Resources
AIChE has been monitoring developments regarding recently enacted and proposed legislation that may interest our members and potential attendees of the upcoming 2023 AIChE Annual Meeting and Annual Student Conference in Orlando.
Latest Updates
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October 16: AIChE is working with SocialOffset! AIChE has partnered with SocialOffset to offer meeting attendees the opportunity to contribute to local organizations in Orlando that make a positive difference in people’s lives and the local community. Use this campaign to take meaningful action and offset any internal conflict you may have about tax spending in Orlando, FL, that doesn’t align with your values by supporting local charities that do.
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October 5: AIChE has partnered with SocialOffset to offer meeting attendees the opportunity to contribute to local organizations in Orlando that make a positive difference in people’s lives and the local community. Our team has been working closely with the Social Offset campaign to finalize and vet the charities. We will be launching a webpage soon with a link to where donations can be made. Check back here for updates and a link to the campaign.
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September 22: The Program Team has begun coordinating with select featured lecturers and speakers to prepare for onsite livestreaming. Livestream links will be available to all AIChE members who do not feel comfortable attending the meeting in person. Also, we’re finalizing security needs, signage, program books and new inclusivity measures for Annual.
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September 14: Informational webpages have been developed on Inclusive Destinations in Orlando and Security, Legal, and Health Resources in Orlando and have been posted on the 2023 AIChE Annual Meeting page.
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September 7: We are working on the IDEAL program book, and setting up a WhatsApp chat as a place for open and safe communications while at the conference. Additionally, we are coordinating with A/V and on-site vendors to formalize our virtual options and the onsite measures related to safety and security.
Updates: May 24 to August 28, 2023
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August 28: Guides on equity, diversity, & inclusion and security measures at the Annual Meeting have been posted to the website.
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August 10: For those who do not feel comfortable traveling to Florida for the AIChE Annual Meeting & ASC, virtual participation options have been developed. Inquiries should be directed to programming@aiche.org for more information.
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August 2: Opened registration for the 2023 Annual Student Conference (ASC) in Orlando.
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July 27: We are continuing to field responses and feedback from expected authors so that we can make an informed decision regarding the virtual component. All acceptance notices for the Annual Meeting have been sent, including those for the Candidates' Poster Session, which were sent on Monday, July 24th.
Also, we are evaluating the best time to organize a Florida Industry-focused panel on inclusivity and plan to move forward soon with outreach to potential presenters. And AIChE staff is actively working with the Operating Councils and IDEAL Communities on planning for additional enhanced IDEAL measures at Annual & ASC. -
July 20: Shared CEO’s letter with updates about security and inclusion on social media channels and in the SmartBrief newsletter. Also announced the registration is open for the Annual Meeting.
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July 11: Letter regarding enhanced security and inclusion enhancements published.
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June 29: Holding two additional listening sessions, one with graduate students and a second with the operating councils. In addition, the internal team is compiling a comprehensive list of additional measures (beyond what AIChE normally provides) to take at the meetings to ensure security, safety, and inclusivity for attendees. An announcement with more specific details will be coming soon.
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June 22: Scheduling listening session for week of June 26th with graduate students and other interested individuals. In addition, AIChE leadership is drafting a forthcoming letter to all members on more detailed plans for the Annual Meeting.
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June 15: Emailed the operating council membership, Annual Meeting program Chairs, LGBTQ+ & Allies Group Leaders, Student Chapter Advisors, and other key stakeholders a summary of what has been accomplished to date, including a link to the Resource Page. We added a feedback form, with an option to attend a listening session. We're scheduling additional listening sessions with graduate students and other groups to be held over the next two weeks. We continue to evaluate all options for the Annual Meeting, including building in additional measures of safety and inclusivity. We continue to gather input and ideas and are evaluating them. Stay tuned for announcement regarding the results of the evaluations.
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June 8: Multiple listening sessions have been held over the past week and will continue to be held in the month of June. The AIChE 2023 President Billy Bardin, CEO Darlene Schuster, and select AIChE staff were present at these sessions with various audiences including meeting program chairs, university professors, department chairs, and student chapter advisors from Florida and across the U.S., and the LGBTQ+ & Allies advisory group. Based on these sessions, ideas for moving forward are being generated and evaluated. If you'd like to participate in a listening session, click here.
- June 1: FAQs posted
- May 24: Statement posted by AIChE CEO and Board of Directors Executive Committee
FAQs
Is AIChE still hosting the Annual Meeting and Annual Student Conference in Orlando?
Yes, the Annual Meeting is scheduled to take place at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando from November 5 – 10, 2023. The Annual Student Conference is scheduled to take place at the same location from November 3 – 6.
Why is AIChE hosting the Annual Meeting and Annual Student Conference in Orlando?
Orlando was selected as the location of the 2023 Annual meeting in 2017 based upon input from our professional community at that time considering the various attributes of the location.
