Your Voice Shapes Our Society: A Note from the MTS President
As summer draws to a close, I’m excited to share a few important updates and opportunities for you to connect, contribute, and celebrate as part of the global MTS community.
Our Society thrives on the leadership and vision of dedicated members like you. This year, we are electing three vital positions on the MTS Board of Directors: VP of Education, VP of Government & Public Affairs, and VP of MATE. Each of these roles carries real responsibility in shaping our strategic priorities – whether advancing our partnerships with educational institutions, strengthening our voice in public policy, or guiding the future of workforce development through MATE. We are fortunate to have a stellar lineup of candidates across all three positions. I encourage you to participate in this important process and help shape the future of our Society. You can cast your vote directly through this link. (Please note you must be logged in to your member account.) Voting closes in just two weeks, on September 12, so please get your ballot in if you have not already done so.
I also warmly invite you to join the MTS Annual Meeting on September 25. (Register today through this link.) This is your opportunity to hear, in real time, about the accomplishments of the past year – one of remarkable growth, program development, and mission expansion – and what lies ahead for the coming year. The agenda will include updates on the state of the Society, recognition of key programs, and the announcement of both the annual MTS Award winners and the 2025 Board of Directors election results. To close, we’ve dedicated time for open discussion with Society leadership, so you can bring your questions and perspectives directly to us.
This fall promises to be one of the busiest and most exciting yet. Already this past week, Oceans in Action kicked off the season, and ahead we look forward to a full lineup: OCEANS Great Lakes, the 22nd Annual International Submarine Symposium, the Fisheries & Benthic Monitoring TechSurge, the 33rd Annual MTS/Oceaneering Symposium, the Dynamic Positioning Conference, the Annual Houston Section Fundraising BBQ, the Ocean Exchange 2025 Event, and Underwater Intervention. This schedule reflects the best of both worlds: the longstanding conferences and convenings that have been pillars of our industry for decades, and new topical gatherings that explore emerging challenges and opportunities. Each event is a chance to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and advance the field together. Be sure to check the MTS events calendar and join us whenever you can.
Finally, let me express my gratitude for your continued support and engagement. The strength of MTS lies in its members, and together we are building a vibrant, global community of professionals advancing marine technology. Thank you for being such an important part of our Society.
With appreciation,
Susan Hunt
MTS President
