Inclusion is about more than who has a seat at the table. It's also about whose ideas are heard, whose contributions are recognized, and how we create opportunities for people to succeed.
At the 2026 AIChE Annual Meeting, November 8–12 in Minneapolis, AIChE's IDEAL programming will explore these ideas through discussions, workshops, mentoring opportunities, and networking events.
Whether you're navigating your career, looking to become a more effective ally, or finding ways to make engineering education more accessible, these sessions offer opportunities to contribute to a stronger chemical engineering community.
Explore the events below and add them to your Annual Meeting schedule.
Note: All event times are listed in Central Time (CT). Some events require a separate ticket.
IDEAL events
Annual Meeting Opening Reception Featuring the IDEAL Reception
Sunday, November 8 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Kick off the Annual Meeting with an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and celebrate the communities that make AIChE stronger. The opening reception will feature the IDEAL Reception, highlighting AIChE's commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism, and learning.
Engineering Resilience: Supporting People through Times of Change
Monday, November 9 | 3:30–5:00 PM
How can engineering leaders support their teams when the forces shaping their institutions and workplaces are beyond their control? This panel examines how changes in policy, research funding, technology, and organizational priorities affect people and professional communities. Hear perspectives on building resilience, strengthening organizational culture, and helping individuals and institutions adapt to uncertainty.
Designing Materials that Work for Everyone: An Introduction to Accessible Documents
Wednesday, November 11 | 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
Small changes to everyday teaching materials can make a meaningful difference in accessibility. This introductory session offers practical guidance for creating more accessible PowerPoint presentations, Word documents, and course handouts. Faculty and professionals will also learn about upcoming ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements and techniques they can begin applying right away. No prior experience required.
Minority Affairs Community (MAC)
MAC Awards Ceremony (ticketed event)
Monday, November 9 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Celebrate engineering excellence with the Minority Affairs Community as it recognizes individuals for their professional achievements and contributions to chemical engineering. This ceremony offers an opportunity to honor accomplished members of the profession and connect with the MAC community.
Minority Faculty Forum Real Talk: Navigating the Academic Career Path for Influence, Impact, and Success
Tuesday, November 10 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Building a successful academic career requires more than research expertise. This session creates space for candid conversations about navigating academia, building influence, and finding opportunities for professional growth. Faculty members and aspiring academics can gain perspectives to help inform their own career decisions.
Women in Chemical Engineering (WIC)
WIC Networking Breakfast & Keynote (ticketed event)
Tuesday, November 10 | 8:30–10:30 AM
Start the day by connecting with members of the Women in Chemical Engineering Community. This breakfast and keynote event offers an opportunity to expand your network, hear new perspectives, and build connections with colleagues across the profession.
WIC Panel
Tuesday, November 10 | 9:30–10:30 AM
Continue the conversation following the WIC breakfast and keynote with a panel featuring perspectives from the Women in Chemical Engineering Community.
WIC Poster Session
Tuesday, November 10 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Discover poster presentations associated with AIChE's Women in Chemical Engineering Community. Stop by to engage with presenters, learn about their work, and connect with fellow attendees.
WIC Drop-in Mentoring
Tuesday, November 10 | 5:00–7:30 PM
Finding the right mentor can make a difference in your career. Designed for graduate students, this interactive session connects participants with experienced AIChE members from academia and industry. After a brief panel discussion on mentorship and sponsorship, attendees can join small-group conversations, ask questions, and receive guidance tailored to their interests.
LGBTQ+ & Allies Community
Radical Allyship & Queer Careers
Tuesday, November 10 | 3:30–5:00 PM
What does meaningful allyship look like in engineering workplaces and academic institutions? This session explores practical ways to support marginalized colleagues and strategies LGBTQ+ professionals can use to identify and thrive in affirming workplaces. Small-group discussions will give attendees an opportunity to exchange experiences, build connections, and develop approaches they can put into practice.
LGBTQ+ & Allies Reception (ticketed event)
Tuesday, November 10 | 5:15–6:15 PM
Connect with LGBTQ+ chemical engineers, students, and allies during this networking reception supported by the AIChE Foundation. Enjoy food and drinks while reconnecting with colleagues, meeting potential mentors and collaborators, and celebrating community.
LatinX in Chemical Engineering
LatinX Voices in ChE
Wednesday, November 11 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Discover the research and contributions of LatinX chemical engineers working across disciplines. Featuring a keynote presentation followed by technical talks, this session highlights work within the LatinX community while creating opportunities to connect and learn across areas of chemical engineering.
Supported by the AIChE Foundation.
Be Part of the IDEAL Community
These events are opportunities to build relationships, exchange experiences, and help shape a profession in which more people can participate and thrive.
Explore the 2026 AIChE Annual Meeting program to plan your experience, and learn more about AIChE's IDEAL initiative.
