Student acceptance notifications will go out on Monday, September 14. AACC congratulates the students and alumni selected to attend the 2026 ATE Conference. Please review the following student events and participation requirements.
1) Student Orientation Zoom Meeting
AACC will host a virtual orientation for student attendees on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 3:00–3:30 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will cover what to expect at the conference, poster preparation, and tips for making the most of your conference experience. Students unable to attend should view the recorded orientation prior to the conference. Register for the Student Orientation Meeting
2) Student Meet, Greet & Poster Set-Up
Join fellow student attendees for an informal meet and greet on Wednesday, October 21 from 3:00–3:45 p.m. in the Regency Ballroom. Light refreshments will be provided. Students will set up their posters from 3:30–3:45 p.m., with AACC staff available to assist.
3) Student Poster Session & Reception — Required
Students and alumni are required to participate in the Student Poster Session & Reception on Wednesday, October 21 from 4:00–5:30 p.m. in the Regency Ballroom. Students will highlight their programs of study and/or career paths and engage with conference attendees.
Posters must be 32” high x 40” wide (vertical) or 40” wide x 32” high (horizontal). Students are strongly encouraged to use one of the provided templates to ensure the correct size. Students must bring a printed copy of their poster to the conference, as poster printing is not available onsite. Please see the poster session guidelines and templates provided below.
Poster Session Guidelines
Poster Session Templates
Students are required to sign up for the poster session through the 2026 ATE Student Information Form, which will be provided with student acceptance information.
4) Upload a PDF of Your Poster
New for 2026, all students are required to submit a PDF version of their final poster by Friday, October 9 for inclusion in the conference app. If you use one of the provided templates, your completed poster can easily be saved or exported as a PDF.
Submit Your Student Poster PDF
5) Poster Session Schedule — Wednesday, October 21
Poster Set-Up: 3:30–3:45 p.m.
Poster Session: 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Poster Tear-Down: 5:30–5:45 p.m.
Students should remain with their posters throughout the poster session. Students from the same institution/project may present a joint poster; however, no more than two students may present one poster. Individual posters are encouraged.
6) Student Speed Networking Session
Students are expected to participate in the student-only Speed Networking Session on Thursday, October 22 from 9:30–10:30 a.m. in the Ambassador Room. Students will practice networking skills and connect with professionals from industry and across the STEM community while learning about career paths and workplace experiences.
7) Student/Alumni Recognition Breakfast — Required
ATE students, alumni, and their PIs are expected to attend the Student/Alumni Recognition Breakfast on Friday, October 23 from 7:30–8:30 a.m. in the Empire Room. Students and alumni will be recognized by the National Science Foundation for their achievements in ATE programs.
Questions? Contact Courtney Larson at clarson@aacc.nche.edu.