SASEhack 2026

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Please consider having dinner with one of the trainers on Wednesday, October 1.  This opportunity is meant to engage with the trainers leading your sessions and to network with fellow participants. Sharing a meal together provides an excellent setting to build relationships and enhance your overall conference experience.
 
Meals are not included in the event registration. Participants will be responsible for their own meal costs (approximately $25 per person).  When registering, please note any dietary restrictions in the comments section. While we will make every effort to accommodate, we cannot guarantee all preferences will be met

Room 403-405

People, Innovation, and Purpose:  In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, STEM leaders are called to do more than drive technical excellence—they must inspire people, spark innovation, and lead with purpose. This executive panel brings together senior leaders who have successfully navigated the shift from managing projects to shaping culture and strategy. Join us as we explore how to future-proof leadership, foster inclusive teams, and align groundbreaking innovation with a clear sense of purpose.

Room 403-405 

Attendees are invited to write short affirmations or uplifting messages on star-shaped cards. These will be compiled and donated to a local hospital or elderly care facility  as a gesture of encouragement and support.

LOCATION: 315-316

Abstract:

Feeling like the strategies that got you here aren't enough to take you there?  What are some concrete steps you can take to self-navigate and maximize your journey with growing self-awareness, empowerment, and intentionality?  Discover 3 transformative questions designed to clarify your unique path, accelerate your growth and unlock your next level of professional impact.  Engage in group discussions as we explore how to leverage your strengths, clarify your career vision and reverse-engineer a purposeful plan to get you there – and become the leader you're meant to be, starting today.

Learning Outcomes: 

Participants will walk away with answers to the questions of:

1. What are my wired-in strengths and intrinsic motivations - both at work and in life - and how can I better align my efforts with them? 
2. What are 2-3 micro habits I can build into my daily routine to grow into the person and professional that I want to be?
3. How can I better manage my energy for the various tasks in my day, and be intentional in scheduling focused, creative, and forward-thinking time in my work schedule?
4. What high-value learning opportunities can I intentionally pursue beyond my current role to broaden my perspective?
5. Who are the key people I should surround myself with – both to support my personal and professional growth, and to elevate the impact of my team at work?

LOCATION: 317-318

Abstract:

Speaker/Comedian/Happiness Consultant Rajiv Satyal will help you become that better version of yourself—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. And we’re going to do it all without feeling overwhelmed, or getting frustrated because we always seem to fail at self-improvement, or chucking in the towel and actually regressing. Our goal will be to help you build the better life that has seemed—for years—just out of reach.

The average person does the same thing over and over, expecting a different result:  they think that if they just work a little harder, they’ll improve, and chase down this new life in the next two weeks.  Because of that, they get nowhere—and in fact, risk going backwards because they get so frustrated that they give up, undoing any good self-improvement work they were doing.  Instead, we begin by defining the roles you play in your life, both personally and professionally.

This system has worked for me for a decade.  In 2013, I missed eight days of things I was supposed to do.  In 2014, I missed four.  In 2015, I missed two.  And ever since 2016, I haven’t missed a single day, even though my goals are harder and higher than ever before.  

I’ve traveled the world and have seen people I’ve helped with their own personal Year of the Hustle plans on their walls.  It’s the only system they say has worked.  To quote Radiohead, we are “fitter, happier, more productive.”  They’ve achieved greater happiness and overall satisfaction in their personal and professional lives. 

Learning Objective:

1. Cultivate Sustainable Self-Discipline: Attendees will learn to build a consistent and reliable system for self-improvement that avoids burnout. By understanding how to define their roles and set manageable goals, participants will develop the discipline to consistently pursue their personal and professional ambitions.

2. Enhance Productivity and Strategic Execution: This session will teach participants how to move past the "work harder, not smarter" fallacy. Employees will learn to identify and prioritize actions that drive meaningful results, leading to a significant increase in their overall productivity and effectiveness.

3. Improve Mental and Emotional Resilience: The "Art of the Hustle" provides a framework for overcoming the frustration and regression commonly associated with self-improvement efforts. Attendees will gain tools to build a more resilient mindset, enabling them to handle challenges with greater confidence and determination.

4. Drive Intentional Career and Personal Growth: Participants will learn to define their roles

LOCATION: 413-414

Abstract: 

We all live in an environment with an overwhelming number of commitments and goals, and we often wonder why we sometimes fail to achieve them. This workshop will help participants build a repeatable process for clarifying their goals and eliminating "the noise" that gets in the way. By empowering individuals to understand and leverage their intrinsic motivations, this session not only fuels personal success but also creates a more focused and resilient team. When individuals on a team are clear about their goals and understand the drivers behind their success, it leads to greater collective productivity and a more unified organizational vision.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Debunk the myth that success is tied to a specific personality type and discover a more reliable framework for achieving your goals.
• Learn about the three components that drive our relationship with goals and use this knowledge to foster a repeatable process for success within your team.
• Discern between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to help reduce "the noise" around goals, enabling team members to focus on what truly matters for project and company success.
• Connect to your "inherent suffering" as a wellspring of power and insight, leading to a more resilient and effective team.
• Redefine what true success looks like for you as a leader, empowering you to better guide your team and contribute to a healthier company culture.

