The Conference

Explore the conference

▶︎ Conference Schedule

▶︎ Lab tours

▶︎ Speakers and Panelists

▶︎ Panels and Workshops

▶︎ Code of Conduct

▶︎ Social Media & Feedback/Kudos Form

Some general tips for the conference

1. Read the conference agenda thoroughly and select the sessions that you are the most curious about/is the most helpful to you.

Many of the conference events will be plenary (i.e., only one thing happening at that time); however, during the workshops and panels you may have multiple options.  Pick the ones that seem most interesting and beneficial for you given where you are in your undergraduate career. 

Besidse topics you are already familiar with, this is also a great chance to explore a topic totally new to you, so don't hesitate to branch out.

2. Make the most out of the conference, while making sure you have enough rest.

As organizers, we are working hard to maximize this conference's potential by packing in the limited time we have as many helpful sessions as possible. Every session is there because we believe they will be valuable for many of you. As a participant, make sure to maximize your experience by participating in as many things as possible - even when you are not sure why a session is necessary, try it out anyways since you never know what might be useful!

At the same time, make sure to use the coffee/tea breaks and down time wisely - they are as important for you to make the most out of the program.

3. Be an active participant, ask questions and make comments.

The conference has been designed to actively engage participants. Panel sessions will depend significantly on the questions you bring, and workshops are what you make of them. While you’ve likely heard this before, there are no dumb questions, especially when you believe the goal first and foremost is to learn and grow.

4. Get out of your comfort zone and meet people

That is what you traveled all this way for - not to meet the same people in your university, but people from all over the country! While it is rarely easy talking to strangers, you will find creating a network of peers and mentors to be invaluable to your physics career. Be open to talk to others about their schools, field of research, their experience as a minority in physics, their aspirations, and everything else!

Pro tip: prepare an interesting question as a meaningful conversation starter, e.g. what got you into physics? or something a little more quirky e.g. how would you prove that the earth is round?

5. Be yourself and help others be themselves

We all bring unique identities to physics, and that diversity enriches the field. That is one of CU*iP's messages, and we hope you will find it comfortable to be yourself here. We want you to come as you are with all your knowledge and skills as well as shortcomings to contribute to the conference from your unique experience and perspectives.

When you are confident and comfortable in your own skin, you also encourage others to do the same. Be mindful, curious, and kind to others around you, include and encourage everyone to participate, and offer a listening ear to other ideas and experience. 

In doing so, you will already be a positive agent in the physics community :)