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HEC Program Event

HEC Conference

Science Communication Conference

Your central hub for schedules, assignments, instructions, and everything you need to prepare for the 2026 HEC Conference.

October 15–16, 2026 Sioux Falls, South Dakota In Person
View Conference Schedule →
Conference at a Glance

Know the plan before you arrive.

Day 1 Roundtable Day Thursday, October 15
Day 2 Presentation Day Friday, October 16
Location Sioux Falls, SD In-person conference
Participation Two Full Days Students participate in both conference days
Before You Arrive

Make sure you know these six things.

✓ Review the conference schedule.
✓ Check your Day 1 roundtable rotation when posted.
✓ Review your assigned target audience.
✓ Check your Friday presentation time and room when posted.
✓ Check your Student Critic assignment when posted.
✓ Review all presentation and conference instructions.
HEC roundtable discussion
Day 1 · Thursday

Roundtable Day

Learn, discuss, connect, and practice adapting how you communicate as the topic, audience, and conversation change.

October 15, 2026 Schedule coming soon

How the day works

Students move through the assigned roundtable sessions throughout the day. Each table introduces a different topic, discussion style, or perspective. The goal is to participate actively, listen to different viewpoints, ask questions, and practice adapting how you communicate as the conversation changes.

Your Day 1 Resources

Everything you need for Thursday will be posted here as assignments and materials are finalized.

Come prepared to:

Participate actively in every assigned session.
Ask questions and contribute to the discussion.
Listen to perspectives different from your own.
Adapt how you communicate as the room and topic change.
Student presenting research to an audience at the HEC conference
Day 2 · Friday

Presentation Day

Present your research to professionals representing your assigned target audience, receive feedback, and experience communication from the audience's perspective as a Student Critic.

October 16, 2026 Schedule coming soon

How the day works

Each student presents their research to a panel of professionals representing their assigned audience. The presentation is followed by feedback and discussion. Students will also serve as a Student Critic for another presentation, giving them the opportunity to evaluate communication from the audience's perspective.

Your Day 2 Resources

Check these resources before arriving on Friday so you know exactly where you need to be and what role you have.

Presentation Format

15 min
Present Share your research with your assigned target audience.
→
20 min
Feedback & Discussion Receive direct feedback from the audience panel.
→
Critic
Evaluate a Peer Attend your assigned presentation and serve as Student Critic.

Come prepared with:

Your completed conference presentation.
A clear understanding of your assigned target audience.
Your presentation time and room information.
Your Student Critic assignment.
Questions you may want to ask during feedback.
Readiness to give constructive feedback to another student.