LOCATION: 401-402

Abstract:

Are you leading at your full potential—or is stress silently capping your impact?

In today’s high-speed world, even the most talented professionals can find themselves stuck in cycles of overwhelm, self-doubt, and reactive decision-making. This session reveals the hidden code behind what separates leaders who burn out from those who break through.

In just two hours, you’ll unlock neuroscience-backed strategies that top-performing leaders use to stay calm under pressure, inspire trust, and co-create innovative solutions—skills that will set you apart in any organization.

Through engaging activities, real stories, and powerful tools you can use immediately, you’ll not only reimagine your leadership but also get an insider look at the Leadership Capacity Accelerator—the program designed to help you become the leader everyone wants to follow.

This isn’t just another workshop—it’s the first step to unlocking the leader you’re meant to be.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, you will:

1. Discover the secret drivers behind leadership capacity and why it’s the game-changer for thriving in chaos.
   
   
2. Identify what keeps you stuck in stress mode—and how to break free into a state of creativity and influence.
   
   
3. Experience cutting-edge techniques, including the Pause, Notice, Choose framework, to turn pressure into power.
   
   
4. Connect with other motivated leaders and uncover your own leadership wisdom through interactive exercises.
   
   
5. Walk away with actionable tools and a clear path to elevate your leadership through the Leadership Capacity Accelerator program.

LOCATION: 409-410

Abstract:
How do you define what’s possible in your career? For many STEM professionals, the roadmap to leadership is shaped by observation—what colleagues have done, what managers suggest, and what the industry norm appears to be. But top leaders don’t follow typical timelines or trajectories. They shape their future with intentional vision and unconventional thinking.

In this interactive workshop, participants will challenge assumptions, expand their leadership mindset, and begin thinking like an executive long before they carry the title. Through thought-provoking exercises, strategic visioning, and goal-setting, participants will uncover limiting beliefs, design a bold leadership vision, and create an actionable roadmap toward Director, VP, or Executive-level roles.

When high-potential leaders think and act like executives, they increase their capacity to lead larger teams, drive cross-functional collaboration, and align their work with enterprise-level goals. This workshop helps unlock that next level—creating more strategic, engaged, and future-ready leaders in your organization.

Participants will walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of what sets executive leaders apart

• A leadership vision that fuels self-motivation and team inspiration

• Tools to shift from technical expert to strategic influencer

• A roadmap to accelerate advancement with clarity and confidence
  
  

Learning Objectives 

Participants will learn how to:

Expand Strategic Perspective

• Move beyond day-to-day execution to long-term, enterprise thinking
  
  

• Identify assumptions and inherited limits that constrain leadership growth
  
  

• Increase contribution to innovation, strategic planning, and systems-level improvement
  
  

Create a Compelling Leadership Vision

• Craft a bold, motivating vision that aligns with organizational direction
  
  

• Inspire others by articulating a clear “why” behind their leadership
  
  

• Boost ownership of team outcomes through personal clarity and direction
  
  

Strategize for Executive-Level Success

• Set long-range, outcome-focused goals tied to business impact
  
  

• Identify gaps in readiness and close them with intentional development
  
  

• Accelerate succession readiness for senior leadership roles
  
  

Break Through Limiting Beliefs and Habits

• Spot internal patterns that slow leadership growth (perfectionism, fear of visibility, etc.)
  
  

• Shift from reactive performance to intentional influence
  
  

• Take greater responsibility for driving team alignment and results
  
  

LOCATION: 411-412

Abstract:

For many professionals, leadership means navigating dual expectations: ingrained personal values and external professional norms. This session explores the necessary shift required to achieve success from doing it all to empowering others.

Grounded in organizational psychology and diverse leadership frameworks, participants will examine their internal beliefs and the impact of effective delegation to enhance their leadership impact and visibility. This improvement will result in increased productivity for both individuals and teams, driven by better decision-making through clear communication.

Session Outcomes:

Participants will walk away with:

• Reframing leadership through a personal and psychological lens by moving from silent execution to strategic mindsets.

• Recognizing how personal norms influence their leadership behaviors.

• Practicing confident and clear delegation techniques, allowing you to be more effective and prominent in your role.

By enhancing your delegation skills, you'll acquire valuable tools and build confidence, enabling you to be more effective and prominent in your roles. This improvement will result in increased productivity for both individuals and teams, driven by better decision-making through clear communication.

LOCATION: 411-412

Abstract:

This session is designed for mid-level professionals who feel challenged by the many priorities in their lives. In this reflective session, participants work through a framework to gain insight into areas where their lives feel out of balance.

Grounded in positive psychology, participants will learn how to define work-life integration for themselves and identify steps towards achieving it. This workshop equips individuals with habits for integration and resilience, demonstrating clear business value because participants will return with a refreshed perspective, which enhances interpersonal effectiveness.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will walk away with:

• Understanding "balance" through the "integration" of work-life.

• Awareness of areas of imbalance that can be shifted.

