Curious which chapters are at MCAA26? Stop by the Connection Corner lounge to network with students during session breaks and note the “We’re Here” banner for a list of represented student chapters.
This space is perfect for contractor/student casual employment conversations and student peer-to-peer meetups for chapters looking to discuss best practices and share ideas.
On Tuesday morning, connect with students at the Job Fair, also located in the Grand Saguaro Foyer.
On Sunday, students and faculty will have their own registration desk in the foyer outside of Orientation. Schools arriving on Saturday may visit the Sports Desk (1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) for onsite Fun Run/Walk and Pickleball registration, although advanced sport activity registration is strongly recommended.
NEW combination meeting of student chapter leadership teams.
Recommended for:
Student Chapter President or alternate student leader
Faculty Advisor (on-campus advisor)
Industry Advisor (association executive/staff or designated MCAA member)
Students and faculty will review MCAA26 program highlights and logistics, plus an alumni panel will share their personal roadmaps for creating a successful convention experience. The Marco Polo matching game will also return (with prizes)—don’t be late! This peer-to-peer networking game is somewhat chaotic, but that’s all part of the fun!
Student chapter members are encouraged to split up and spread out for a lunch designed with the targeted intention of connecting students from different chapters. The agenda is wide open for discussion topics relevant to each student chapter’s particular needs. Pop in, grab some lunch and get ready to talk about student chapter programming from A-Z.
Faculty and Industry Advisors will have a set of reserved tables for their own lunch discussion. Stickers will be provided to note the number of years each person has been advising an MCAA student chapter to assist with facilitating mentor relationships for new advisors with veteran advisors. Have a question? Get an answer!
Students looking for internships or full-time positions will be wearing “Hire Me” pins throughout MCAA26. Three groupings of tables will be set up in the foyer space of the M/SC Exhibit with students eager to learn about employment opportunities at your company. The tables will be geographically split by west, central and east. Make your way over to the area that best represents your company and find your next great hire!
Witness our industry’s emerging leaders as they compete in the annual MCAA Student Chapter Competition. Four teams will compete for a total prize package of $26,500, with the first-place team going home with $10,000! These accomplished students secured their Final Four spot by submitting a written proposal that rose to the top of nearly 30 submissions for a real-world project bid (contributed by Helm Group).
Students will display their impressive presentation skills and insightful knowledge of mechanical systems as they take the stage for Round 2 of the competition. Following their 10-minute formal presentation, each team will be put on the spot for an additional 10 minutes of live Q&A from the panel of judges.
Don’t miss your opportunity to vote for the MVP—Most Valuable Presenter—and cheer on your favorite team!
