Volunteer at the Symposium

The symposium keeps its cost affordable and low through the dedication and support of volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities include:

  • Day-of Event Logistics and Help
  • Pre-Event Publicity (Helping to Spread the Word!)

Volunteer Types:

We are looking for volunteers to help with the Heartland AI Symposium. Volunteers will get a symposium T-Shirt! Listed below are the types of volunteers we need (detailed instructions are on the sign-up form):

  • Welcome Table Volunteers
    • Help attendees register, provide them their badges and tote bags, etc.
  • Mic Runners for Q&A for Keynotes and Special Sessions
    • Take microphones to audience members who have questions.
  • Workshop Assistants
    • Take attendance at the workshops and help the workshop leaders.
  • Volunteer Liaisons
    • Help volunteers.
  • Tech Check Volunteers
    • Help presenters get set up.

Use SignUp to Volunteer

Sign up for one or more slots and volunteer types! We need all the help we can get. We're using SignUp to organize our upcoming Volunteer sign up for the Heartland AI Symposium.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

Click to view volunteer Opportunities on SignUp
  1. Click the button above to see volunteering available on SignUp.
  2. Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
  3. Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact hais@ksu.edu to be signed up.

AI Hackathon Service Opportunties:

If interested in the opportunities below please fill out the application form.

Certificate of Service

All registered volunteers, including mentors, judges, and general volunteers, who participate in the AI Hackathon will receive an official Certificate of Service recognizing their valuable contributions to the success of the event.

Volunteer

General volunteers help ensure the AI Hackathon runs smoothly by assisting with participant check-in, event logistics, room operations, participant support, and other event activities as needed. No technical experience is required. Volunteers who complete their service will receive an official Certificate of Service in recognition of their contribution to the AI Hackathon.

As a volunteer you will:

  • support checkin and logistics
  • assist with room operations
  • assist participants
  • help co-ordinate the event
  • and recieve a certificate for your service

Judge

Judges evaluate hackathon projects using the official judging rubric, provide constructive feedback, and help determine award recipients through a fair and unbiased evaluation process. We welcome judges from academia, industry, business, design, IT, AI, computing, and the community who have experience evaluating ideas, products, or projects. Judges should be able to think critically, evaluate solutions objectively, provide constructive feedback, and commit to a fair and unbiased judging process. All judges are required to watch a brief online orientation covering the judging rubric, scoring process, and event expectations prior to the hackathon.

As a Judge you will:

  • evaluate the quality of projects
  • use a rubric to decide winners of event

Mentorship

Mentors provide guidance and encouragement to hackathon teams throughout the event. They help participants brainstorm ideas, refine project goals, answer technical questions, troubleshoot issues, locate helpful resources, manage their time, and prepare for the final presentation. Mentors are not expected to build projects for participants, but rather to coach teams, ask guiding questions, and help them overcome obstacles while ensuring all work remains participant-driven.

As a mentor, you will:

  • guide teams
  • answer technical questions
  • help participants scope their projects
  • and recieve a certificate for your service

Mentor Qualifications:

Mentors should have experience with artificial intelligence, software development, or related technologies, along with a willingness to teach and support participants of all experience levels. Strong communication, patience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are essential. Mentors should be approachable, encouraging, and committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Mentor Roles and Areas of Expertise:

  • We welcome mentors with experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI
  • Prompt Engineering
  • Programming and Debugging
  • Web or Mobile Application Development
  • UI/UX Design
  • Data Science and Data Visualization
  • APIs and AI Tool Integration
  • Project Planning and Team Collaboration
  • Presentation and Pitch Coaching
  • Responsible and Ethical AI