• Creating a clear plan of action for achieving work-life integration.

This workshop equips you with habits for integration and resilience, demonstrating a clear business value because you will return with a refreshed perspective that enhances your interpersonal effectiveness.

LOCATION: 315-316

Abstract:

For early career leaders, trust is the foundation on which influence, collaboration, and credibility are built.  Yet stepping into leadership, especially with limited experience or when leading more seasoned  colleagues, can make establishing trust feel daunting. Without it, teams may hold back ideas, avoid  accountability, or question your decisions. With it, teams engage, collaborate, and deliver stronger  results. 

Participants will learn how to build trust intentionally through two critical skills: deep listening and  navigating difficult conversations with behavioral clarity and compassion. These approaches help leaders  communicate in ways that strengthen credibility, reduce misunderstandings, and foster psychological  safety. 

Through interactive activities, reflective prompts, and real-world practice, participants will gain tools to  build trust early in their leadership journey, repair it when necessary, and maintain it over time—creating a  foundation for a confident leadership presence that inspires loyalty, accountability, and collaboration.  

Learning Objectives:

• Decode the Four Distinctions of Trust 

Understand the four key elements of trust – Competence, Reliability, Care, and Sincerity – and how  they shape team relationships and leader credibility. Establish the importance of trust and build the  business case for it in today's professional environment.  

• Why Trust Really Matters - Recognizing the Four Distinctions of Trust 

Identify and understand the four key elements of trust by Charles Feltman—Competence, Reliability,  Care, and Sincerity and how they shape team relationships and credibility. 

• Building Credibility Through Deep Listening 

Learn and apply deep listening behaviors such as reflecting back, asking clarifying questions, and  pausing before responding that make team members feel heard and valued. 

• Extended Version (90 minutes) 

Navigating Difficult Conversations with Trust 

Practice using a behavioral framework to address challenging topics constructively, focusing on  observable actions and shared goals rather than assumptions or personality.

LOCATION: 317-318

Abstract:

Comedian Rajiv Satyal isn't just a performer—he's an engineer-turned-communicator who left a successful career at Procter & Gamble to find his true passion. In his hilarious and insightful talk, "Gruntled," he shares his personal journey of navigating career growth, from the corporate office to performing on all seven continents. With a blend of humor and practical advice, Rajiv helps high-achieving professionals reframe their approach to work, offering actionable tips for finding lasting happiness and fulfillment. This is a session on how to build a career that balances ambition with genuine purpose.  

Learning Objectives:  

• Improve Personal Well-Being and Resilience: Participants will learn practical tools and mindset shifts to find personal and professional happiness, empowering them to manage stress and avoid burnout.

• Enhance Communication and Collaboration: Attendees will gain insights into how to communicate more effectively and build stronger professional relationships, which is essential for successful teamwork and collaboration.

• Foster Creativity and Innovation: The session will equip employees with a new perspective on how to refine their creativity and innovation, enabling them to contribute fresh ideas and solutions to their teams.

• Develop Strategic Decision-Making Skills: Participants will receive a comedic but practical approach to simplify complex decisions, manage expectations, and prioritize what truly matters, leading to more focused and impactful work.

Cultivate Self-Leadership and Growth: By focusing on the concept of "being gruntled," attendees will learn to take intentional actions and adopt behaviors that prepare them to be more effective

LOCATION: 413-415

Abstract: Many of us have been taught to suppress emotions like anger and rage, believing that calmness is a sign of leadership strength. This workshop challenges that belief, showing you how unlearning this behavior can lead to greater insight and power. You will learn to identify the triggers of your rage, get curious about its source, and express it in a safe and constructive way. By helping your team members understand and manage this powerful emotion, you can unlock a new source of energy for creative problem-solving and honest communication. This not only builds greater psychological safety but also allows your company to harness a previously untapped source of motivation for breakthrough ideas and solutions.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Learn to identify what makes you rageful, allowing you to understand and manage triggers before they impact your team or projects.

• Get curious about your own rage and express it in a safe container, modeling emotional intelligence for your team.

• Avoid the judgment traps that come with anger, creating a more open and non-judgmental environment for team communication.

• Discover how your rage can be a source of power, insight, and leadership guidance, unlocking a new level of problem-solving and authenticity that directly benefits your company.

LOCATION: 409-410

Workshop Abstract

This executive session provides leaders with a proven playbook to transform disruption into innovation, directly enhancing team adaptability and driving measurable business growth.

In today’s volatile business environment, executives face relentless disruption, increasing complexity, and unprecedented pressure to deliver results. Traditional leadership approaches—rooted in control and problem-solving—are no longer enough.

In just one hour, this highly interactive session introduces The Executive Playbook—a practical framework to help leaders strengthen resilience, foster collective intelligence, and reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. Participants will walk away with immediately applicable tools to lead with purpose, inspire innovation, and drive team adaptability—even under pressure.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this one-hour workshop, executives will be able to:

• Understand the principles of resilience and future-readiness in a volatile business environment.
  
  

• Learn what builds trust, creativity, and alignment within teams.
  
