The ResNet Student Technology Conference has always been peer driven. It is our hope that you will be an active participant in the 2025 Student Technology Conference as a presenter. We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for first time presenters.
Below you will find the proposal themes and session types – take a moment to explore them both. We look forward to learning about what you are doing at your institution! We will be accepting proposals on a rolling basis, so don’t delay in submitting your presentation.
We are requesting that you also submit a one-page slide to promote your presentation. This slide will be displayed at the Opening Dinner. You will have an opportunity to update your slide closer to the conference if necessary.
Possible Themes
- Leadership and Management: Elevating Your Team and Organization
Leadership is about more than just guiding a team—it’s about creating impact. This track focuses on honing skills in training, policy creation, and data-driven decision-making. Dive into sessions covering everything from report generation to understanding employee dynamics, customer service, and crafting organizational structures that work. Whether you’re hiring, training, or fine-tuning processes, join us to explore effective management strategies that drive success and foster growth. - DEI in Higher Education Technology: Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Tech Spaces
Higher education tech often operates in spaces historically dominated by certain perspectives. This track is for those passionate about driving cultural change and achieving goals in traditionally white and male-dominated tech environments. Learn strategies to cultivate respect, foster inclusion, and pave the way for impactful change. Together, let’s re-imagine a tech culture where everyone belongs, and every voice is valued. - Network Technology: Mastering Connectivity and Security
Dig into the complex world of network technology. This topic caters to those who handle the backbone of connectivity—be it WiFi troubleshooting, network access control, bandwidth management, or security policies. Whether you’re looking for hands-on technical insights or strategic policy discussions, our sessions on wireless networking, traffic control, and network security are designed to keep your organization connected and secure. - Support Services and Cool Tools: Tried-and-True Tech Solutions from the Field
Sometimes, the best solutions come straight from the trenches. This track shares the tools, tips, and strategies that make technical support more efficient and effective. Explore sessions that delve into powerful software solutions, diagnostic tools, knowledge base systems, feedback loops, and strategic planning. Bring your best practices, discover new ones, and walk away with a toolbox full of ideas to streamline your support services. - Current Computing Technology: Exploring Today’s Most Exciting Innovations
From human-computer interaction (HCI) and cloud solutions to blockchain credentialing, IoT, and mobile tech, this track is for those eager to explore the latest technology. Sessions focus on practical applications, organizational impact, and even the cultural shifts that come with new tech. Get ready to dive into today’s cutting-edge tools and discuss how they can transform your organization. - Emerging Technologies: Leading the Charge into the Future
For the trailblazers and visionaries, this track is all about what’s next. Are you implementing pioneering tech that few others have even considered? Share your journey, challenges, and breakthroughs, and let others benefit from your experiences at the forefront of innovation. Join us as we explore what’s on the horizon and prepare for the technologies shaping tomorrow.
Session Format:
- Lightning Talk – 20-minute session, including questions
- Lecture – 40-minute session, including questions
- Panel Discussion – 40-minute session, proposal submitter will be responsible for pulling together a group presentation from different institutions. Post on the listserv to gather participants!
How to make your presentation effective, engaging and fun
- Know your audience!
- Past attendees include: Help Desk Managers, Technology Support Analysts, Directors and Assistant Directors of IT Services, Network Engineers and Administrators, as well as many other various Computer Support and User Services roles.
- Highlight the objectives and goals of your presentation early on.
- Engage your audience by asking questions, implementing games, or activities.
- Include stats, facts, and other ideas to drive your point home.
- Practice your presentation at least once. A timed dry run in front of a small audience can be very beneficial.
Pro Tip: Keep your slideshow short and sweet. Too much text is distracting, and you want your audience to pay attention to you! If you want your audience to read long text on your slides, make sure you allow them that time. Each presentation should have a title slide, a slide with facts about your institution, and a “Questions” slide with your contact info.
Need help creating a great presentation? We can help!
- Schedule a 1:1 online meeting with a ResNet Board member. We can offer tips, bounce ideas and give feedback based on our experience with previous years. We can also schedule dry runs to give you the opportunity to present and go through your material in a stress-free environment.
- Attend our presenters’ webinars. We will be there to answer any questions and offer some tips to help guide you to prepare a great presentation. Webinars will be scheduled and announced in the near future.