All participants are REQUIRED to sign up during AISES National Conference registration in order to attend these special activities. Space is limited and some activities require a purchased ticket.
Wednesday, October 14 (Pre-conference)
STEM Activities Day
Wednesday, October 14 from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Audience - 250 pre-college students (middle school and high school only)
Kick off your AISES National Conference experience with an exciting afternoon of hands-on STEM activities and challenges! This interactive event is designed to spark curiosity and inspire future innovators through engaging, STEM-themed ideas.
Highlights include fun, interactive STEM challenges, opportunities to win great prizes, and food and beverages provided.
Don't miss this chance to explore STEM in a dynamic and collaborative environment!
- Agenda
9:00am -11:00am: Presenters setup activities station
9:00am - 11:00am: Student & Chaperone Registration check-in
11:30am: Emcee announce flow and general announcements
12:00pm - 4:00pm: Rotate through STEM Activity Stations as time permits.
*Some activities may take longer than others, so participants might not experience every station.
*Please complete all parts of a station before moving on to the next.
Thursday, October 15
Nike World Headquarters Tour
Thursday, October 15 from 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Audience – All Registered Attendees
Bus ride: 25 minutes
Max: 50 attendees
Depart from: 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Arrive at: Nike World Headquarters
All tours have a $5 non-refundable commitment fee.
A tour of Nike's World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon offers an exclusive, behind the scenes look at one of the world's most iconic sports brands. Set across a sprawling campus of more than 75 buildings, the experience highlights Nike's culture of innovation, creativity, and athlete driven design. Visitors explore architecturally striking spaces, athlete inspired buildings, and world class facilities that reflect the brand's heritage and future vision. From immersive storytelling and product innovation to thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, the tour brings Nike's mission to life. While access is limited, those who visit gain a unique perspective on how Nike inspires athletes and shapes the future of sport.
- Agenda
1:30 pm: Depart Oregon Convention Center
2:00 pm: Arrive at Nike World Headquarters & Check-in
2:15 pm: Welcome and Overview
2:30 pm: Phil Knight Campus Tour
5:00 pm: Depart Nike World Headquarters
5:30 pm: Arrive back at Oregon Convention Center
Portland State University – STEM Tours
Thursday, October 15 from 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Audience – All Registered Attendees
Bus ride: 10 minutes
Max: 100 attendees
Depart from: 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Arrive at: 506 SW Mill Street, Portland, Oregon 97201-5412
All tours have a $5 non-refundable commitment fee.
Whether you're a high school student thinking about college or an undergraduate interested in research, we want to show you more of what PSU has to offer. All participants will start the visit with a gathering to learn more about the Indigenous community at PSU at our Native American Student & Community Center. Participants will learn about our degree programs and student clubs through presentations and tabling. You will then get to choose your own adventure to either explore more of our science programs, more of our engineering programs, or join a meet and greet with faculty to discuss more about graduate programs and research.
- Agenda
1:30 pm: Depart Oregon Convention Center
2:00 pm: Arrive at University's Urban Center via MAX
2:10 pm: Walk to Native American Student & Community Center
2:30 pm: Introduction & Welcome to the Indigenous Community and STEM at PSU, Includes Tabling from Resources
3:15 pm: Break up into Three Specialized 1 Hour Experiences (students may choose):
- Option #1: Engineering @ PSU - Lab & Program Tour of Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science (walk 10 min)
- Option #2: Science @ PSU - Lab & Program Tour of Vernier Science Center & Oak Savannah (walk 10 min)
- Option #3: Research @ PSU - Deep Dive into STEM Research @ PSU with Meet & Greet with faculty to discuss research areas, graduate programs, and faculty mentorship
3:30-4:30 pm: Options 1-3 above
4:30 pm: Walk back to Urban Center (10 minutes)
4:45 pm: Depart Portland State University
FIIRE Hackathon
Thursday, October 15 from 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Audience – Students, Professionals, Advisors and Chaperones
Limit: 75 participants
The FIIRE Hackathon sponsored by Chevron takes coding and robotics to a new level by challenging participants to rapidly build and code a prototype that solves a real-world problem. Learners of all ages and backgrounds will work in teams of 2-5 people. Teams will have 3 hours to design, build, code, and test their prototype. Hackathon Coaches will be in the room and available to help and provide guidance. At the end of the 3 hours, teams will go before our panel of judges for a Shark Tank style elevator pitch on their prototype.
No experience necessary. Must arrive by 4:30 p.m. Dinner and snacks provided.
Graduate Student Mixer
Thursday, October 15 from 7:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Audience - 150 graduate and master level college students
Be part of this fun and interactive networking session for Masters/Doctoral Students level student attendees. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Friday, October 16
Buffalo Bump Business Plan Challenge
Friday, October 16 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Audience - 100 professionals and college students
The Buffalo Bump Business Plan Challenge is an initiative supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship among AISES college members. The Buffalo Bump Challenge celebrates efforts that combine engineering, science, technology, mathematics and tradition to create healthier futures for people and the planet.
Do you have a bold idea or innovative project that uses STEM to improve the world? Answer the Open Call for STEM-related Projects: Tapping into the Tradition of Native Innovation. Join us in showcasing the future of STEM powered by community wisdom, curiosity, and courage. Let's create solutions that honor both innovation and tradition.
AISES student members in the U.S. and Canada can apply in teams of up to five. Participants will present their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges. The competition offers prizes, networking, mentorship, and international visibility, culminating in a live presentation at the 2026 AISES National Conference.
Join Us as a Buffalo Bump Audience Member!
Be part of the excitement and help crown the People's Choice winner! Cast your vote by dropping a buffalo chip for your favorite project. Your vote makes all the difference—show your support and let your voice be heard!
Vote with a buffalo chip. Choose your champion. Feel the Bump!
- Agenda
Experience an unforgettable day at the Buffalo Bump Business Plan Challenge and let your creative energy flow!
2:00–2:30 pm: 2026 Buffalo Bump Kickoff
2:30 –3:00 pm: Finalists compete (5 teams)
3:00–3:15 pm: People’s Choice voting
3:15–3:30 pm: Wrap-Up
Professionals Networking Reception (Ticket purchase required)
Friday, October 16 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Audience - 120 professionals and college students
Ticket price: $55
This engaging and interactive event brings together professional members and college students preparing to enter the workforce for meaningful networking in a comfortable setting. Students will have the unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with seasoned professionals across a variety of industries, gain real-world insights, and build the relationships that can shape their careers. Whether you're a student looking to land your first role or a professional eager to give back and grow your network, this reception offers the perfect atmosphere to make lasting connections.
Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments as you mingle, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities in a relaxed, welcoming environment. With a capacity of 120 attendees, this intimate gathering ensures quality conversations — not just card exchanges. Come ready to connect, be inspired, and leave with more than just a contact list.
Saturday, October 17
Closing Banquet
Saturday, October 17 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Audience – All registered attendees
The Closing Awards Banquet is the grand finale of the AISES National Conference, featuring live entertainment and paying tribute to the AISES Professional of the Year Award winners, Partner Service Award recipients, and more. Join us for an evening of celebration, great food, cultural performances, and community connections as we honor achievements and look forward to the future—together!