  

• Strengthen adaptability and presence as essential leadership practices.
  
  

• Inspire higher engagement and productivity across the organization.
  
  

• Implement strategies that immediately enhance team resilience and agility.

LOCATION: 401-402

Abstract: Many talented professionals in the STEM field hit career plateaus, unsure of what it takes to reach the next level. This dynamic and actionable session, led by seasoned tech executive Hope Yin, will provide a proven playbook for taking control of your professional journey. Hope will share the S.T.E.A.M. strategy that helped her and countless others successfully navigate the complexities of career advancement.

By attending, you'll gain the practical tools and mindset shifts needed not only for your next promotion but also to create a bigger impact at work. This will benefit your team by fostering a more proactive and engaged workforce, while the company benefits from having employees who are strategically focused on achieving their next-level goals.

What You'll Learn:

• Identify the key factors that lead to successful promotions, giving you a clear roadmap to advance and become a more effective leader on your team.

• Understand and apply the S.T.E.A.M. strategy to your everyday work, enabling you to proactively seek out opportunities that benefit both your career and your team's success.

Expand the application of the S.T.E.A.M. strategy beyond promotion to create bigger impacts and greater influence, positioning you as a valuable asset to your team and the entire organization.

Room 306-307

Attendees are invited to write short affirmations or uplifting messages on star-shaped cards. These will be compiled and donated to a local hospital or elderly care facility  as a gesture of encouragement and support.

Location: Ballroom Gallery 

SASE Science Initiative (SSI) hosts a combined science networking and research poster symposium. Aimed to create more avenues for attendees to learn how to start projects or get into research, start conversations with professionals, and show off their own skills. Poster sessions are a relatively informal way to present research to your peers and hear about others' projects!

SSI will also be having judges with awards for Overall Best and People's Choice, along with some honorable mentions. These awards look great on a resume or CV, so make sure to put your best foot forward!

Abstract:
Have you ever noticed co-workers who don’t work as hard—or deliver less impact—yet still get promoted and recognized? If you’ve ever felt invisible despite your results, you’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced environment, leaders often don’t have time to uncover who’s truly making a difference unless that impact is made visible.

This workshop empowers high-performing professionals to communicate their value with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, participants will learn how to tell compelling stories, articulate their unique contributions, and advocate for themselves—without sounding arrogant or self-promotional.

When talented employees learn to effectively communicate their value, it boosts team visibility, strengthens cross-functional collaboration, and supports succession planning. This workshop helps turn hidden high performers into visible leaders—making it easier for managers to develop, retain, and reward key talent.

Participants will walk away with:

• The ability to communicate accomplishments in ways that feel confident and culturally authentic
  
  

• Tools to elevate individual and team visibility without self-promotion discomfort
  
  

• A stronger sense of ownership and engagement in their own development
  
  

• Practical strategies to increase recognition, sponsorship, and opportunity
  
  

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn how to:

Communicate Impact with Confidence

• Deliver clear, engaging messages about their work that resonate with managers and peers
  
  

• Replace vague status updates with vivid, outcomes-based stories
  
  

• Help their leaders easily advocate for them in performance and talent reviews
  
  

Highlight Unique Value Without Overshadowing Others

• Identify and articulate what sets them apart in how they approach challenges and contribute to results
  
  

• Increase personal brand recognition across teams and functions
  
  

• Elevate team success by modeling inclusive and confident visibility practices
  
  

Celebrate Wins to Build Culture and Morale

• Reframe acknowledgment as a leadership skill, not personal praise
  
  

• Create a ripple effect of positivity and recognition within their team
  
  

• Reinforce a culture of appreciation, inclusion, and shared success
  
  

Make Bold, Strategic Requests

• Ask for opportunities, mentorship, and feedback with clarity and courage
  
  

• Stop waiting for recognition and start initiating development conversations
  
  

Contribute to a culture where proactive leadership is modeled and encouraged

Are you pushing hard to achieve results but feeling the cost of stress, exhaustion, and endless demands?

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure environment, leaders are expected to deliver more with less, often at the expense of their own well-being. This highly interactive session reveals the hidden code behind expanding leadership capacity, enabling you to achieve extraordinary results without sacrificing yourself in the process.

By attending, you’ll learn how to shift from a cycle of reactivity and burnout to a state of creativity, clarity, and influence. These skills not only enhance your ability to lead with energy and resilience but also ripple outward, helping your team stay engaged, reducing costly turnover, and contributing to your company's sustainable growth.

By learning to sustain high performance without burnout, your team member will return with resilience strategies that improve decision-making, team engagement, and long-term company success.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the neuroscience of burnout and how to prevent it.
  
  

• Shift from reactive to creative leadership to improve decision-making.
  
  

• Use simple, practical tools to stay grounded and resilient under stress.
  
  

• Strengthen engagement and reduce stress contagion within their teams.
  
  

• Bring back strategies that sustain energy and drive long-term results.

This session is designed for mid-level professionals who want to create a work environment that prioritizes an effective team culture. Grounded in organizational psychology and systems thinking, participants will learn how to positively influence their work environment, benefiting themselves and others for lasting professional and business success.

