Protocols for Regional Student Symposiums

Mary deManbey, Program Manager CBIA Education Foundation

May 8, 2014

Why Create a Student Symposium?

Benefits

Appreciation for the manufacturing process Essential understandings of careers Current workplace practices and technologies Opportunity for students to network Opportunity to promote educational career pathways Exposure to your college campus and what you have to offer

Manufacture Your Future Statewide Symposium

RCNGM Symposiums: Historical Background

CBIA/RCNGM events in 2006 & 2008 – Statewide Recreation of a factory floor (pods)

PODS CNC CAD/CAM Metal Stamping Wire/Spring Electroplating Lasers Injection Molding

Manufacture Your Future Statewide Symposium (cont.)

RCNGM Symposiums: Historical Background

3,000 students, three days Inkind services (marketing, communications, public affairs) Financial support from RCNGM Support from companies, financially and physically

Drawbacks •Cost •Resources •Inkind services

RCNGM Manufacture Your Future Regional Symposiums

Workshops, Exhibitors at Community Colleges

2010 - 2013

First Steps – Determine: Audience (who to invite and why) Model Venue

Regional Symposium Models

Manufacturing Process Model 10-minute sequential presentations – how a product is made Company exhibits/demos College tour (if time) Highly structured/scheduled

Workshop Model 40-minute workshop presentations held concurrently Company exhibits/demos held concurrently General assembly (space/time allowing)

Comparing the Models

Manufacturing Process Model Workshop Model

PROS The Whole Picture – mfg process Interaction with exhibitors CONS Scheduling Buses late – student traffic jams Not enough time for exhibitors

PROS Diversity of subject matter Student choice More time with exhibitors CONS Miss the whole picture

Examples of Possible Workshops

Introduction to Laser Scanning Mastercam 101 Forging Designs for Jet Engine parts Lean Manufacturing 101 Introduction to Fuel Cell Technology Introduction to Rapid Prototyping Basics of Aerodynamics and Acoustic Testing Introduction to CNC Machining How Does Engineering Fit Into the Manufacturing World

Choosing a Venue

College/University/Technical High School

Central location Manufacturing or engineering program focus 5-6 classrooms together w/AV equipment Space for vendors w/electric outlets General assembly area (to accommodate up to 300 students) Consider gyms, libraries

Preliminary Steps

Clear about goals Scheduling – set reasonable date and a snow date (try to avoid winter months) Walk-through Assess potential challenges, such as:

Scheduling Outlets IT support School calendars No funding for buses Parking issues Ordering food Insurance

Soliciting Presenters and Exhibitors

Chamber of Commerce or business association Industry consortiums (ex.: Aerospace Components Manufacturers) Target specific companies to offer what you want (ex.: 3-D printing) Tech high schools, other universities (instructors) Attend conferences (connect w/speakers) Marketing materials

TIP: Persistence pays

Where to Begin

Soliciting Schools (student participants)

Research local schools, contact: School/career counselor Technology depts. Robotics clubs Science/ math department heads Manufacturing , CAD, Welding dept. heads at tech high schools Sometimes the principal

TIP: Persistence pays

Where to Begin

Next Steps: Working with Schools

Determine if transportation is an issue Time requirements (students participate generally for 2 ½ hours) Staggered scheduling is critical (note any time requests) Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up

TIP: Persistence pays

What to Consider

Next Steps: Prior to the Event

Venue coordinator/contact Student volunteers Posters/Signage (including the day’s agenda) Nametags Food vendor Proof of insurance (in some instances) Security and/or medical personnel on site (in some instances)

TIP: Persistence pays

What You Will Need

Why Have Student Volunteers

Room Coordinator Lunch Distributors Announcer Tour Guide(s) Registration Table Floater

TIP: Persistence pays

Suggested Volunteer Assignments

(Traffic Control, Public Relations)

Next Steps: Prior to the Event

Recruit student volunteers Gather/make posters/signage (including the day’s agenda) Food order Roster of Needs to exhibitors/presenters Workshop description handouts School schedules to the schools Times/directions to presenters/exhibitors Raffle prizes purchased

TIP: Persistence pays

Two Weeks Before

Next Steps: Prior to the Event

Send press release out Nametags All signs made Send pre-surveys to teachers Organize post-survey package for teachers Reminder to all participants Send pre-survey to teachers

TIP: Persistence pays

One Week Before

Next Steps: Prior to the Event

Security at the venue (check with venue coordinator) Let vendors know when they can set up Final count to food vendor Send bus contact information to school coordinator (if providing transportation) Make sure IT expert available day of the event Volunteer training/instructions (if possible)

TIP: Persistence pays

One Week Before (cont.)

Next Steps: Prior to the Event

Final walk-through Signs on tables Include stamp pad and stamp if raffle prizes given Signs outside classrooms Make sure there is a registration table w/nametags, handouts Meet with student volunteers for training (if possible)

Day Before the Event

Next Steps: Prior to the Event

TIP: Be Prepared for School Delays

Day of the Event

Meet with student volunteers Meet with IT support person Meet/greet exhibitors/speakers Be sure teachers are given post-surveys, raffle prize info Make sure exhibitors/speakers have water

Breathe……..

(and don’t forget to have fun….)

…But don’t panic…

Relax………

Following the Event

Follow-up with teachers re: post-surveys Follow-up with raffle-prize winners Send thank-you notes/emails to presenters/exhibitors Send thank-yous to volunteers Compile pre and post survey information

Pat Yourself on the Back

For More Information

Contact:

Mary deManbey, Program Manager CBIA Education Foundation 350 Church Street Hartford, CT 06103 Mary.demanbey@cbia.com (860)244-1975