Here’s how to make sure your time in OKC is both memorable and rewarding
The 2018 AISES National Conference in Oklahoma City is just a couple of weeks away. What can students expect from the 2,000 other conference-goers, 200 exhibitors, and dozens of sessions during the event’s three action-packed days Oct. 4–6? Here’s an overview along with some tips for squeezing every ounce of knowledge, networking — and fun! — out of this annual AISES family get-together.
This year’s conference theme — Honor the Past. Be the Future. — reflects the AISES mission to increase the representation of Indigenous people in STEM. Students, professionals, retirees — all AISES members have great reasons to be part of this unique gathering.
Getting There
The first step to a successful conference is getting there. Registration is open, and there’s still time to secure your spot online. Full rates are available through Sept. 21; on-site rates will be charged after that. Note that AISES members are able to take advantage of discounted rates, so if you’re not already a member, consider joining and take advantage of the benefits all year long.
Information on hotels and parking near the Cox Convention Center can be found here. The convention center’s location makes it convenient to many Oklahoma City restaurants and sites worthy of a visit, but perhaps the most beautiful attraction lies directly across the street: The Myriad Botanical Gardens offers visitors “a 15-acre natural escape in the heart of downtown.” Free and open to the public, the park’s ornamental gardens, Great Lawn, water features, and walking and jogging paths might provide a nice break from the nonstop action of the conference.
Arrive Prepared and with a Plan
Be sure to pack outfits that are appropriate for the early-October weather but also professional. Looking and feeling pulled together can give you the confidence boost you need to ask a question during a session or introduce yourself to the stranger sitting next to you at lunch. You will be logging several miles as you move among the many events, so comfortable shoes are an absolute must.
Don’t forget to bring a notebook, pens, and a tote bag or backpack that can be used to corral the piles of conference handouts you’ll collect each day from exhibitors and presenters. The bag will also serve as a safe spot for your phone and charger as well as a folder to neatly hold your resume and business cards. (Remember that your phone should be off and stashed out of sight during sessions and events. That way you’re able to give each speaker your complete attention. It’s also a good habit to have that shows you are both polite and mature.) You can pat yourself on the back later, knowing you planned well and have everything you need at hand!
Before you travel to Oklahoma City, or even each morning before you head to the convention center, sit down with the AISES National Conference program or online agenda, as well as the convention center map, and make a plan. Are there specific events or sessions you want to attend each day, or company representatives you hope to meet? Of course, things will come up — a conversation may run long or you’ll change your mind about your original choice between concurrent sessions — but making a few notes ahead of time will help keep you on track and get you where you need to be.
At the end of the day, it’s also a good idea to spend just a few minutes sorting through all those conference handouts and business cards you collected, and again make a few notes so that you’ll remember later whom you met, which presenters or new contacts you want to follow up with, and why you were so excited by a particular session. You’ll be glad you did!
In addition to mapping out a plan for sessions and events, consider signing up for one or more industry partner or university tours, to take place Thursday, Oct. 4. Options include the University of Oklahoma and National Weather Center, the University of Central Oklahoma College of Mathematics and Science, Oklahoma State University, and Tinker Air Force Base. Each tour is sure to be an attention-grabber and well worth your time. Note that sign-up is required during National Conference registration.
Pre-Conference Learning and Fun
Before the National Conference even begins, you’ll find several activities on the schedule for Oct. 3. Consider arriving early and check out two special events designed with students in mind: STEM Activity Day, sponsored by Boeing, and the hackAISES mini-hackathon, sponsored by IBM. If you enjoy getting out on the greens, the second annual Native Links Golf Classic will take place at the FireLake Golf Course in Shawnee, Okla.
Can’t-Miss Events
If this is your first AISES National Conference, get ready to be impressed when the Opening Ceremony kicks off. Along with the blessing, Presentation of the Colors, and welcoming remarks from several speakers, you’ll witness the Regional Callout, where the Regional Student Representatives take turns urging those from their regions to make as much noise as possible. You’ll also hear the inspiring story of keynote speaker Dr. John B. Herrington, the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut.
Friday’s College and Career Opportunities Fair is the largest of its kind in Indian Country. Students and professionals can meet representatives from 200 colleges and universities, corporations, nonprofits, tribal enterprises, military services, and government agencies, and hear all about their offerings.
During the Closing Banquet, attendees will cheer for award recipients and be inspired by more personal stories. In addition, national award-winning recording artist Kelly Jackson, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and her seven-piece band will provide the evening’s entertainment — with a focus on Native Americana music.
The final official event, the traditional Powwow, follows the Closing Banquet Saturday evening, Oct. 6. It’s sure to be a perfect — and energetic — finish to the 2018 AISES National Conference.
See you in Oklahoma!
Keah-Tigh Horne
Marly Fixico-Hardison, enrolled with the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and a descendant of the Navajo and Pueblo Nations, is a senior at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater majoring in industrial engineering and management. She is the Alpha Pi Omega Sorority Inc. Gamma Chapter’s treasurer and the OSU AISES College Chapter’s diversity representative officer for the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology. Alexander Paul Keah-Tigh Horne, Kiowa/Cheyenne-Arapaho, is also a senior at Oklahoma State University and is majoring in electrical engineering technology. He is a former president of the AISES College Chapter at OSU and a current consigliere. Here, Fixico-Hardison and Horne share their experiences at the AISES National Conference and offer tips for taking advantage of all the gathering has to offer.