Participants will return to their workplaces equipped with practical tools to enhance team culture and engage effectively with colleagues, leading to improved team performance, reduced conflict, and better business results.

Participants will walk away with:

• Understanding what contributes to an effective team culture.

• Connecting leadership behaviors and team effectiveness.

• Creating clear action steps to enable themselves and team members to feel engaged.

By engaging with colleagues more effectively and enhancing team culture, you will improve team performance, reduce conflict, and drive better business results.

Abstract:

You’ve built your career as a problem solver, high-achiever, and someone who always delivers. But what if those same strengths—when overused—are quietly holding you and your team back?

In this interactive session designed for mid-career leaders with management experience, we’ll explore how behaviors that once helped you excel—like always being the expert, moving fast, or driving for results—can unintentionally limit your team’s learning and growth. We’ll examine how cultural conditioning and identity shape these unconscious habits, and hear what it’s like to be on the other side of them.

Drawing on Liz Wiseman’s work on Accidental Diminishers, we’ll identify your own accidental tendencies and practice shifting into leadership habits that invite more engagement, creativity, and ownership from your team. You’ll leave with greater self-awareness, a more nuanced sense of when to step up or step back, and practical tools to help you grow from a high performer into a true multiplier of others.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how the leadership habits you’ve developed as a high performer may show up as Accidental Diminisher tendencies that unintentionally limit your team’s long-term performance and growth.
   
   

2. Reflect on the cultural, familial, and professional origins of your leadership patterns—so you can better understand and take ownership of them.
   
   

3. Understand what it’s like to be on the receiving end of your leadership behaviors.
   
   

4. Identify the emotional or situational triggers that activate your default habits, so you can choose a different response.
   
   

5. Experiment with new leadership behaviors that multiply, rather than diminish, the intelligence and impact of your team.

Session Facilitators:

Aaron Lee

Hope Yin

Description:

Professional Employee Networks (PENs) have the potential to be powerful engines of visibility, development, and equity, but too often they are powered by passion without structure, which leads to burnout and missed opportunities. In this session, we’ll explore a framework for transforming your PEN into a platform that drives real organizational impact while advancing the leadership journey of your members. Whether you’re just getting started or leading a mature network, this session will provide actionable clarity to strengthen your advocacy, increase visibility, and align your leadership with business outcomes.

• Advocacy and Visibility

• Professional Development

• Creating a Supportive Community

• Addressing Systemic Barriers

• Enhancing Organizational Culture

While many PENs already offer programs that address these needs, challenges such as limited funding and resources can impede their effectiveness. Passion and energy are primary drivers for participation, but can easily lead to burnout and exhaustion. Additionally, PEN leaders often seek to develop leadership skills through their volunteer roles but may struggle to gain recognition for their contributions, as these programs are sometimes perceived as being irrelevant.

In this workshop, we will outline practical processes and procedures for creating a PEN structure that not only advocates for the Asian community but also supports leadership development and career advancement. Participants will learn how to enhance the impact of their PEN, overcome common challenges, and ensure their efforts contribute to meaningful career growth for their members.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Building an Effective PEN: Develop an PEN that effectively serves both the company and the PEN member community, aligning its goals with organizational objectives.

• Utilizing Executive Sponsorships and Networks: Leverage relationships with executive sponsors and professional networks to secure resources and support for PEN initiatives.

• Designing Leadership Development Programs: Implement events and programs that integrate leadership development opportunities for members.

• Aligning PEN Leadership with Corporate Culture: Structure PEN leadership roles and processes to reflect and support the broader corporate culture.

Your presence matters!  A powerful executive presence is how people perceive your ability to lead and manage.  If you’re a high-potential manager, your presence can be the difference maker between being seen as a strategic leader or not. 

And for your company? A strong presence builds organizational credibility, fosters trust, and wins respect both internally and from industry thought leaders and decision makers. 

Do you know the best way to showcase your executive thought leadership?

If you’re like most people, you probably think the best way to impress your audience is by showing how smart you are and demonstrating your knowledge. 

That’s a mistake. The “smart” approach often leaves the impression of being operational and executional. 

Instead, to own the room you must position yourself as a strategic thought leader and give decision-makers confidence in your ability to lead through uncertainty on the big stage.  

If you’re looking to establish your leadership potential and boost your influence and credibility across senior stakeholders and industry icons, then join this thought-provoking workshop on improving your executive presence. 

In this interactive session you’ll learn how to:  

• Establish an executive presence that instills confidence in your ability to lead at higher levels.

• Pitch the big picture and rapidly project strategic or industry thought leadership.

• Stay focused and confident under pressure and handle unexpected credibility derailers.

LOCATION: 315-316

Leaders at all levels, from early career to seasoned executives, face the challenge of making clear,  strategic decisions while balancing the demands of high performance. Yet the ability to lead  strategically begins with self-awareness: knowing how your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual  energy levels affect your thinking, actions, and relationships. Without this awareness, leaders risk reactive  decision-making, diminished presence, and burnout. 

