Frequently Asked Questions

Dear AISES Friends, Guests, and Family:

Meeting safely in-person at the National Conference is our priority, therefore, we would like to share the precautions to be taken against the COVID-19 Virus and the Delta variant at the 2021 AISES National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. AISES strongly recommends that all in-person conference participants and guests wear a mask that covers both the nose and mouth, regardless of vaccination status, while in the conference hotels and in the Phoenix Convention Center, except when eating or drinking. Frequent hand washing and physical distancing in all situations is also highly recommended. The conference hotels and the Phoenix Convention Center also have policies and recommendations on staying healthy. The AISES 2021 National Conference Health and Safety policy and protocols will have the most up to date news on any National Conference .

Our greatest concern is for the health and safety of our staff and in-person conference participants and guests; indeed, we are family, and we value your health and safety. We ask that you take personal responsibility for your health and safety and protect the health and safety of others around you.

Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/index.html and the links provided above for up-to-date information. AISES will follow all CDC guidelines relating to the COVID-19 Virus and Delta variant. We ask that you bring multiple masks to the conference and any other protective items such as handwipes, etc. AISES will have hand sanitizer and masks at the conference site for your use.

We look forward to seeing you in Phoenix, September 23-25, 2021 (including the in-person College and Career Fair too!). Also make plans to join us at the Virtual College and Career Fair on Friday, October 15, 2021!

Thank you in advance for helping control the spread of COVID-19 and the Delta variant, and helping to provide a safe and healthful gathering of the AISES family in Phoenix.

View a printable version of the AISES Health and Safety Statement.

Attendee Registration

Health and Safety Policy

In-person attendees must agree to abide by all COVID-19 policies and recommendations made from the State of Arizona, City of Phoenix, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, and Phoenix Convention Center. This could include but is not limited to social distancing procedures, mask mandates, temperature checks, and participants questionnaires. The Phoenix Convention Center communicates frequently with industry experts, healthcare professionals, representatives of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others, to stay apprised of any changes in the COVID-19 situation and will make appropriate policy changes as needed. Anyone not abiding by these policies will be asked to leave the conference. Within two weeks of the event AISES will notify all participants of the most recent policies so they may prepare accordingly.

AISES strongly recommends that all in-person conference participants and guests wear a mask that covers both the nose and mouth, regardless of vaccination status, while in the conference hotels and in the Phoenix Convention Center, except when eating or drinking. Frequent hand washing and physical distancing in all situations is also highly recommended. We ask that you bring multiple masks to the conference and any other protective items such as handwipes, etc. AISES will have hand sanitizer and masks at the conference site for your use.

Are the registration rates the same for in-person and virtual attendees?

Yes. This year the AISES National Conference will be offering access to live streamed (virtual) content. Those who register for the in-person event will have access to all streamed content including the virtual college and career fair. Please check the website for all the RATES.

Do you have something I can provide to my work/school to ask them to let me attend the conference?

Yes, here is a template letter that you can customize to provide to your work or school.

Do you have suggestions for raising money to get to the conference?

Yes, see our flier for some examples of what others have done.

How do I modify my National Conference registration record?

You may modify your registration or make a credit card payment by logging back into the system at https://na.eventscloud.com/612961. Your login credentials can be found on the registration confirmation page that was emailed from conference@aises.org to you at the time of registration. The login credentials are the email address used for the registration record and the reference (record) number. If you need assistance, please contact us at (505) 765-1052.

What is the attendee payment policy?

Check: If you are paying by check, please make payable to AISES. Include a copy of your invoice or reference your registration record number and attendee name and mail to:

AISES
Accounts Receivable
6321 Riverside Plaza Lane NW, Unit A
Albuquerque, NM 87120

AISES Tax ID # 73-1023474

Purchase Order: If you are paying by Purchase Order (PO), please email a copy to conference@aises.org by September 4. Please reference the 2021 AISES National Conference on the purchase order.

