Event Questions
When and where is the event?
You can find more information about the event location and program, including the schedule, on this page: Event Program and Location
Is free parking available? Where can I park?
Yes! There will be a limited number of free parking spots reserved for this event. You can find more information on this page: Parking Information. Sponsors and Networking Fair partners should read over the information on this page regarding arranging parking: Information for Sponsors and Partners
Is there a dress code? What about a conduct code or photography policy?
There is no formal dress code, but presenters are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and business casual attire. The event conduct code and photography policy can be found on this page: Code of Conduct and Photography Policy
Is the networking fair the same as a career fair?
The networking fair is a little different than a standard career fair. Unlike career fairs that are often focused on near-term hiring opportunities, the focus of the networking fair is to provide an opportunity to explore STEM careers, pathways, and supports. Employers, graduate programs, and professional organizations are all represented in the networking fair and can answer questions from all stages of students, even high school students. STEM educators and support systems are also encouraged to participate in the fair to learn more about how to guide STEM students through their pathways. Some near-term opportunities might be available, but the emphasis of the networking fair is more on connection, discussion, and exploration than on direct hiring. Another major difference is this event focuses on connection and discussion. Career fairs are often very large and busy with lines of students. The networking fair might get busy at times, but it is a smaller and more relaxed than a career fair, allowing for more time for individualized conversations. This is a great opportunity to create professional connections that might lead to future opportunities.
The breakfast and lunch overlap with speakers. Am I allowed to eat at these events? Or should I take my food, leave, eat, and come back later?
Please stay and eat your meals at the speaker events. In order to avoid having too long of a day, we have scheduled some events to be concurrent with meals. This is common practice at STEM symposia and conferences. Please do not leave during these parts of the program — missing out of the speaker presentations is a missed opportunity for professional development and networking opportunities. In most cases, the speakers will start at least 15min after food service begins, so come early to grab your food and settle into a spot before the presentations start.
I have dietary restrictions. Will there be options for me?
All of the meals will have several buffet-style options, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. We have worked with catering to designate this event as nut-free, but it might be possible that the cooking facility and event location has had nuts present. If you have any additional concerns, please reach out to Britt Carlson: cbcarls2@illinois.edu
Sponsor and Networking Fair Partner Questions
Which partners are participating in the networking fair?
You can find the most up-to-date list of participating partners on this page: Networking Fair
How is this event supported? Where can I find a list of sponsors?
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. You can find a list of sponsors on this page: Information for Sponsors and Partners
I have specific questions about sponsoring or the networking fair. Where can I find more information?
You can find more information on this page: Networking Fair. You are also encouraged to reach out to Britt Carlson (cbcarls2@illinois.edu) with any questions.
I am not interested in being a sponsor, but would like to be a networking fair sponsor. Is that possible?
We are hoping for partners to join us as sponsors to create a robust and sustainable event. However, we do recognize that is not possible everyone. In order to have broad representation at the fair to support students with interests from across STEM, we do have openings for non-sponsors at the networking fair. Please contact Britt Carlson (cbcarls2@illinois.edu) if you are interested in learning more.
I am participating in the networking fair as a professional organization, employer, or other partner. Can I attend other parts of the event?
Yes! We are excited for you to connect with us throughout the event. When available, the full event program including the presentation titles will be available on this page: Event Program and Location .
Visitor Questions
Are mentors invited? What about family and friends? Do we need to register? Do we need to check in on the day of the event? What if I am just coming for a short time?
Yes! This is an open event and all are welcome at all parts of the event. We are asking all attendees to register by July 1 for this event. This will help us plan a successful event.
However, drop-in visitors are also welcome if registration is not possible, but please keep in mind that we may not have enough food to provide meals to drop-in visitors.
Registered and drop-in visitors: Make sure to check in when you arrive, even if you are just stopping by. Checking in is critically important for us to be able to track attendance and to use for reporting and for seeking new sponsors for future programs.
If you are registered, and have an i-Card, bring it with you to make check-in go faster. Attendees without UIUC credentials will use a check-in sheet (if registered) or a QR code (for same-day visitors) provided at the check-in tables.
I’m not presenting, do I still need to register? Do I need to check in on the day of the event? What if I am just coming for a short time?
Yes! We are asking all attendees to register by July 1 for this event. This will help us plan a successful event.
