In addition to its core programming, this year’s Annual Meeting and Annual Student Conference will feature a series of IDEAL events that showcase AIChE’s commitment to building community, fostering connections, and creating opportunities for chemical engineers at every stage of their journey.
Highlights include student chapter workshops, K–12 outreach, and sessions hosted by the Minority Affairs Community (MAC), Women in Chemical Engineering (WIC), and the LGBTQ+ & Allies Community. These events provide spaces to share experiences, exchange ideas, and support one another in advancing both the profession and society.
Please see below to learn more about IDEAL programming at AIChE’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Annual Student Conference.
NOTE: All sessions and events are scheduled in Eastern Time (ET).
IDEAL events
Living Out Inclusivity in Chemical Engineering and Doing a World of Good in Society
Saturday, November 1, 10:05 AM – 10:50 AM
A moderator-led discussion where students and professionals from DORIC share personal stories about inclusion in chemical engineering. Breakouts will give participants space to exchange experiences and develop actionable ideas to foster inclusivity at their schools, workplaces, and communities.
The SAFE Leader Workshop (ASC)
Sunday, November 2, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Designed for students at the Annual Student Conference, this CPD Certified session introduces the SAFE model (Share, Act, Feel, Empower) through interactive activities. Participants will gain practical tools to build confidence and practice inclusive leadership early in their careers.
The SAFE Leader Workshop (Professional)
Monday, November 3, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
The SAFE Leader Workshop is a CPD Certified program created for engineering professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills and expand their perspectives. Using the SAFE model (Share, Act, Feel, Empower), participants move from awareness to action while gaining practical tools for inclusive and effective leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in an engaging session that will inspire your growth as a leader
Inclusive Academia: Navigating Challenges and Creating Opportunities for Disabled Scholars
Monday, November 3, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
This session highlights the experiences of disabled scientists and explores how inclusion and support can strengthen the scientific community. Dr. Catherine Drennan of MIT will open with a talk about her own journey, followed by a panel discussion offering perspectives, resources, and strategies for creating a more accessible environment. Be part of this important conversation and take away insights you can put into practice.
IDEAL Reception
Monday, November 3, 5:15 PM – 6:30 PM
All are welcome to join this celebration for AIChE’s DORIC, K–12, LGBTQ+, MAC, and WIC Communities.
MAC
Eminent Engineers Award Ceremony & Refreshments (ticketed event)
Monday, November 3, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Join MAC as they honor the Eminent Engineer Award recipients, MAC’s most prestigious award, recognizing outstanding achievements from a professional in a traditional chemical engineering position or from a chemical engineer making significant contributions in a non-traditional profession. Please note that this is a ticketed event.
MAC Business Meeting
Monday, November 3, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Attend the MAC business meeting for updates about the community.
Minority Faculty Forum Real Talk (MAC/MFF): Navigating the Academic Career Path for Influence, Impact, and Success
Tuesday, November 4, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
This candid session offers practical advice for navigating the academic career path and building a meaningful impact in teaching, research, and service. Join the discussion and gain guidance to help you shape your own path to success.
LatinX in ChE
Café with LatinX in ChE (ticketed event)
Wednesday, November 5, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
This networking event is a chance to connect with peers, share career experiences, and build mentoring relationships in a supportive setting. Open to all, it’s a lively opportunity to expand your community. Please note that this is a ticketed event and advance registration is required.
LatinX Voices in ChemE
Wednesday, November 5, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
This session highlights the voices and contributions of LatinX chemical engineers across a range of disciplines, showcasing the impact of their work and increasing the visibility of the LatinX community. The program will include a keynote speaker followed by technical presentations.
Women in Chemical Engineering (WIC)
WIC Networking Breakfast & Keynote (ticketed event, open to all)
Tuesday, November 4, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
The Women in Engineering (WIC) Keynote & Networking Breakfast is a ticketed event. All are welcome to attend.
WIC Panel – Combatting the Matilda Effect: Advocating for Women’s Contributions in Research
Tuesday, November 4, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Join this engaging panel session on the Matilda Effect, the ongoing tendency to overlook women’s contributions in science and engineering. Hear from leaders who will share stories, challenges, and strategies for advocating for female authorship, intellectual property, and recognition in discovery. Walk away with practical ideas to help promote visibility, equity, and inclusion in your own community.
WIC Poster Session
Tuesday, November 4, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This session will feature poster presentations about AIChE’s Women in Chemical Engineering Community (WIC).
Women in Materials Leadership: Learning from the Stars
Tuesday, November 4, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
This session shines a spotlight on women leaders in materials science and engineering, featuring talks from accomplished professionals across academia, industry, publishing, and entrepreneurship. Speakers will share their career journeys and lessons learned, offering inspiration and practical guidance for the next generation of leaders.
WIC Drop-in Mentoring
Tuesday, November 4, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
This session gives graduate students the chance to connect with senior AIChE members from industry and academia in an informal, small-group setting. Panelists will share their own experiences with mentorship and sponsorship, then lead discussions where students can ask questions and gain personalized advice. It’s a unique opportunity to build connections and explore strategies for career growth.
WIC Business Meeting
Tuesday, November 4, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
The WIC Business Meeting is open to all who want to learn more about the Women in Chemical Engineering Community. Join to hear updates, share ideas, and get involved in upcoming initiatives.
Emerging Stars: Elevating Early-Career Voices in Chemical Engineering through Innovation and Mentorship
Wednesday, November 5, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
This session highlights the voices of early-career women in chemical engineering, featuring invited talks and panels from WIC travel award recipients and other emerging leaders. Presentations will cover innovative research, career development strategies, and the role of mentorship in STEM. Attendees will gain inspiration, practical insights, and opportunities to connect with the next generation of leaders in the field.
LGBTQ+ & Allies
LGBTQ+ & Allies Panel and Social
Saturday, NOVEMBER 1, 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Attend the LGBTQ + Allies Panel and Ice Cream Social to hear from a panel of young professionals from industry and academy who will share insights into issues faced by newly hired LGBTQ+ engineers. After the panel discussion concludes, mingle and network with friends and colleagues while enjoying a scoop or two.
Radical Allyship & Queer Careers
Tuesday, November 4, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
This session explores how engineers and scientists can practice radical allyship and create supportive environments across academia and industry. Speakers will also share strategies for navigating LGBTQ+ career paths and building affirming workplaces. The program concludes with small-group discussions where attendees can reflect, connect, and exchange ideas for allyship and career success.
LGBTQ+ & Allies Reception
Tuesday, November 4, 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
This reception brings together LGBTQ+ professionals, students, and allies for an evening of networking and community. Supported by the AIChE Foundation, the event offers food, drinks, and a welcoming space to connect, collaborate, and celebrate during the Annual Meeting.
K–12
K–12 STEM Showcase & Outreach Competition Open House
Sunday, November 2, 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
AIChE invites K–12 students, their parents, and educators to learn about STEM, chemical engineering, and different STEM career paths from real-life STEM professionals.
K–12 Community Business Meeting (open to all)
Tuesday, November 4, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Join the K-12 business meeting and learn more about the community, upcoming events, and how to get involved. This event is open to all.
