ASME's multimedia production of the Honors Assembly at the annual Congress is one of the most acclaimed programs of the Public Information department. In addition to the Honors Assembly and other internal work, ASME, unlike most of the other engineering societies, produces videos for broadcast and cable television and for distribution to industry. Video production for television is a good pathway for engineering societies, as educational channels such as the Discovery Channel are doing an increasing number of documentaries on science and engineering. Conclusion In conclusion, a benchmark organization is one that creates a standard against which excellence is judged. An organization becomes a benchmark when it breaks the mold.
Benchmark organizations innovate and are quick to implement new trends.
The organizational culture of engineering societies can militate against any one society to break the mold and acquire true benchmark status. For ASME to become a benchmark organization, it must innovate. Offer technical spokespersons to talk show hosts and producers for events in the news, possibly using the Distinguished Lecturers' program as a resource to provide the media with one stop shopping for mechanical engineering technical input. Monitor the national news and seek opportunities to arrange press conferences, including online press conferences, based on current events. Continue to build on ASME's strength among professional associations in the area of video production capabilities.