What is your experience with the AISES National Conference?
Fixico-Hardison: The AISES National Conference is one of the best conferences for Natives in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Including the one last year in Denver, I’ve attended three AISES National Conferences. I presented a poster in Denver on my summer 2017 research analyzing water quality with the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. I also attended the sessions. Last year I volunteered for the first time, helping with registration and the merchandise table. I plan to attend this year’s conference, volunteer, and give an oral presentation on the research I did this summer with the University of Arkansas Ceballos Lab Research Experience for Undergraduates: Indigenous America to Indigenous Mekong Basin (Thailand/Vietnam) — Adventures in Biology and Biodiversity.
Horne: I liked the Denver conference and hope to attend the National Conference for the next couple of years while I try to do grad school later. I did not volunteer in Denver, but I plan to try to volunteer this year since it is being held in Oklahoma City. The research sessions were somewhat intuitive, but I think the presenters should provide a more simplistic way to help students reach their goals in college and beyond. Since I will be attending the conference in Oklahoma City, I will be trying to help my fellow students and friends with getting internships and jobs. We have already made a list of companies that we want to look at.
Are there any events or sessions you consider a must-attend?
Fixico-Hardison: I believe the College and Career Fair is a must-attend event for students. It’s important to take that opportunity to network with people. You never know what can happen. As a senior, I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life, whether that is going into industry or graduate school. Schools and companies in attendance are specifically looking for Natives at this conference, and that isn’t something you see often. There is a lot of variety in the presenters and booths, so it’s likely you’ll find something that interests you. I also really enjoy attending the powwow. It’s incredible to partake in a cultural exchange with Natives from all over and be able to celebrate our heritage.
Horne: The events I look forward to are the Career Fair and the companies’ meet-and-greet sessions. The Career Fair is big because a lot of companies are looking for interns and my primary goal — besides helping my friends land a good internship — is to get a better job. Currently I work in the IT-telecom department at OSU-Stillwater, but I want something more, job-wise.
What has worked for you when navigating the College and Career Fair?
Fixico-Hardison: For the College and Career Fair, I look up the companies and schools beforehand to make the most of my time. Companies really appreciate your research, and it shows them you are serious. It’s good to be familiar with their values, mission, and current projects, and to have questions ready before speaking with them. For schools, I look up their degree programs and make note of any questions. I create a list in my portfolio of the top companies and schools, then makes a few notes about them. I used the AISES National Conference app last year to help with my list, and it was very helpful.
Horne: I make a list and research who is coming from each company. I research what they are looking for and what they are offering. I know there are a lot of government-based companies there, but I don’t really research them unless I want to. The schools are easy to research, mostly because I know someone who has gone to them. I was offered an internship to NASA and REU-Arizona, so I know what is expected to get an internship.
Is there anything you wish you’d done differently while attending the National Conference?
Fixico-Hardison: I would have taken the opportunity to network with more students, because we are the next generation of professionals and we can learn from each other.
Horne: I do wish I could have gotten more information for friends about the internships. Also, I wish I took a little more time to research the companies and colleges, and I should have planned better for the hotel reservations in Denver. I’m working on all three of these things for this year’s conference.
What advice would you give to first-time attendees so they can develop a plan to make the most of the experience?
Fixico-Hardison: Once you obtain the agenda, consider all the sessions and events you want to attend and organize your schedule around them. When you attend the College and Career Fair, business professional attire is strongly encouraged, if you are able, to establish a good first impression. I would suggest that you dress business casual at the conference also, because professionals will see you throughout the conference.
Horne: Have multiple resumes available at a moment’s notice. Companies like to see that you’re prepared for the meet-and-greet sessions. Have two to three different types of resumes outlining your education, employment history, and general background. Don’t try to hit every session. What you miss in one session might get explained and re-explained in another. Also, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
Was networking — with speakers, exhibitors, or fellow conference-goers — a priority for you? If so, do you have any tips for those of us who find it difficult to make these connections?
Fixico-Hardison: Yes, I find networking to be very important. I remember that those I speak with have been in my shoes at one point, and they are usually happy to answer questions. It may help to rehearse the conversation to yourself ahead of time, so you are more prepared and comfortable to speak to presenters. Then you should introduce yourself with a firm handshake while making eye contact. Speak clearly and ask your question.
Horne: Networking was not a priority for me at the conference. Instead, I was the “wingman” for my friends and colleagues who were looking for a job or internship. If there was an opportunity in a specific field, I would chat with the representative for a few minutes and then introduce my friend. I helped three students get interviews and network for upcoming internships.
Do you have any additional thoughts on this topic?
Fixico-Hardison: I would suggest having a 30-second “elevator speech” memorized when introducing yourself. This elevator speech should include your name, major, year in school, and some information about yourself or the company. Another idea is to bring a few copies of your resume, which has been edited. If you need your resume looked at, they have a resume room at the conference. Once it’s been reviewed, print it on resume paper. Remember there is always room for improvement and no one is perfect. Take a chance and attend a session that piques your interests. Most importantly, have a good time and take advantage of this opportunity.
Horne: If you want to succeed, just never stop learning. Education is important, but meeting new people and making friends is also a big thing. I already have two associate degrees and a bachelor’s degree, and I’m currently working on my second bachelor’s. For me, my motivation is trying to learn it all. I might not be perfect at it, but I’m trying.