Early Registration: To receive the early registration rates, FULL PAYMENT must be received by July 16, 2021; including purchase order payments. Registrations and/or payments received after July 16 are subject to higher registration rates.

Pre-Conference Registration: The pre-conference registration deadline is September 3, 2021. To receive the pre-conference rates FULL PAYMENT must be received by Sept 10, including purchase order payments. All registrations received after 5 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time) September 3 will be subject to the onsite registration rates.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

AISES will grant a full refund less a 10% processing fee to any individual who cancels their registration no later than August 27, 2021. Individuals who cancel their registration on or before September 8 will be charged 50% of their registration fee. No refunds for cancellations will be granted after September 8. Cancellation and refund requests must be emailed to conference@aises.org.

What is the AISES National Conference cancellation policy?

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) will have no liability to event registrants (whether they attend the event in person or virtually) on account of any loss or damage resulting from any delay, failure, or cancellation with respect to its National Conference if such delay or failure is caused, in whole or in part, by acts of God, strikes, lockouts, riots, acts of war, earthquake, fire, explosions, situations that make it inadvisable to travel or gather in large groups, or other events, including occurrences or causes beyond the control of AISES (each a “Force Majeure Event”).

If AISES should have to cancel its National Conference (whether it be a combined in person and virtual live event, an all in person event, or an all virtual live event) for a reason other than a Force Majeure Event, registrants will be given the option of a refund for their registration fees according to the AISES registration cancellation policy as noted here/or listed above, or to donate their registration fees to AISES.

What is AISES data collection policy?

AISES collects personal information during event registration. Individuals registering agree that AISES may collect, use, and disclose personal data which is provided by registering for the event. AISES may share attendee information with exhibitors, sponsors, and organizational partners for the purposes of resource sharing, hiring, and recruiting. AISES does not share data it collects with other groups. This is in accordance with our data protection at https://aises.org/privacy.

What is AISES Code of Conduct?

All conference participants are expected to adhere to the AISES Code of Conduct. Anyone who is found violating the code will be asked to leave the conference immediately. You agree that you and any participants registered by you have reviewed and agree to abide by the AISES Code of Conduct found at: https://2021.aises.org/about/conduct.

College and Career Fair

How do I reserve exhibitor space for the College and Career Fair?: It is simple! Just go to this link - Exhibitor Registration, choose “New Registration”, enter your email, agree to the AISES terms and conditions, select exhibitor, and complete the registration questions.
When will the College and Career Fair take place?: The in-person college and career fair takes place at the Phoenix Convention Center on Friday, September 24 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. AISES will also host a virtual college and career fair on October 15 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where can I find a list of College and Career Fair participants (exhibitors)?: Over 200 exhibitors will take part in the college and career fair. You can find an up-to-date list here: https://2021.aises.org/exhibitors
How do I access the October 15, 2021 virtual College and Career Fair?: Those who register for the in-person AISES National Conference will have access to the virtual college and career fair. To register for the in-person conference or the virtual college and career fair, please go to the website for all the RATES.

Hotel and Travel

Where can I find hotel and travel information for the conference?

Go to this link for list of hotels, rates, cut-off dates, on-line hotel reservations attendees/travel.html

Do you have any tips for first time travelers?

Sure! Please see our short video that gives traveling tips, especially for first time travelers:

What is the ground transportation options while in Phoenix?

There are several reasonably priced shuttle options for transportation between the hotels and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Additionally, those traveling with a group may want to consider renting a vehicle or sharing a cab or ride share (Lyft/Uber) to save money and for added convenience. Public transportation is also available, the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station is a direct connection to Valley Metro Rail, which offers access into Phoenix.

