Are you ready for this year’s AISES National Conference? From October 6–8, 2022, you’ll have the opportunity to join Indigenous STEM professionals and students from all across the United States and Canada. Over the course of the three days, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other professionals, learn new information that you can use in your own career, and discover the many opportunities and programs being offered through AISES. With so much to see and do, here are a few ways to help you prepare for the conference.
Prepare in Advance
You’re a busy working professional, but try to set aside some time now to prepare for the conference. Review the list of speakers and presentations, confirm all of your travel arrangements, ensure your manager and coworkers know you will be out, and confirm that you have coverage while you are away. Doing a little prep work will help create a smoother, more enjoyable conference experience, and prevent returning to find a mountain of work waiting for you.
Prep Your Presentation
If you are scheduled to speak at the conference, make sure your presentation has been prepared, reviewed, and rehearsed a few times before you arrive. There’s nothing worse than standing up to present and finding your slides are out of order. Plan and write your speech, ensure it aligns with any presentation materials you have, and practice, practice, practice! Then, once you’ve successfully completed your presentation, you can relax and enjoy the rest of the conference knowing you did your very best.
Network, Network, Network
Networking is important for any professional. The AISES National Conference is a great way to expand your network and connect with people whom you might not have the chance to meet otherwise. The conference is a three day marathon, not a sprint. You don’t need to meet 50 people the first day. Consider setting a goal to meet at least five new people each day. This will help you expand your overall network while having unrushed, meaningful interactions.
Bring Your Business Cards
Almost as important as networking is being able to solidify any connections that you make. This is where your business cards come in. Make sure to bring a stack of fully updated cards that you can give out to individuals as you meet them. While business cards may seem old school to some, it takes less time to hand someone a card than it does to add a contact in your phone.. Hopefully you’ll come home with a stack of cards you can add to your own networking collection.
Don’t Forget About Social Media
Social media can be a great way to enhance your conference experience. Follow AISES social media channels and see if AISES is following people you may want to connect with. Also, AISES may provide updates to attendees prior to the conference or share new information during the event. Even once everyone has returned home from Palm Springs, you may find conference wrap-up information that you find helpful or just fun to scroll through.
The AISES National Conference is an amazing opportunity to connect with others in the STEM fields — not to mention expand your network, practice your presentation skills, and learn from other Indigenous professionals. Use these tips to prepare for the conference so you can make the most of it.
ON TOPIC
Dr. Madeline Anna, Choctaw and Delaware, is a veterinarian based in Arizona. She competed in AISES graduate research presentations during her academic years. Last year she switched roles and volunteered as a judge in the research competition. Dr. Anna is thankful that the autumn season brings less triple-digit heat.
What are three must-dos for professionals attending the AISES National Conference?
Halito! Fall season comes with some of the best things: football, crunchy leaves, a fine dusting of pumpkin spice, and the annual AISES National Conference. This is the premier place to harvest the latest knowledge in our Indigenous spaces and sow the seeds of professional connections with our kin and colleagues. Here are three must-dos if you’re attending the conference.
Remember where we came from. Proudly displaying your indigeneity every day, whether it’s by rocking your mocs, bolo tie, or the latest Native fashion designer piece, strengthens our culture. Silver and turquoise pins look great on lapels. A Lauren Good Day or B. Yellowtail scarf is stunning when paired with a suit or velvet skirt. You’ll likely cover a lot of ground at the conference, so if you have soft-soled moccasins, pack comfortable shoes in your day bag or save them for the powwow on Saturday. Need new jewelry? Stop by the vendors and support small businesses. Wearing a traditional hairstyle is a great option too. Indigenous wear is professional wear.
Plan for today. Definitely read through the program and highlight the sessions and events you want to attend. There are numerous opportunities to continue your education and network with colleagues — don’t forget those business cards! Instead of carrying around the program, consider downloading the AISES app on your smartphone to lighten your load for all the goodies you’ll collect at the Exhibit Hall. AISES always brings in top-notch keynote speakers, so be sure to take them in. I feel so inspired after listening to our accomplished community members.
Look toward the future. Think about ways you can contribute to next year’s conference. Could your business or employer benefit from being a sponsor or having a booth in the exhibit hall? Perhaps you could become a mentor or could share your knowledge as a session presenter next year? Native youth are our future. Stop by the student research poster displays to see their latest scientific findings and encourage them along their journey.
In a nutshell, it's a great chance to show up and show out. Make a new friend and make the most of your time in Palm Springs. Safe travels.
