IIE students to host 2004 regional conference

For the second time in four years, the UW-Madison student chapter of the Institute of Industrial Engineers will host the IIE student regional conference. "Our committee is very excited to be planning for this event," says coordinator Monica Petrie.

The conference will take place March 4 to 7, 2004 and will feature activities including a technical paper competition, company tours, workshops and a job fair.

Although the event fosters social connections among regional IIE groups, its objectives are primarily professional, says Petrie. It will provide a framework for undergraduates to present research and industry-based projects, stimulate research and creative thinking through team competitions, and promote leadership, organizational and networking skills.

The group is planning for nearly 200 attendees from schools as close as the Milwaukee School of Engineering and as far away as the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, says Petrie. "We also hope that faculty and professionals choose to participate in the conference by leading a workshop or serving as a judge," she says.

UW-Madison students bid to host the 2004 event two years ago; the group held its first-ever IIE student regional conference here in 2000. For more information, E-mail Petrie at mrpetrie@wisc.edu or visit homepages.cae.wisc.edu/~iie.