Don’t miss all the 2018 gathering in Oklahoma City has to offer
Whether the upcoming AISES National Conference is your first or your fifth or your fifteenth, the experience will be unique — and as useful and as special as you make it. You’ll join 2,000 other attendees and more than 200 exhibitors during the Oklahoma City event’s three action-packed days Oct. 4–6. Students, professionals, retirees — all AISES members have great reasons to be part of this special gathering, which centers on the conference theme “Honor the Past. Be the Future.” And it’s that coming together of so many for a common cause that provides a perfect opportunity to learn, network, and just have fun.
If you haven’t already, be sure to register. Online registration is open, and there’s still time before you arrive (or even on-site) to secure your spot. AISES members enjoy discounted rates, so if you’re not a member, consider joining and take advantage of the benefits not just during conference week, but all year long.
Information on hotels and parking near the Cox Convention Center, site of the 2018 AISES National Conference, can be found here. You may want to arrive early and explore some of the things Oklahoma City and the surrounding area have to offer. The Red Earth Art Center, located downtown and within walking distance of the convention center, offers a permanent collection of more than 1,000 pieces of Native American fine art, pottery, basketry, and textiles. Even better, admission is free. Additional nearby options include the 15-acre Myriad Botanical Gardens, featuring the famous Crystal Bridge Conservatory; the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, commemorating the 1995 domestic terrorism bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building and the response in its aftermath; and Bricktown, Oklahoma City’s entertainment district.
Several events are scheduled for Oct. 3, the day before the National Conference begins. The hands-on STEM Activity Day, sponsored by Boeing, is designed for pre-college students and educators. The hackAISES mini-hackathon, sponsored by IBM, will give attendees a chance to consult with volunteer mentors and win prizes for their projects. Following a successful inaugural event, the second annual Native Links Golf Classic will also take place Oct. 3 at the FireLake Golf Course in Shawnee, Okla., less than an hour’s drive from Oklahoma City.
If this is the first time you’ve attended the 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 more than 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 week’s 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.
As with any conference, ensuring you get the most possible out of it means investing time to prepare and make a plan before you even arrive. In addition to packing comfortable shoes and your business casual attire, be sure to bring along your laptop and cell phone chargers as well as a healthy stack of business cards so that you can exchange them with the many new contacts you’ll meet. Conferences don’t mean just introducing yourself to strangers, however. They also provide a perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships you already have. Ahead of departing for Oklahoma, consider reaching out to anyone you know who will be attending — as well as those you want to get to know better — and make a plan to connect for coffee or a meal during your time in Oklahoma City.
Before traveling to the conference, or even each morning before you head to the convention center, sit down with the AISES National Conference program or online agenda and map out an agenda of your own. Are there specific events or sessions you want to attend, or company representatives you hope to meet? Will you be able to attend sessions covering a range of topics as well as social and networking events and still allow for some downtime to digest all the information you’re taking in? It’s also a good idea to set aside time to jot down notes — your thoughts on a session you attended, or a topic you want to follow up on with a presenter or someone you just met. Following the nonstop activity during the event and travel back home, you’ll be glad you did.
While attending sessions, the College and Career Fair, or networking and social events, make sure to be present and give speakers, company representatives, or new acquaintances your full attention. Turn the sound off on your cell phone and put it away. There will be time during breaks or when you return to your hotel room to catch up on emails. Take advantage of face-to-face opportunities and engage with those around you. Without electronic gadgets serving as a barrier, you might just strike up a conversation with someone while waiting in line for coffee or for a session to begin who turns out to be a useful professional contact — or a longtime friend.
If you found any of the sessions useful, don’t keep the benefits to yourself. Why not share the info with your colleagues who were unable to attend? This could be in the form of a short presentation during the next team meeting or an email that summarizes some key points worthy of passing on for consideration and future discussion.
If you feel you could have done a better job than one of the speakers presenting some material, consider developing a session of your own or submitting a research proposal next year. Sharing your knowledge or STEM research at a conference is a perfect way to strengthen your public speaking skills and increase both your visibility within your own company and your reputation industrywide as a subject matter expert.
See you in Oklahoma!
Weston Lee, Navajo (Kinlichii'nii born for Tachii'nii), is a resident engineering lead in the Manufacturing Quality Department at the Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan. He grew up in New Mexico and Utah; is an alumnus of San Juan College and Diné College; and earned a BS in mechanical engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. As a former student member and current professional member of AISES, Lee has attended several National Conferences. Here he provides his insights and advice.
What is your experience with the AISES National Conference?
I attended the National Conference twice as an undergrad student looking for career opportunities and twice as a professional recruiting for my company.
Are there particular events or sessions that are a must-attend?
With the goal to enter a STEM field, the networking suites and Career Fair are most important. This is your chance to introduce yourself and your brand, as Tara Astigarraga would say.
Do you have any suggestions for successfully navigating the College and Career Fair?
Be prepared and make the most of your time. Schedule interviews and have your day planned. Most importantly, understand interviewing techniques and practice interviewing. Highlight your key actions and results.
Is there anything you wish you’d done differently while attending previous National Conferences?
I would have spent more time networking and meeting working professionals in my current area.
How does attending the National Conference as a professional differ from attending as a student?
My goal as a student member was to meet professional engineers and start a career. As a professional, I’m representing my family, tribe, and FCA, with the goal of identifying potential new hires. I am able to share my experience and provide useful tips to help students successfully enter the workforce.
What advice would you give to first-time attendees to help them develop a plan to make the most of the experience?
To get the most out of the conference, it’s best to know your career plan. This drives your agenda and allows you to prepare for meet and greets. Listen and pay attention to key guests and speakers. Attend as many sessions and key presentations in your STEM field as possible. Introduce yourself to the speakers and make that first connection. Share your experiences, and express your interest in your field.
Do you have any tips for those of us who find it difficult to make connections through networking — with speakers, exhibitors, or fellow conference-goers?
You will succeed only if you’re able to express yourself and demonstrate your abilities. Take the initiative to meet new people with similar interests. Muster the courage to introduce yourself or ask that first question. The sooner you start, the sooner you will succeed.
