Celebrating the impact of our volunteers
Every day, thousands of our volunteers give their time, knowledge and energy to make a difference. Through mentoring, professional reviews, events and the sharing of expertise, they support our members and inspire future generations of engineers and technologists. Their contribution is fundamental to who we are and the impact we make.
This September, we’ll be taking time to recognise just how much that contribution matters.
Festival of Volunteering
From 18-20 September 2026, we will host our first Festival of Volunteering, a global celebration of the volunteers who help our community thrive.
The festival is about recognising impact, sharing experiences and saying thank you. Over three themed days, inspire, develop and recognise, volunteers will come together to explore the role volunteering plays in engineering, and the difference it makes to individuals and communities. Reflecting our international community, the festival will include a mix of virtual and in‑person activity, allowing volunteers to take part wherever they are based.
Across the three days, sessions will celebrate the achievements and impact of our volunteers, spotlighting inspiring stories and culminating in awards and shared moments of thanks. Alongside this, volunteers can take part in skills‑based workshops, networking and discussions with IET colleagues, as well as sessions focused on the future of volunteering and how it will continue to develop from 2027 onwards.
Recognising outstanding contributions
As part of the festival, we’ll also be recognising outstanding volunteer contributions through the Volunteer Excellence Awards. These awards highlight the many ways volunteers support our community, whether through mentoring, reviewing, organising events, supporting students or building local and global networks.
Together, the festival and awards provide a moment to pause and recognise the dedication and commitment that volunteers bring to the IET every day.
Thinking about volunteering?
Whether you’re interested in sharing your experience, supporting others or helping shape the future of engineering, there are many ways to contribute – and support is available every step of the way.
Find out more at theiet.org/involved/volunteering-with-us