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Special Interest Group (SIG) Leader Handbook 2002

What is an Interex Special Interest Group (SIG)?

An Interex SIG, provides a forum for immediate peer-to-peer problem resolution and focused discussions. These groups also function as a strong advocacy channel to Hewlett-Packard and Hewlett-Packard related vendors, providing technical feedback directly into their planning and development organizations.

Members of SIGs come together to communicate and network with others who share a common interest in a particular area within the HP user community. Bound by the topic or product that they address and not by geographic location, SIG members join together over the Internet, at conferences, and at other planned meetings to discuss and influence technological topics of the day. Overall, a SIG provides an active medium for the exchange of information related to a special interest.

SIGs differ from BOFs (Birds of a Feather Meetings) in that a BOF is a very informal way for Interex members and other conference attendees to come together at any Interex conference to discuss a common topic of interest. Once the meeting is over, the BOF ceases to exist. If desired, attendees of the BOF meeting may choose to pursue formation of an Interex SIG, in order to continue communications in their interest area.

Membership in a SIG is open to all Interex members at any level.
(www.interex.org/member/index.html)

There are many activities and promotional resources that you, as a SIG Leader, can take advantage of to promote discussion and sharing of ideas:

• Online SIG Newsletters
• Member Surveys
• Annual input to the Interex System Improvement Ballot(s)
• Member Meetings and Panel Discussions (in person and internet chats)
• Correspondence via the SIG List Servers
• Advocacy activities with HP and third party vendors
• Individual SIG Web pages on the Interex Web site
  (http://www.interex.org/advocacy/mcgs/index.html#sigs)

Ideas for promoting a SIG and furthering its mission are not limited to this list. Contact an Interex SIG Liaison for ideas and/or facilitation to help meet your goals.

Interex Contacts

SIG Liaisons:

Volunteer Services Manager Gayle Crossley Interex 1.800.INTEREX x 603 [email protected]

Director of Advocacy Debbie Lawson-Kirkwood Interex 1.800.INTEREX x 699 [email protected]