AIChE has no further planned Annual or Spring Meetings in Florida. Annual Meeting locations are currently booked until 2029 and available here.
What recent legislation in Florida impacts underrepresented groups?
Florida recently passed legislation that has raised concerns among underrepresented groups.
Bill: CS/HB 1521: Facility Requirements Based on Sex
Here are some additional links for reference:
What security measures are being implemented for the meetings?
- Increased security including a strict badge checking process and increased roaming security (beyond what is provided by hotel) to ensure those who are entering the meeting are members, presenters, and vetted attendees who registered to attend.
- Providing a transportation concierge service for those who require additional support, such as attendees with disabilities or those who needs it from a safety perspective.
- Establishing an emergency hotline monitored 24/7 to provide an option for attendees to use in case of distress or an emergency.
- Providing information on local healthcare providers who prioritize non-discriminatory care to make it easier for attendees seeking emergency healthcare to find safe options.
- Innovative Virtual Option to increase engagement for presenters.
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For those who do not feel comfortable traveling to Florida for the AIChE Annual Meeting & ASC, virtual participation options have been developed. Inquiries should be directed to programming@aiche.org for more information.
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Stay tuned for updates and more details on the measures mentioned above. Any feedback or questions can be directed to ceo@aiche.org.
What equity, diversity, and inclusion measures are being implemented for the meetings?
AIChE is committed to making the 2023 Annual Meeting and Annual Student Conference an inclusive space where people feel comfortable celebrating who they are and their chosen profession of chemical engineering. Below are some of the new and continuing measures we’ll be taking.
- New: Elevate the visibility of our IDEAL statement and code of conduct throughout the meeting via signage, on the AIChE meeting app, on the website, via emails, and introductions
- New: Support daily programming or events related to Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (Specifics TBD)
- New: Provide Programming Guide for IDEAL Communities (Doric, LGBTQ+ & Allies, MAC, WIC)
- New: Develop a guide featuring inclusive local establishments
- New: Partner with socialoffset.org to support initiatives offsetting the effects of discriminatory legislation (more details soon)
- New: For those who do not feel comfortable traveling to Florida for the AIChE Annual Meeting & ASC, virtual participation options have been developed. Inquiries should be directed to programming@aiche.org for more information.
- Continuing: Ensure the venue provides gender-neutral restrooms
- Continuing: Meeting Program Chairs are hosting an IDEAL panel and Q&A, followed by a reception celebrating IDEAL communities and their allies
- Continuing: Hang Pride flag in registration hall or main exhibit hall
- Continuing: Show message on meeting webpage and code of conduct page to reinforce the IDEAL Path. Attendee emails will also link to this message.
- Continuing: Provide dedicated seating for wheelchairs and participants with sight/hearing impairments, as well as work with session chairs for equal access to Q&A (e.g., slido, bringing microphones around).
- Continuing: Provide free registration to support attendees with disabilities
Stay tuned for updates and more details on IDEAL programming, guides, and the social offset program. Any feedback or questions can be directed to ceo@aiche.org.
Is Orlando welcoming and inclusive towards underrepresented groups?
Orlando embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity. The city has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, hosts cultural events celebrating different ethnicities, and promotes equality and diversity. Learn more.
Informational webpages have been developed on Inclusive Destinations in Orlando and Security, Legal, and Health Resources in Orlando and have been posted to the website.
Does the Hyatt Orlando have an Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion statement?
The Hyatt, Orlando will work with AIChE to ensure that there are gender neutral bathrooms. In addition, AIChE contacted the Hyatt to ask about their equity, diversity, and inclusion statement. We received the following statement from them:
Hyatt’s purpose is to care for people so that they can be their best and our commitment to providing a safe and comfortable experience for all our guests and colleagues will not change.
Since opening our doors more than 65 years ago, Hyatt has remained committed to creating inclusive environments where every single person, including guests, customers and colleagues, feels welcome, cared for and like they belong. The Hyatt family remains deeply committed to advancing our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) commitments, while supporting our vision of a world of understanding and care. All Hyatt colleagues participate in annual training grounded in our Commitment to Inclusion, which outlines our belief that we are at our best when we respect the dignity of every individual.
Are there organizations in Orlando supporting underrepresented groups?
Orlando is home to various organizations supporting underrepresented groups:
- The Center Orlando offers a wide range of programs and services for LGBTQ+ individuals, including support groups, counseling, and educational resources.
- Orlando Economic Partnership fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion through various partnerships.
- Hispanic Federation: Empowers the Hispanic community, including LGBTQ+ individuals, through education, health, and social initiatives. Learn more at Hispanic Federation.
- Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida: Promotes economic development for the Asian American community, including LGBTQ+ business owners and professionals. Visit Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida for details.
How can I support underrepresented groups while attending the events in Orlando?
Support underrepresented groups by engaging with local organizations, being respectful and inclusive, and educating yourself and others. Review AIChE’s Meeting Code of Conduct, IDEAL Statement, and Code of Ethics.