The General and Membership Drive meeting was a successful event, attracting over 20 attendees from KSEA Tampa Bay chapter members, their friends, and family members. The event began with an introduction to KSEA and Tampa Bay Chapter history, followed by a brief self-introduction, a well-prepared lunch buffet, and networking sessions. This gathering was an excellent opportunity to expand the Tampa Bay chapter.
The event started at 11:00 AM, Saturday, Jun 14, 2025, at the Tampa Korean American Center. The attendees were greeted with welcoming words from the organizing team. Individual Name tags were prepared for every attendee to help identify attendees efficiently. The introduction to KSEA was presented using the YouTube provided by the HQ, and a brief history of the Tampa Bay Chapter and its activities was presented by the CP. This informative session was prepared for potential new members and provided insights into the KSEA mission and the Tampa Bay chapter’s past and future activities.
The event was mainly prepared to ensure professional networking. A buffet-style Korean lunch was prepared. The food helped to break the ice and connect, as attendees mingled over plates of delicious food, exchanging stories and experiences. The lunch led to active networking, where individuals from various academic, training, and professional backgrounds engaged in constructive conversations. This was a particularly valuable part for new potential members from various institutions such as Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa General Hospital, and the University of South Florida, as well as industry professionals. The active conversations and discussions support a potential connection between the community and the KSEA Tampa Bay chapter. In addition to KSEA members, family members and friends attended and expressed their interest in engaging in future events. These interests support the KSEA mission, where family and friends are as much a part of the community as the members themselves.
A small gift (desk clock) was prepared to show appreciation to attendees, especially new members. Six organizers arrived earlier and prepared all items, including drinks, ice, name tags, and others. Their work was critical for logistics and activities.
Through this Chapter Meeting and Membership Drive, the KSEA Tampa Bay chapter recruited 8 new members, including a graduate student and 7 regular members. This impressive outcome underscored the chapter event’s success as a membership drive. Overall, this in-person family event was the first time since the COVID outbreak, an impressive and memorable event that fostered connections and community spirit. It was not just a gathering but a celebration of unity and shared vision. The organizing team’s planning, the attendees’ participation, and the supportive family and friends combined to generate a successful event that will be remembered positively. This event laid a strong foundation for future events, promising continued engagement and collaboration between the KSEA Tampa Bay chapter and the community.
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