The AISES National Conference is almost here, and it’s time to get ready. More than 2,000 Indigenous STEM participants will gather in person and virtually for the premier annual event. Its three-day agenda will be action-packed with opportunities designed to help you develop as a professional and broaden your network of Native peers, professionals, and allies.
The conference returns to Phoenix, Ariz., September 23–25 with more than 100 live and virtual sessions as well as over 180 in-person and virtual exhibits. Highlights will include opening and closing ceremonies, keynote speakers, talking circles, research competitions, industry partner and university tours, and our traditional Powwow and Native artisan marketplace. There will also be special activities like a General Motors Innovation and Office Tour, a Professionals Keynote Breakfast, a Professional Members Mixer, and a Boeing Apache Tour. Plus, there’s the largest college and career fair in the United States for Indigenous students and professionals.
Here are your 10 pro tips for making the most of this year’s conference.
1. Register now and notify your employer if necessary. To qualify for the pre-registration rate, register online by September 3. The onsite rate begins on September 4 and extends through onsite registration. Be sure your AISES membership is current to secure the member rate.
2. Upload your resume and set your College and Career Fair objectives. The College and Career Fair will feature hundreds of industry partners seeking candidates for open jobs. When you upload your resume on the AISES Career Hub, potential employers can review your information ahead of the conference and throughout the year. Whether you’re actively job-seeking or open to new possibilities down the road, set your objectives before attending the fair. In addition, mark your calendar for the virtual College and Career Fair on October 15.
3. Plan your conference. The conference agenda offers plenty to navigate, so plan ahead. AISES Senior Director of Special Events Katherine Cristiano suggests sorting the agenda by track before you weigh your options and prioritize. As you plot your course, consider your interests as well as opportunities to meet speakers, featured experts, and other participants. Online attendees: The track that shows all of the virtual portions of the conference is called “streamed event.”
4. Be present. It can be challenging to step away from work and other responsibilities for an outside event. Do your best to focus, so you can benefit from meaningful takeaways and interactions. “Turn your email notifications off, close PowerPoint, and focus on the presenter,” suggests Sam Tyner, PhD, a statistician and data scientist. “You may also want to take notes, whether with a notebook, a note on your phone, or in a document on your computer.” Whatever method works for you, try to eliminate distractions and be present.
5. Dress the part for your professional goals. Online or in person, your professional appearance matters. “Depending on your field, full business attire may be required, or jeans and t-shirts may be appropriate,” observes Tyner. “If you’re uncertain, err on the side of more formal, then gauge what others are wearing and adjust if necessary.” That said, don’t overdo it: Conferences can require endurance, and you’ll need to be comfortable enough for long days. And don’t forget that extra layer of clothing for air-conditioned rooms if you’re attending in person.
6. Get your ticket for the Professional Members Mixer. The event is geared toward professionals and college students who will soon be entering the work force, and space is limited. You can expect fun and interactive sessions in a fast-paced setting with lots of networking. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the conference registration page.
7. Bring your best virtual game. Everyone who registers for the in-person event will have access to all streamed content. If you decide to attend all or part of the event online, prepare to do it thoughtfully. Use a background that’s as professional as possible, eliminate background noise, and pay attention to the names of speakers and attendees you would like to connect with afterwards.
8. The exhibitors. Whether you attend the conference in Phoenix or virtually, the exhibit floor offers impressive options, so you may want to have a list of your “must-sees.” Consult with the up-to-date list of exhibits here and take the time to do some advance research. As you circulate, don’t forget to collect contact information from the people you meet.
9. Be on your best behavior. Remember the AISES Code of Conduct and the proud National Conference tradition of being a “safe camp” for all AISES family members across race, color, religion, sexual orientation, and gender expression or identity. In addition, everyone onsite must observe COVID-19 health and safety rules. Protocols will follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local guidelines, so pack a supply of masks if you’re headed to Phoenix.
10. Pace yourself. An important part of having a good conference experience is taking care of yourself. Keep a reasonable pace as you go. If it ever feels like you’re not quite getting around to everything you’d like to see at the National Conference, that’s okay. You can always follow up with people online and make post-conference plans. Think of the event as a great starting point for connections and conversations that will grow over time.
On Topic
Montoya Whiteman (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Senior Director of Marketing, AISES
How can attendees maximize networking opportunities during the National Conference?
The National Conference is a terrific environment to meet and engage with people from diverse backgrounds. If you are new to this conference, welcome! If you have attended this event before, you appreciate it as a place to build connections and friendships.
To make the most of the National Conference, I suggest professionals come prepared to take advantage of the networking opportunities that are available. This year’s conference has more than 100 activities made up of meetings, caucuses, ceremonies, luncheons, mixers, talking circles, and more. Read the agenda online before arriving in Phoenix to get started!
If you’re new or returning to the AISES National Conference, it’s easy to get lost in the flow of things. I suggest having a clear objective of what you hope to accomplish while you are at the conference. Are you attending to learn and build networks? Are you a presenter excited to share your skills and knowledge? Is it an investment in yourself to learn and energize?
There are several things I do ahead of conferences. I download the conference app and use Twitter to follow the conference #AISESNC21 hashtag and connect socially with others. I also use this time to meet other participants. For example, I always set out to introduce myself to others whom I’ve not met before. I do this to make people feel welcome and comfortable, plus make new friends. The thing I like most about the AISES National Conference is the friendly family environment and camaraderie, plus the chance to meet young people.
Attending conferences takes you out of your daily routine, but it also gives you fresh perspectives and the excitement a new day brings. The morning blessing ceremony or the yoga wellness activity are sure to set your day off in a positive, enlightening way.
Other suggestions to make the most of this event are to be approachable, be ready with conversation starters, have clear goals and objectives, create a schedule, and attend a professional event or social event. Oh, and bring business cards!
Starting on day one is the Professional Chapter Council meeting, the Professional Development Committee meeting, Networking Suites, the State of AISES and numerous sessions geared toward professional interests. New this year: On day two is a Professionals Keynote Breakfast sponsored by 3M (registration is required). At the end of day two is a Professional Members Mixer sponsored by The Boeing Company and the U.S. Department of State.
Consider joining AISES as a lifetime member. The Sequoyah Breakfast (invitation only) is held on the last morning of the National Conference. It is the only in-person meeting where Fellows and their families gather to welcome new members, and possibly be inspired to create a sustaining legacy to AISES.
Attending an AISES National Conference is a worthwhile investment. No matter what has guided you to our event, we hope that you enjoy your time in Phoenix and take every opportunity to connect with others.
P.S. If you are unable to join this year’s event in person, you can register to see livestreaming conference events. Also plan to join us on October 15 for the virtual College and Career Fair. Click here to join as a Sequoyah Fellow.
