I hope this message finds you well as we near the end of another remarkable year for the MTS community. Our HQ team was in New Orleans earlier this month for Underwater Intervention and the annual Submarine Symposium, both in collaboration with the WorkBoat Show. It was a great opportunity to visit with members, expand partnerships, and learn from a robust technical program throughout the show. 

This month, I am thrilled to share an important milestone in our journey together: the release of the MTS Strategic Plan. This roadmap, crafted with input from members and partners over the past two years, reflects our collective aspirations for advancing marine technology and our shared commitment to a sustainable future. 

At the heart of this plan are six strategic pillars that guide our work:

• Thought Leadership Through Convenings: Elevating our role as the premier forum for collaboration and innovation in marine technology.
• Communication to Drive Impact: Ensuring that our stories, achievements, and opportunities reach and inspire our global community.
• Expansion of our Member Community: Growing and diversifying our membership to reflect the rich perspectives that drive innovation.
• Enrichment of Public Programs & Competitions: Empowering the next generation through education, mentorship, and inclusive programming.
• Enhancements to Member-Driven Programming: Amplifying the voice and impact of our members by supporting dynamic, needs-driven initiatives. 
• Responsible Stewardship: Building a resilient foundation that sustains our mission for generations to come. 

Through these pillars, we reaffirm the value MTS has brought to our members for more than 60 years—a forum for connection, a platform for innovation, and serving as an advocate and voice for the marine technology community. Looking forward, this plan ensures that we remain responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities while staying grounded in the needs of our members. 

I invite you to explore the strategic plan in detail and reflect on the ways we can work together to bring it to life. Whether through participating in programs, sharing feedback, or introducing new colleagues to our community, every effort strengthens the vibrant network that is MTS.

Your engagement and expertise are what make MTS the dynamic, forward-thinking society it is today. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. I am excited for what we will accomplish together over the next four years and beyond. 

Warm regards,