Independent consultants often face the same challenge: big responsibilities, complex client problems—and too few trusted peers with whom to think them through.

That’s why IMC USA is investing in member-driven Communities of Interest—practical, focused groups where consultants connect, learn, share expertise, and grow stronger together.

As IMC USA expands its benefits—including the new CMC-Firm® certification, the Consultant Knowledge Exchange, and an upcoming searchable Consultant Directory—one of the most powerful differentiators remains clear:

Professional growth happens faster when consultants learn from other consultants.

What Are IMC USA Communities of Interest?

IMC USA Communities are consultant-led groups formed around:

• Geographic regions
• Industries or sectors
• Consulting skills and methodologies
• Emerging topics (e.g., AI in Consulting, Marketing Technology, ESG, Healthcare, Public Sector)

They provide a structured but flexible way for consultants to:

• Learn from experienced peers
• Exchange practical tools and insights
• Test ideas and solve real client challenges
• Build trusted professional relationships and referrals

From Chapters to Communities: A More Flexible Model

With national operations now streamlined, IMC USA’s former chapters can evolve into local and regional communities, supported by:

• Centralized event promotion
• National email and CRM systems
• A unified IMC USA brand presence

This model allows communities to focus on engagement and relevance, while IMC USA handles the infrastructure.

Featured IMC USA Consultant Communities

🔹 Consultant Knowledge Exchange (CKE)

The Consultant Knowledge Exchange is IMC USA’s flagship peer advisory experience.

• What it is: A facilitated peer discussion group focused on consulting skills, business management, and improving client outcomes
• Format: Peer-to-peer sharing, timely topics, and expert facilitation
• Facilitator: Loraine Huchler, P.E., CMC®, FIMC
• Schedule: Third Thursday of each month

Special Invitation:

• December 16, 2025: Open to members and guests
• Starting January 15, 2026: Member-only benefit

Attend in December—and join IMC USA to stay plugged into this high-value exchange year-round.

🔹 Chicagoland Consultant Community

A long-standing IMC USA community that has successfully transitioned to a virtual, national reach.

• All programs: Free and open to all consultants
• Time: Fridays at 7:30 AM CT / 8:30 AM ET (Zoom)

Monthly Programs

• Insights Friday (1st Friday): Facilitated by Norm Eckstein, CMC®, FIMC
• Challenges Discussion Group (2nd Friday): Facilitated by Mary Beth Pinda; focused on the business of consulting
• Trends Program (3rd Friday): Facilitated by Richard Bullock; explores a different industry each month

To join: Email [email protected]

🔹 Women Consultants Discussion Group

Founded to expand engagement among women consultants, this group has become a trusted peer forum for collaboration and support.

• When: First Thursday of the month, 5:00 PM ET
• Format: Facilitated peer consultation—members bring real issues and receive focused feedback
• Extras: Introductions every session, specialty sharing, and occasional “10-Minute Talks”
• Who can attend:
  • IMC USA members (ongoing)
  • Non-members may attend 1–2 sessions as guests
• Facilitator: Jennifer Beever Causey, CMC®, MBA

Register via Zoom to receive login details.

Why Join an IMC USA Community?

Consultants who participate in communities consistently report:

• Better decision-making
• Faster skill development
• Greater confidence with complex engagements
• Stronger professional networks
• Increased referrals and collaboration

Communities help turn IMC USA membership from a credential into a living, working professional network.

How to Start a New IMC USA Consultant Community

Have an idea for a community? IMC USA can help.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Be a member. Any IMC USA member can launch a community.
2. Choose a focus. Industry, skill, topic, or geography you care deeply about.
3. Seed the group. Identify a small core of consultants committed to regular participation.
4. Plan the first meeting. Set a date, time, format, and simple agenda (introductions encouraged).
5. Host and refine. Use the first session to gather ideas and momentum.
6. Submit your plan. Share purpose, benefits, and logistics with IMC USA at
   [email protected] or [email protected].
7. Launch with support. Add events to the IMC USA calendar and invite members using the CRM email tools provided.

IMC USA hosts the system—you build the community.

Take the Next Step

• ✔ Attend a community session – check out our Events Calendar
• ✔ Join IMC USA to unlock member-only benefits
• ✔ Launch a community aligned with your expertise

Your peers are one of your greatest professional assets. IMC USA Communities help you activate them.