2011 AIChE Western Regional Student Conference at California State University at Long Beach (CSULB)

CSULB student leaders and AIChE officers report that the conference was a great success (!) that required much work and organization. The last time the Western Regional Student Conference (WRSC) was held at CSULB was in 1998; therefore, conference logistics were a bit hazy during initial organization stages, given that much of the CSULB team had never been to an AIChE Regional Student Conference before. To prepare for hosting the conference, the officers of CSULB AIChE attended the 2010 WRSC, hosted by the University of California at Berkeley, to see firsthand how events were managed. To prepare for the conference, a checklist was made for all the planned events and CSULB officers went through it step-by-step, addressing requirement to make them happen.

CSULB student leadership team, left to right: Alex Zec, Jason Gambito, Katie Card, Ben Lacelles, Allie Lamb

The president (Ben Lacelles) divided assignments and obtained information to start gathering money, students, and to encourage professionals to come to the conference. Two new positions were created to handle external and internal campus logistics: 1) External Vice President, Alexander Zec and an 2) Internal Vice President, Allison Lamb. The External VP was charged with bringing in all the companies and support from outside the school (sponsor money, company presentations, company reps, etc.). The Internal VP dealt with organizing within the school and organizing events for the students (Chem-E-Car, social, obtaining safety equipment, etc.). The Treasury (Jason Gambito) managed all monetary aspects and coordinated sponsorship.

Onsite Sponsorship

I noted that several of the officers had to pitch in to get financial support. CSULB supported the effort and networking with faculty provided insight into requests for industrial support.

Secretary (Katie Card) obtained, contacted, and organized all the contact information for the students attending; she also worked with all the caterers to provide food for the conference.

As a member of the Young Professional Advisory Board (YPAB), I simply enjoyed being able to talk with and interact with students.

Cory Jensen with Jeopardy Winners - U. California Davis

Among other things, we discussed social media and AIChE, job prospects, course work and future plans. The CSULB team did a great job and thought they were over prepared (e.g. having two platters of sandwiches left over after the Thursday night social). It has been my experience that young professionals do have quite a bit of advice to give to chemical engineering students, and that students have questions that YPs can answer. I am proud to be a part of the rich and meaningful tradition that YPAB has established in the institute.

Thanks to CSULB AIChE Student Chapter External Vice President Alex Zec, who was willing to provide feedback on the 2011 WRSC.