GEO Service Provider Advisory Council ( Advisory Council )
Purpose Serve as an advisory body to GEO regarding service provider needs, marketplace developments, etc. Serve as a conduit for fresh ideas and a forum for meaningful discussion that will result in recommendations for improved operations for GEO and ultimately business growth. Provide a forum for GEO to build and strengthen relationships with our service provider partners. Serve as a resource for thought leadership and blog issuances. Develop prospective board members. Provide a way for participation with GEO without the higher commitment level of a GEO board position.
Role Geographically-diverse, service provider stakeholders and will provide broad vision and feedback to GEO s Board of Directors and staff. Key link for GEO to stakeholder needs and priorities for GEO programs. Important channel for GEO outreach. Members will provide marketing and awareness about GEO to their own constituencies and clientele. Members will have the opportunity to communicate with and learn from each other.
Responsibilities Represent their own stakeholder group to advise GEO on matters presented for discussion on topics such as: Overall strategic direction of the organization New and existing member service offerings and fee structure Pricing for sponsorship/exhibition opportunities Material for thought leadership and blog issuances Guidance and opinions on conference locations Review of conference events Types of best-in-class resources for service provider members Opportunities for relationship building Periodic review and report on effectiveness of the Advisory Council
Responsibilities (cont.) Serve as a communications link between the stakeholders he or she represents and GEO. Attend and actively participate in the Advisory Council meetings.
Time Commitment Meetings 3-4 times per calendar year Combination of in-person meetings (typically scheduled in conjunction with GEO conferences) and via conference calls, facilitated by GEO staff and council co-chairs. Separate conference calls: US, non-us Each Advisory Council member is expected to attend a minimum of 75% of the Advisory Council s meetings. Members are strongly encouraged to attend one inperson meeting each year.
Membership Approximately 30 members. Geographic representation of the Advisory Council will generally approximate the GEO membership mix. Highly encourage firms with a presence in GEO s areas of strategic geographic focus, e.g., Asia, South Africa, etc. Multi-location providers are welcome to have a representative on each sub-group (US and non-us).
Membership (cont.) Invitations for membership may be made on a personal basis where determined appropriate. Advisory Council membership will be open to any individual who volunteers. GEO reserves the right to withdraw an individual or firm s representation from the Advisory Council.
Membership (cont.) Global Plus firms are guaranteed representation on the Advisory Council if not already represented on the GEO Board. Each firm will be encouraged to rotate individuals every two calendar-years. Each (non Global Plus) member will serve a one (1) calendar-year term. Members will be required to maintain an active GEO membership throughout their term on the Advisory Council. Advisory Council co-chairs will be elected by the GEO Board.
Member Benefits Advance notice of sponsorship opportunities Influence in the overall direction of the organization Regular opportunity to express thoughts and concerns and provide input to GEO operations A medium for networking with industry peers around the world Developing ground for prospective board members Involvement with GEO without the higher commitment level of a board position Visibility/recognition in GEO marketing materials and on its website as an Advisory Council member Preference for participation in other GEO activities/committees
Success Measures and Desired Outcomes of Advisory Council Effective and useful input which helps in decisionmaking, prioritizing, planning and advancement of GEO's mission. Well-attended meetings with strong member participation. Diverse geographic representation. Enhanced relationships with GEO and service provider partners. Positive response from GEO and Advisory Council members as to effort versus rewards.