Engineering & STEM Professional Conferences
Attending a professional conference provides opportunities for networking, expanding knowledge, developing careers, and improving presentation and communication skills. Additionally, planning ahead, seeking funding opportunities, and preparing for the conference can maximize the benefits you gain from attending. When considering attending a professional conference, it’s important to select conferences relevant to your field and interests. The following are some notable conferences that provide great professional development opportunities for students.
AfroTech is an annual conference and tech summit that focuses on highlighting and promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation in technology and entrepreneurship within the African diaspora. It brings together tech professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to discuss and address the challenges and opportunities in the industry. AfroTech provides a platform for networking, educational sessions, and career advancement opportunities for black technologists and business professionals.
The Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) is the world’s largest gathering of women technologists, bringing together thousands of attendees from various backgrounds, including students, industry professionals, researchers, and leaders in the field of technology. The conference offers inspiring keynote speeches, technical sessions, workshops, panels, and a career expo. It provides a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and innovations while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. GHC aims to create a supportive and empowering environment for women in technology, fostering networking opportunities, career development, and promoting the advancement of women in computing.
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-run organizations in the US dedicated to promoting academic and professional excellence in engineering and other STEM fields among Black students and professionals. The NSBE conference provides a platform for Black engineering students, professionals, educators, and industry representatives to come together and engage in various activities. The conference includes keynote speeches from prominent figures, workshops, technical sessions, career fairs, networking events, and competitions. The conference offers opportunities for skill development, professional growth, recruitment, and networking. It also serves as a forum for discussing advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the field of engineering. NSBE conferences aim to inspire, equip, and empower black engineers and technologists to excel in their careers and make positive contributions to their communities.
SHPE
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is a national organization focused on empowering and supporting Hispanic professionals and students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The SHPE National Convention brings together thousands of attendees, including students, professionals, executives, and representatives from academia and industry. The conference offers a wide range of activities, such as keynote speeches, workshops, technical sessions, career fairs, networking events, and competitions. The conference aims to provide educational and professional development opportunities for Hispanic engineers and STEM professionals. It offers a platform for networking, recruitment, leadership development, and the exchange of ideas and experiences. The SHPE conference strives to inspire, connect, and empower its attendees to excel in their careers, contribute to the STEM fields, and make a positive impact on their communities.
SWE
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is an international organization dedicated to promoting women in engineering and other STEM fields. The SWE conference, known as WE20 (Women Engineers Conference 2020) or the SWE Annual Conference, is a premier event that brings together women engineers, professionals, students, educators, and industry leaders from around the world. The conference features a variety of activities, including keynote speeches from influential women, technical sessions, workshops, career fairs, networking events, and professional development opportunities. The conference aims to provide a supportive and empowering environment for women in engineering. It offers opportunities to learn, share knowledge, exchange ideas, and advance women’s careers in STEM. Attendees can gain valuable insights, access resources, build networks, and explore career opportunities. Overall, SWE conferences aspire to create a community that champions diversity, inclusion, and equity in engineering and technology fields.
The McKelvey Professional Development Stipend may be able to provide financial assistance. This fund is designed to help defray the costs of attending professional conferences, joining professional organizations, and obtaining specific industry credentials. The stipend is meant to fund students who are attending conferences that aren’t already funded by McKelvey through student groups to provide a more equitable opportunity to receive funding.