This workshop uses Tony Schwartz’s Energy Matrix framework to help leaders recognize the interplay  between energy quantity (high vs. low) and energy quality (positive vs. negative). By mapping where they  operate throughout the day, leaders will uncover patterns that either support or sabotage their strategic  leadership capacity. Participants will learn how to shift into high-positive energy states that promote  clarity, focus, and effective influence regardless of career stage. 

Through guided reflection, practical exercises, and actionable strategies, participants will leave with a  personal energy action plan to manage themselves more effectively, make better decisions under  pressure, and sustain the energy required to lead strategically in any environment. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• Understanding the Energy Matrix 

Learn the four quadrants of Tony Schwartz’s Energy Matrix: High Positive, High Negative, Low  Positive, and Low Negative, and how they influence decision-making and leadership effectiveness. • Cultivating Self-Awareness Through Energy Mapping 

Assess personal energy patterns throughout the day, identifying triggers and habits that move you  between productive and unproductive states. 

• Shifting into Strategic Energy States 

Discover techniques to intentionally move into high-positive energy states that support clear thinking,  creative problem-solving, and strong presence. 

• Extended version (90 minutes):  

Designing an Energy Action Plan for Sustainable Leadership 

Create a personalized strategy for maintaining optimal energy levels, preventing burnout, and leading  with purpose and clarity over the long term.

LOCATION: 317-318

Abstract: Many of us feel discomfort with disagreement, viewing it as inherently harmful or damaging to relationships. But, learning how to disagree well actually strengthens trust and credibility, and it is a critical skill to master for career advancement. This session is designed for early-career professionals (and anyone else who struggles with disagreement!), providing them with a foundational understanding of how to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and composure. By empowering early-career team members to engage in productive disagreement, this training helps foster a culture of open communication and psychological safety, leading to improved team dynamics and project outcomes. Participants will leave this session with strategies for managing the emotions associated with disagreement and practical phrases they can use to share their point of view, even when it disagrees with others'.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Practice active listening to fully grasp different perspectives before responding, fostering stronger working relationships with their peers.

• Apply interpersonal communication skills to navigate conflict constructively within their team, and reduce miscommunication and project roadblocks by addressing issues directly and with composure.

• Use specific verbal and nonverbal communication techniques to share their point of view with confidence and composure, increasing their confidence in sharing innovative ideas and speaking up on behalf of their projects.

• Identify and manage the emotions associated with professional disagreement, such as discomfort or defensiveness.

LOCATION: 411-412

Abstract: In the age of AI, a leader's communication and presentations must be both impactful and personal. This session moves beyond the hype to provide practical demonstrations for leveraging AI as a powerful co-pilot. Participants will be equipped with tools that can support them to be more strategic, productive, and creative.

You will learn how to apply the principles of strategic communication to the capabilities of various AI tools and connect the art of public speaking to the practical application of AI. Hope is a seasoned professional speaker and former technology executive, and she will showcase a range of AI-powered platforms she uses daily to help draft, rehearse, and improve delivery. By empowering you and your team to use these tools, you will not only reduce preparation time but also deliver more engaging and influential presentations. In turn, this will directly improve your executive presence and enhance the company's messages and communications.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Apply principles of strategic communication with the support of AI tools to create more impactful and targeted messages.

• Utilize AI platforms to draft, rehearse, and refine public speaking skills, leading to greater confidence and a more polished delivery.

• Integrate AI into their daily workflow to reduce preparation time for presentations and speeches, freeing up more time for strategic work.

Enhance their executive presence by leveraging AI to deliver more engaging, personalized, and influential communications.

LOCATION: 413-414

Abstract: Many of us rely on our industry knowledge and domain expertise to deliver outcomes, which is a solid formula for success—but a limited one. This workshop reveals how a deeper connection to your personal values can be a powerful source of energy, clarity, and leadership guidance. Participants will learn how to define their values and use them as important levers in their professional journey. This alignment will not only help them clarify their own brand and career path but will also give them the tools to influence and inspire their team, creating a more authentic and impactful leadership presence that ultimately benefits the company's culture and reputation.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Debunk the myth of having a separate "work persona" versus a "personal persona," building more authenticity and trust within the team.

• Make the connection between your personal values and leadership presence, allowing you to influence your team with greater authenticity and purpose.

• Understand how to leverage your values for influence, defining your professional brand, and getting promoted, which in turn strengthens the company's leadership pipeline and brand.

LOCATION: 401-402

Description:

Leading within a Professional Employee Network requires influence without authority, vision amidst complexity, and relational intelligence to rally others. In this interactive session, you'll discover your unique leadership voice and learn how to use it more effectively to advocate, collaborate, and lead. We’ll equip you with a powerful framework to elevate your impact as a leader inside and outside your PEN. When every voice is heard and harnessed, collaboration becomes exponential.

Learning Objectives:

Discover Your Leadership Voice: Gain insight into your natural leadership tendencies, strengths, and blind spots.

Build Influence Without Authority: Learn how to lead effectively through relational trust and voice dynamics.

