SET Conference

Unleash your curiosity. Embrace discovery.

The SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) Conference is a chance to learn what an education and career in science, engineering and technology (SET) is all about. This fun and interactive day shows young women and gender diverse students in grades 10-12 that there is more to science than medicine and more to engineering than building bridges, and more to technology than sitting behind a computer screen. SET jobs are interesting, collaborative, diverse and support every aspect of our lives. Want to make an impact in the world and have a meaningful career? Consider SET.

The SET Conference will give you an opportunity to find out answers to some of your questions by:

  • Talking with role models who are studying science, engineering and technology;
  • Participating in hands on STEM activities 
  • Having the chance to spend a day on the University of Alberta campus and learn about being a student here
  • Meet like-minded peers.

This full-day conference gives you the opportunity to:

  • Explore diverse careers in science, engineering and technology;
  • Learn about work-life balance in SET careers;
  • Discover how SET careers make the world a better place;
  • Meet university students and learn what it is like to be a student in a SET department;
  • Talk with role models in SET based careers about their experiences;
  • Gain insight into different career paths in SET and the U of A programs that you can use to broaden your career options.

Indigenous Students: WISEST is committed to increasing representation for all equity-deserving groups in STEM, including Indigenous Students.  We encourage First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students to participate in all of the programs and services we offer but specifically, with respect to the SET Conference we hold dedicated spots for Indigenous students, and schedule opportunities for mentorship from Indigenous role models.  Students can also qualify for bursaries to offset conference fees in order to participate in the conference. 


Event Details

Saturday, November 25, 2023

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Sign-in begins at 8:30 AM on the day of the conference)

Online registration opens: October 10, 2023

Cost: $50

Register Now

*NEW for 2023* Students will need to have their permission forms completed and ready to upload in order to complete their registration for the conference. The form can not be completed without uploading these completed forms. 

Permission to Reproduce Likeness Form

Informed Consent Form (Waiver)

If you are a teacher looking to bring a group of students please fill out this form


What to Expect

Hands-on Lab Activities and Career Development Sessions

You will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities during the SET Conference. We want our participants to experience what University students and researchers are involved in on campus and to be exposed to new streams in science, engineering and technology that they may not have previously been aware of. Students are encouraged to be open-minded, inquisitive and they are expected to adhere to all safety requirements at all times.

We will also be offering our popular Career Development Sessions to help high school students navigate career choices and post secondary education.

View past year's activities and workshops.

Lunch
Lunch is not provided but there is an option to pre-purchase lunch. A designated lunch room will be open for students to hang out and eat together during the lunch break. There will not be time for students to purchase lunch on campus. 
Role Model and Mentoring Opportunities

We try to give students the chance to meet with as many role models as possible during the SET Conference. You can speak with role models who are currently studying or professionals working in science, engineering, and technology fields. You will have the chance to ask questions and learn first-hand what studying or working in a SET career is really like.

All student participants will take part in a panel session. We strongly encourage you to write at least two questions in advance for this session. For inspiration on topics you can focus on, read these Delegate Questions. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with people pursuing careers in the STEM field and ask detailed questions about their work at a networking mixer.
Safety
WISEST takes the safety of our Conference participants and volunteers very seriously. Each student must read the Safety Information.
Wrap-up
We will wrap up the Conference by bringing all the students back together at the CCIS building in one of the large lecture theatres, where parents can arrange for pick-up at 3:00 p.m. Students who must leave early need to sign out with their delegate guide or conference organizer.

Registration

We are limiting the conference to 225 student participants. We offer you the ability to choose which sessions you would like to attend, so avoid disappointment and register early! All sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to change. In the event that your session changes, you will be placed in the next available one. Participants will receive their activity schedule on the day of the Conference.

Complete the Registration Form

Registration Opens October 10, 2023. Click here to register. Registration is limited, so sign up early! 

*NEW for 2023* In order to streamline the registration process, students must complete the Permission to Reproduce Likeness Form Form and the Informed Consent Form prior to completing the online registration. Students will be required to upload these signed forms in the online registration form. 

If you are a teacher looking to bring a group of students please fill out this form

Pay the Registration Fee

Pay your $50 registration fee. Our preference is for each student to pay for their spot using our online system (credit card required). You will receive the link once you have completed Step One. If your school is collecting your payment for a group submission, please ask your teacher to contact the WISEST Team Lead, Fervone Goings at fervone.goings@ualberta.ca, with the name of your school and the list of students in the group.

Payment is due by Nov. 5. If payment is not received by that time, your space will be forfeited and given to a student on the wait list. 

Complete the Informed Consent Information Form and the Permission to Reproduce Likeness Form

Download and complete the Permission to Reproduce Likeness Form and Informed Consent Form

*NEW for 2023* These forms must be signed and completed PRIOR to completing the online registration form. You MUST upload these forms in the student registration google form.

Confirmation
You will be emailed a confirmation with more event information once we have received all of your information and your payment. If for any reason you have to cancel your participation in the Conference, please contact the WISEST office immediately at wisest.events@ualberta.ca so that we can offer the opportunity to another student participant.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund if cancellation, by email, is received by noon on November 5, 2023. No refund after that date.

Download Event Poster

Download Indigenous Event Poster