Exhibit Information

Youth in Science Rapid City, Inc. would like to invite you to be an exhibitor at the 2020 Women in Science Conference. We are offering this free, one-day conference on TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020, in Rapid City on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology campus. Youth in Science Rapid City, Inc. is managed by local professional women from a broad range of fields who work on a volunteer basis.

The conference was developed to inspire young women to pursue math and science courses in high school and consider a career in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field.

The conference includes a keynote presentation followed by concurrent sessions of speaker presentations by professional women in STEM careers. Plus the popular exhibit hall.

In addition to the conference at SDSM&T, a second WIS Conference will also be held at the Black Hills State University campus in Spearfish on WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020. Same as last year, 7th grade girls are the target audience for the conferences. (We are accepting 8th grade girls if slots are available.)

Many of you receiving this invitation have graciously participated at previous conferences. We hope you join us again in 2020 or join us for the first time! You will also receive an invitation from Spearfish area volunteers to exhibit at the Black Hills State University conference. Please consider exhibiting at both conference locations, if you can.

According to the survey presented to the girls at the 2019 conference, 82% would, after attending the conference, consider a science-related career! The exhibit hall is always highly rated, and many students wish they had more time to explore the exhibits. Interest in the conference is high with more schools wishing to attend. The target for the 2020 Rapid City conference is to host 800 girls.

In keeping with the spirit of the event, all exhibitors are asked to present ideas that pique the interest of a science-related topic. This can be done through a hands-on activity, a demonstration, or an eye-catching exhibit. These students are at a great age for hands-on, engaging exhibits. The more “doing,” the better! They love it, and you could be their favorite.

Each exhibitor will have a six-foot long table and two chairs, unless other needs are requested that can be accommodated. Groups of girls will rotate through the exhibit hall and explore exhibits throughout the day (from 9:45 AM to 2:30 PM). Morning refreshments and a box lunch will be provided.

Please contact us at exhibits.yisrc@gmail.com with any questions and to reserve exhibit space.

Feel free to pass along this invitation to another organization or individual that you think may be interested in this opportunity to contribute to the education and growth of these young women.

Thank you!

Linda Harris, Vanessa J.C. Wood Braband, Paula Jensen

Exhibits Coordinators—Rapid City

exhibits.yisrc@gmail.com