Foundations Offer Student Sponsorship for 2023 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium

By Rick Gardner

The RCI-IIBEC Foundation and RCI Foundation Canada are pleased to announce that they will be providing funding for full-time college students to attend the 2023 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium (BES), September 29–30, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. Through the Joe Hale Student Sponsorship Fund, registration, hotel, and up to $750 USD in travel expenses are covered for students.

To qualify, an applicant must be a full-time student (at least 12 credit hours per semester) enrolled in architecture; architectural, structural, or civil engineering; construction management; building sciences; or other related areas of study. Up to 10 students are eligible to receive this funding (possibly more pending proximity to event location) with priority going to undergraduate students. No more than three students from the same university may be selected.

Sponsorship recipients will be required to:

• Attend BES presentations and devote one hour to the vendor exhibit area.
• Participate in marketing efforts by sharing the experience of the symposium and the knowledge gained.

Students interested in receiving a sponsorship should submit a completed application, a letter of recommendation from a professor or mentor, and an essay explaining their field of study and what they hope to gain by attending the 2023 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium.

An application and all supporting documentation must be received no later than Monday, July 24, 2023. The application can be found on the RCI-IIBEC Foundation website.

Two students who attended previous BES meetings shared their thoughts on the event.

“My experience at BES was both educational and eye-opening,” said Ashley Saquic, a student at Texas A&M University. “As a student who is new to this world or industry, I gained insight at the symposium into what professionals do daily, as well as learning about the innovations they should consider for a well-built, sustainable environment. The symposium was a chance for students to meet professionals and learn more about the industry they are about to embark on, and I cannot be grateful enough to have had such an opportunity. It is one that students need to attend!”

“I think the biggest takeaway I received from the event was that there are resources at our fingertips, and it’s all about taking advantage of them,” said Alyssa Wang, a student at the University of Ottawa. “By partaking in the BES, I was able to gain invaluable networking and learning experiences, whether it be from the presenters, hosts, exhibitors, or attendees. I was able to learn about different ways to get involved and about resources for expanding my learning. Not to mention that there are so many people who want to help and give mentorship. All it takes is to show interest and stay curious!”

For more information about student sponsorships, please contact Foundation Development Officer Rick Gardner at Rgardner@iibec.org.