Media/Advertisement

Will video recordings and photographs be taken of me during the conference?: AISES and authorized representatives will be photographing, videotaping, and web streaming at various events throughout the 2021 AISES National Conference. Please be aware that by participating in the conference you are consenting to the use of your image by AISES and its authorized agents for promotion purposes only. Please note, all photos are available for personal use, and commercial use will require written consent from AISES. Please email Montoya Whiteman (mwhiteman@aises.org), Senior Director of Marketing with your photo request. Photos will be available 3-4 weeks after national conference.
Will media and press be allowed to cover the conference?: AISES welcomes the media and press to cover the event. We ask that media and press connect with Montoya Whiteman (mwhiteman@aises.org), Senior Director of Marketing, before the conference by email. AISES will provide a media kit and an AISES media badge that will identify the media and press to attendees. Please note there are several events in which the media and press is not allowed to participate or cover for privacy reasons.
Is there a contact for publicity and news opportunities with my tribe or organization?: If you would like to develop a story or conduct an interview ahead of the national conference, contact Montoya Whiteman, Senior Director of Marketing at mwhiteman@aises.org.
Can I advertise in the conference program?: Only AISES Turquoise Gemstone Sponsors can place an advertisement in the national conference program as part of their package. No advertising is sold for the program. However, you can advertise in the Fall/AISES Conference Issue of Winds of Change magazine which is in all attendee bags at the conference! Please see the media kit here: https://woc.aises.org/about/print-advertising or contact Candace McDonough, Senior Development Officer, at cmcdonough@aises.org.

Membership/Membership Events

How do I become an AISES member to receive member conference registration discounts?: To take advantage of AISES Member registration discounts, you must be a current AISES member. To renew your membership, go to https://www.aises.org/membership. If you need further information about AISES Membership, please contact the Membership Department at membership@aises.org or (505) 765-1052.
What is the Professional Members Mixer?: This fun and interactive session pairs Professional members with student members and gives them the opportunity to network in a fast-paced setting! Students will also be able to interact with Professional Chapter Reps and ask questions on becoming a Professional member. The event is geared towards professionals and college students that will soon be entering the work force. Space is limited. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Ticket prices are $20 which may be purchased at the time of conference registration. To register for the conference, please visit https://2021.aises.org/attendees/registration .
What is the Sequoyah Breakfast?: The Sequoyah Breakfast is an event honoring AISES Lifetime Members. All Sequoyah Fellows are invited to attend at no cost; however, RSVP is required. In addition, there will be an honoring ceremony for the new 2020 and 2021 Sequoyah Fellows. The breakfast is Saturday, September 25 from 7 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. See conference agenda for location. The Registration Deadline for the Sequoyah Breakfast is September 3rd.
Do I have to RSVP for the Sequoyah Breakfast?: Yes! Due to limited space, all attendees are required to RSVP. To register for the Sequoyah Breakfast visit: https://na.eventscloud.com/613140

Other

Is FREE Wi-Fi available during the AISES National Conference?

Yes, there is complimentary internet (speed 256Kbps) available in the convention center food court to check your email. It is not recommended for any web surfing.

What are the dates and locations of the AISES National Conference?

2021 – September 23-25
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

2022 - October 6-8
Palm Springs Convention Center
277 N Avenida Caballeros
Palm Springs, CA 92262

2023 - October 19-21
Spokane Convention Center
334 W Spokane Falls Blvd
Spokane, WA 99201

Resumes

Why should I upload my resume?

AISES college students and professionals attending the national conference, including the virtual college and career Fair will have access to hundreds of industry partners seeking candidates for internships and jobs! By uploading your resume, potential employers can review your information ahead of the conference and throughout the year. Over the years, thousands of AISES members have found their dream jobs through AISES.

Upload your resume to the AISES Career Hub at https://careers.aises.org/

Should I bring hard copies of my resume?

Absolutely! Plan to bring 20-30 copies of your resume to share with partners recruiting for interns and full-time positions. If you need assistance updating your resume/CV, AISES professionals will be on hand in the Resume Room to help. You can also print extra copies if you need more (a minimum of 5 printed resumes). Please check the conference agenda for the Resume Room location and times of availability.