Strengthen Team Collaboration: Develop a language and approach to help your PEN leadership team function with greater clarity, trust, and shared responsibility.

Create a Culture of Advocacy: Use your leadership voice to influence culture, elevate others, and create space for growth.

LOCATION: 409-410

First impressions matter! 

A great introduction can be a powerful door opener to new possibilities. However, in today’s reality you only have seconds to turn your introduction into a career or business building opportunity. 

Everyone knows we only get one shot to make the right first impression. But few are really prepared to answer the question, “What do you do?” 

If you dread introducing yourself, struggle to explain what you do, or want to improve your executive presence, then it’s time to develop your personal brand. Join the Perfect Introduction workshop and learn step-by-step how to create a powerful personal brand, AND introduce yourself perfectly in 20 words, or less. 

In this interactive 60-minute workshop you will learn how to: 

• Confidently introduce, network and promote yourself or your business in any situation. 

• Introduce yourself in 20 words or less with 5 different templates.

• Improve your personal brand presence and make a lasting, positive impression.

And as a bonus, you’ll also learn a how to pitch yourself in 15 seconds. It’s the perfect way for you and your organization to stand out when you go around the room at a networking event. 

Attendees are invited to write short affirmations or uplifting messages on star-shaped cards. These will be compiled and donated to a local hospital or elderly care facility  as a gesture of encouragement and support.

Room: 306-307

An opportunity for attendees to participate in a light-hearted vocal performance session. Participants are welcome to perform solo or in groups and enjoy a relaxed environment for social interaction.

• Date/Time: Thursday, Oct. 2 from 4PM - 5:30PM

• Location: Hall A Concourse

• Description: A bit of festival fun to kick off convention season! Come relax with some traditional and modern games and win awesome prizes at our new event: SASEGames!

• List of Games:

  • Cup Pong

  • Tangrams

  • Kendama

  • Chopstick Relay

  • Memory

  • Trivia

LOCATION: 301-302

Join us for SASEhack, a hybrid hackathon that is open to undergraduate students only! 

This year our hackers were challenged to Fuel Your Future by building tech that helps people navigate the pivotal life changes ahead. Hackers were to choose one of our three personas (Hillary the Hustler, Relocation Rachel, or Family Fred) and create an app, tool, or hardware solution that aligns with their goals. Our SC25 Hackathon team hosted workshops and spaces for folks to learn and code. 

Listen in on our students' amazing project presentations!

Collegiate Welcome & Awards

Location: Ballroom Gallery 

SASE Science Initiative (SSI) hosts a combined science networking and research poster symposium. Aimed to create more avenues for attendees to learn how to start projects or get into research, start conversations with professionals, and show off their own skills. Poster sessions are a relatively informal way to present research to your peers and hear about others' projects!

SSI will also be having judges with awards for Overall Best and People's Choice, along with some honorable mentions. These awards look great on a resume or CV, so make sure to put your best foot forward!

Interested in meeting other SASE-ers across the regions, but don’t know where to start? Come ❄️Snowcialize❄️with us by writing facts about yourself on a piece of paper, and throw that crumpled ball across the room to let fate decide who picks it up! You’ll meet all kinds of folks trying to discover whose snowball you have too. ☃️

Room: 403-405

Hosted by Honeywell 
Recent graduates face uncertainties transitioning to professional environments post-pandemic, navigating virtual learning and remote internships. This workshop will equip attendees with practical tools to ease the transition from college to career, addressing concerns like adapting to new work settings and coping with change effectively. Through discussion and insights, participants will build confidence in their ability to thrive through ongoing transitions in their careers.

Room: 303-305

Hosted by Wabtec 
At Wabtec, we design the technology that keeps global rail networks moving. In this workshop, you’ll step into the role of our engineers solving real-world challenges that boost engineering performance by applying data analytics for smarter operations. Together, we’ll explore problem-solving strategies that combine technical expertise with leadership skills. This session will not only show how we keep freight and transit on track but also equip you with the tools to drive innovation in your future career.

Room: 319-321

Presented by GE Vernova

Whether you know it or not everyone has a unique personal brand. As you launch your career, do you have a powerful, attractive brand that reflects the real you? Join us for a workshop to learn strategies to differentiate yourself and build your elevator speech.

Coffee and Tea Provided. 

Location: East Atrium 

Go have fun and relax! 

Go to Floor 2- Hall C for the interview booths. View all interview booths in the maps.

Good luck with interviews!

Attendees are invited to write short affirmations or uplifting messages on star-shaped cards. These will be compiled and donated to a local hospital or elderly care facility  as a gesture of encouragement and support.

 Participants will create paper flower bouquets that will be collected and donated to a local hospital or senior living center. This activity provides an opportunity to contribute creatively to the broader community.

Room: 403-405

Presented by: Exelon, Honeywell, Wabtec 

This panel will advise students on how they can stand out at their internship/co-op to increase their chances of getting a return offer. Attendees will receive input on how they can improve their networking skills, how to foster a relationship with their mentor/buddy, and how to maximize their experience and growth opportunities.

