HEC PROGRAM EVENT

HEC Communication Conference

The in-person capstone experience where students apply science communication skills through workshops, roundtables, and real-world presentations.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Two-day in-person event
For HEC student participants
CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE

What to expect from the conference

The conference brings together practical communication training, audience-focused conversations, and opportunities for students to present their work in a supportive, real-world setting.

01

Format

A two-day in-person experience designed to help students apply and strengthen their science communication skills.

02

Location

Held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the conference brings participants together for interactive learning and connection.

03

Experience

Students take part in workshops, roundtable discussions, and presentation activities that reflect real communication settings.

04

Focus

The conference emphasizes communicating science clearly and effectively to audiences beyond academia.

WHY IT MATTERS

A space to practice, refine, and grow as a science communicator

The conference gives students the opportunity to move beyond learning about communication and begin practicing it in meaningful ways. Through interactive sessions, audience-focused conversations, and presentation experiences, students strengthen their ability to explain their work clearly, confidently, and with purpose.

Students practice adapting their message for audiences beyond academic peers.
They receive written and oral feedback that helps improve both clarity and confidence.
The experience prepares them to communicate their research in more real-world settings.

This is where students begin turning research into a message that can connect with people outside their field.

HEC Communication Conference
CONFERENCE PLAYBOOK

Everything you need to know before you arrive

Expand each day to explore the format, roles, expectations, and key activities.