Sessions/Research Presentations

What is the layout and equipment available in Session Rooms?

Session rooms will be equipped with a projector, screen, presentation clicker, and Windows computer with internet access and connected to an in-room sound system. Each room will also have a podium with microphone, head table and chairs. All rooms will be pre-set. Please do not rearrange the room.

You may use your own computer, if it is HDMI compatible, AISES will not support computers that do not have an HDMI connection. We ask that if you use your own computer that you reconnect the presentation laptop at the end of your session for the next presenter.

How should I format my presentation?

Please bring any presentation materials on a flash drive or other USB storage device. Presentation laptops are not equipped with CD/DVD drives. For optimal display Power Point presentations should be in the 16:9 format. AISES recommends bringing any videos you wish to play on a USB storage device. Internet bandwidth is limited and may cause videos streamed online to lag.

Is there an AISES National Conference PowerPoint Template?

Yes, the AISES National Conference PowerPoint can be downloaded here.

Do session and research presenters receive a discount on National Conference registration?

Each accepted session proposal will receive up to two full conference registrations discounted by 50%, regardless of how many presenters are participating in the session.

Complete research abstracts submitted by July 9 will receive a 100% discounted registration.
Complete research abstracts submitted July 10 - August 9 will receive a 50% discounted registration.
Complete research abstracts will still be accepted AFTER August 9, but there will be no registration discount.

Incomplete research submissions will not be accepted until the date they are complete. Incomplete research submissions include missing names, titles, and/or components of the abstracts.

To submit a Research abstract by the September 1st deadline, log on to, https://2021.aises.org/agenda/research.

Accepted session and research presenters will receive a discount code by email.

When can poster research presentations be setup and taken down?

Setup: Friday, September 24 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Exhibit Hall
Teardown: Friday, September 24 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Exhibit Hall

Sponsorship/Exhibitors

How can my organization become a conference sponsor?

Sponsorship helps bring the AISES Family together for the National Conference and aids us in delivering quality programs throughout the year. Partners enjoy being a part of the conference, increased visibility, and year-round access to our membership. To learn about sponsorship, see our 2021 Partnership Guide and contact our Chief Development Officer, Kellie Jewett-Fernandez at kjfernandez@aises.org .

Do tribes and tribal enterprises participate?

Yes! AISES works with tribes from across the country and we welcome tribal business to participate as session presenters, event sponsors and exhibitors at the college and career fair. The AISES National Conference is a great place to recruit top Indigenous STEM talent and your investment aids in advancing our mission to increase the representation of Indigenous peoples in STEM studies and careers. For more information about becoming a Native Circle Sponsor, visit the conference website here: https://2021.aises.org/sponsors/native-circle

When can exhibitors movee into the exhibit hall?

Move-in: Thursday, September 23 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Move-out: Friday, September 24 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Why should exhibitors attend the exhibitor orientation?

The orientation is for first time and returning exhibitors. AISES will provide a brief overview of the organization, highlights for the National Conference, discuss ‘housekeeping’ topics for the college and career fair floor and answer any questions you have about the event or the AISES membership.

STEM Activity DAY

What is STEM Activity Day?: STEM Day is a fun interactive day of activities that includes hands-on STEM activities for middle school and high school students, and educators.. Start your AISES National Conference off right with this engaging and helpful afternoon of STEM activities and information. This event is sponsored by the Boeing Company and include chances to win great prizes! STEM Activity Day will feature a Marketplace where pre-college students can visit a variety of booths to learn more about AISES pre-college opportunities and gain valuable professional development skills such as resume building, college application tips, AISES opportunities and more! Join us on Wednesday, September 22 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.!
Are any meals provided during STEM Activity Day?: Lunch and beverages are included with STEM Activity day registrations.
Who can attend STEM Day?: Middle and high school students and educators.