not allow much time for social interaction and networking. Another advantage to the open social atmosphere is it is all inclusive. Although members of ITE are encouraged to join there will be no affiliation requirements to ITE in order to be a member of SocialITEs. This allows for individuals to engage transportation professionals from the private and public sector as well as individuals that are generally interested in the transportation field.
The inaugural SocialITEs event was held in March and was a success. The current and prospective SocialITEs members met at a local restaurant for food, drinks, and conversation. The event was well attended and brought together individuals from all facets of the transportation profession.
The future plans for the SocialITEs include events that promise to be both social and educational. One of these events in planning is to take a tour of a construction site so design professionals can see a project through the eyes of the contractor. Other plans include going on a city tour using exclusively public transportation to get an idea of any improvements that could be made, and setting up round table discussions with important transportation decision makers.
Through events such as those SocialITEs will attempt to unite people of the transportation industry. This will create a multitude of positive outcomes. Not only will members have access to contacts in all areas of the profession, but they will have had face-to-face experiences with those contacts making working with them instantly more comfortable and productive. There will also be a unique advantage for members with projects similar to past projects of other members to draw on the experiences of those members and apply them to their current projects. Also, with the variety of knowledge being brought to the table from the wide range of disciplines within SocialITEs members will be able to broaden their knowledge of transportation projects as a whole rather than just the aspect with which they are working. As SocialITEs grows, so will its benefits. With more members the experience and knowledge base will increase and therefore improve the quality of work of those involved and make it more enjoyable as well.