Room: 303-305 

Presented by: GE Vernova

Side Projects for Non-Tech Majors: Building Beyond the Lab and University Curriculum

Job Opportunities for Science Majors - Undergrad vs. Grad Opportunities

Room: 403-405

Hosted by Honeywell 
Discover your unique strengths and transform them into a compelling personal brand. Using insights from the CliftonStrengths assessment (https://high5test.com/cliftonstrengths-free/), you’ll craft an elevator pitch. Once perfected, learn some tips and tricks on how to enhance your LinkedIn presence, and learn how to send intentional messages that reinforce your brand. This interactive session will help you stand out, connect meaningfully, and confidently communicate your value to your network.

Room: 319-321

Presented by Chevron 

The primary goal of this session is to demonstrate how generative AI has unlocked new potential and improved results at Chevron. Participants will gain insights into Chevron's cutting-edge AI technologies and their practical applications in areas such as enhancing well production, optimizing exploration prospects, and improving turnaround execution. The panel will also emphasize the importance of integrating AI with human ingenuity to drive business value and competitive performance.

What Participants Will Learn:

• Introduction to Generative AI: Participants will receive an overview of generative AI and its relevance to the oil and gas industry.

• Chevron's AI Initiatives: Detailed perspective on Chevron's AI integration that improved / impacted results.

• Case Studies and Examples: Real-world examples showcasing the successful implementation of AI in various aspects of Chevron's operations.

• Interactive Discussions: Engaging discussions with AI experts on the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into the energy sector.

Room: 303-305

Presented by Mortenson, Gilbane, Turner, Whiting-Turner

Room: 403-305

(dis)Gruntled:  How to Not Quit Your First Job (A Comedian's Guide)

Comedian Rajiv Satyal isn't just a performer—he's an engineer-turned-communicator who left a successful career at Procter & Gamble to find his true passion. In his hilarious and insightful talk, "Gruntled," he shares his journey of navigating professional growth, from the corporate office to performing on all seven continents. As you stand at the threshold of your own career, you'll hear a unique blend of humor and practical advice to help you reframe your approach to work, complete with actionable tips for finding lasting happiness and fulfillment. This is a session on how to build a career that balances ambition with genuine purpose from day one.

__________________________________________________________

Learning Objectives

Discover Your "Why": Learn how to identify your personal and professional values so you can make intentional choices that lead to a fulfilling career, not just a job.

Master the Art of Communication: Gain insights into building professional relationships, navigating team dynamics, and effectively communicating your ideas in a professional setting.

Embrace Your Inner Innovator: Shift your perspective to see challenges as opportunities, enabling you to bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to your first roles.

Simplify Career Decisions: Get a practical approach to managing expectations, prioritizing your goals, and making strategic choices that will impact your long-term success.

Room: 319-321

Abstract: 

Navigating the vast opportunities in STEM can feel overwhelming.  How do you move beyond 'what's next' to a clear path forward?  This workshop is designed to empower you to build a resilient, fulfilling path in college and future career.  Discover three essential questions that will serve as your personal roadmap to help you unlock your potential, clarify your values and chart your course.  Engage in discussions about how to strategically invest in your growth, leverage your unique strengths, and start leading yourself and others with impact and purpose.

Learning Outcomes: 

Participants will walk away with answers to the 5 questions of:

1. What are my top priorities in college and what are the micro habits I can build to become who I aspire to be?

2. What are my natural energy patterns throughout the day and when should I schedule my focused study sessions and other activities to leverage my varied energies in the day?

3. Which career paths and functional roles align with my core strengths, motivations and values - and how can I identify what those truly are?  

Room: 303-305

Abstract:

College can feel like a constant grind: study, project, repeat. But what if success isn’t just about winning the grade or landing the job? What if the journey matters even more?

This interactive workshop will help you flip the script on how you think about your career path. Instead of focusing only on the outcomes, you’ll learn how to step into main character energy: showing up with presence, building authentic relationships, and finding fun in the process. Through engaging activities and real talk, you’ll see how “side quests” such as  teamwork, collaboration, and the way you treat people, often matter more than the final result.

It’s your story. Don’t skip the cutscenes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Learn how to stand out (without trying too hard).
    → You won’t be “just another student or employee”? Discover how to show up with presence so people remember you, not just your work.
   
   

2. Turn awkward group projects into career practice.
    → Learn how collaboration, communication, and even having fun with teammates builds the same skills that employers look for.
   
   

3. Shift from stressed to confident.
    → Instead of obsessing over outcomes, see how embracing the process lowers stress and makes you more effective.
   
   

4. Make connections that actually matter.
    → Understand why likability and authentic relationships open more doors than grades or résumés alone.
   
   

Walk away with one actionable “main character move.”
 → A practical next step you can use immediately in class, projects, or internships to start showing up as the main character in your own career story.

Sandia - Room 324

Mortenson - Room 326

Go get some food!

• Date/Time: Friday (10/3), 9:30am – 4pm

• Location: East Atrium

Description: A hands-on crafting activity where participants can create personalized keychains. All materials will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to engage at their own pace.

Room: 301-302 

Location: On Exhibition Hall near interview center

For printing resumes