However, drop-in visitors are also welcome if pre-registration is not possible, but please keep in mind that we may not have enough food to provide meals to drop-in visitors.
Registered and drop-in visitors: Make sure to check in when you arrive, even if you are just stopping by. Checking in is critically important for us to be able to track attendance and to use for reporting and for seeking new sponsors for future programs.
If you are registered, and have an i-Card, bring it with you to make check-in go faster. Attendees without UIUC credentials will use a check-in sheet (if registered) or a QR code (for same-day visitors) provided at the check-in tables.
I’m visiting with a group and am planning on bringing a bus. Is special parking available?
Yes! We are excited that you will be bringing a large group. There is special parking for buses and large vans. Reach out to Britt Carlson (cbcarls2@illinois.edu) as soon as possible to make special arrangements.
I’m a K-12 teacher and am interested in earning ISBE PDHs. Is that possible?
Yes! ISBE PDHs are available to attend this event. There will be a separate check-in and check-out process so please see the staff at the registration desk at the north entrance for information.
Where can I find a schedule of presentations and list of presenters?
When available, the full event program including the presentation titles and presenter names will be available on this page: Event Program and Location .
Presenter Questions
I am an undergraduate researcher, but I am working in an individual lab and am not part of an organized summer research program. Can I still sign up to be a presenter?
Absolutely! We’d love to have you participate as a presenter. Make sure to consult with your mentor(s) to ensure you have permission to present your work and to check in about any timelines and expectations they might have in addition to the event’s presenter guidelines.
I’ve already registered, do I also need to check in at the event?
Yes, make sure to check in when you arrive. The presenter check-in station is located by the west entrance outside of Illini ABC. Bring your i-Card with you to make check-in go faster.
What should I wear on the day of the symposium?
Comfortable shoes and business casual is acceptable.
What filename should we use for our posters/presentation?
Your filename should be: Lastname_Firstname_ShortTitle
Where can I get my poster printed?
If you are in an ISRPA-affiliated program, your program is likely arranging printing for you. Connect with your program coordinator as soon as possible to learn about expectations and deadlines. If you are not part of an ISRPA-affiliated program, your mentor might be able to print for you, but they might need you to coordinate the printing. Check with your mentor about expectations and guidelines. In case you do need poster printing resources, here is a list of possibilities: Poster Printing
When and where am I presenting?
When available, the full presenters schedule will be posted on this page: Information for Student Presenters.
I am giving an oral presentation or a science slam (lightning talk). Do I need to bring my own device? Do I need to send in my presentation file ahead of time?
Laptops will be available in all of the oral presentation and science slam rooms. You will need to upload your presentation to a Box folder by 9am on the day before the event — you will receive an email instructing you on how to access this file. The event organizers will sort through all of the files and ensure that they are all there and are in the right place. They will then download all of the files onto the laptop in the correct room so the files will be ready for you when it is time for you to present. Do not plan on using your own device.
I need more information about the formatting of my poster, oral, or science slam presentation — where do I find that?
Presenters can find more guidance on this page: Information for Student Presenters. Students in ISRPA-affiliated programs should check with their program coordinators for more expectations. All students must work with their mentors to ensure they are meeting the expectations of their research group. If you have any additional questions, you can email the co-chair of ISRPA, Britt Carlson: cbcarls2@illinois.edu
Can I come for just part of the event or do I have to stay for the entire time?
The STEM Career Exploration and Symposium is an open event and presenters and visitors are welcome to attend any and all parts of the program. This is an excellent professional development opportunity and student presenters are encouraged to maximize this experience and attend the full event. Make sure to visit the Networking Fair to explore STEM careers and supports. Our partners are excited to talk with you. Also, keep in mind that in addition to contributing to your own growth, attending other sessions is an important way to show support to other student presenters and to being an engaged STEM community member.
Can I find a list of deadlines somewhere?
You can find more guidance on this page: Information for Student Presenters. But, here is a compiled list of deadlines:
- Registration: July 1: https://go.illinois.edu/2026Registration
- Title Submission: July 20: registered presenters will receive a link via email
- Oral and Science Slam Presentation Uploads: 9am on the day before the event (July 29, 2026): registered presenters will receive a link via email
- Event: July 30, 2026: refer to the date and location page for more information