SHPE National Convention to bring 10,000 STEM leaders to Indianapolis in October
SHPE: Leading Hispanics in STEM, the nation’s leading organization for Hispanics in science, technology, engineering and math, is partnering with Latinas in Tech to bring its National Convention to Indianapolis Oct. 28-31, the first of three conventions the organization will host in the city through 2032.
With more than 20,000 members nationwide, SHPE advances STEM careers through education, mentorship and professional development.
The four-day National Convention is expected to draw 10,000 students, professionals, industry leaders, academics and global employers, along with more than 150 sponsors and exhibitors, to downtown Indianapolis.
SHPE will return to Indianapolis in 2029 and 2032, building on the city’s strong reputation as a convention destination and relationships with employers, universities and community partners.
Purdue University and Cummins are among the Indiana partners supporting the convention and SHPE’s mission.
“We are excited to bring the SHPE National Convention to Indianapolis and to begin a relationship with this community that will continue for years to come,” said Suzanna Valdez Wolfe, CEO of SHPE. “For four days, Indianapolis will become a gathering place for some of the brightest STEM talent in the country, alongside the companies and universities looking for that talent. More importantly, our commitment to Indianapolis gives us an opportunity to build relationships and create an impact that extends far beyond the convention itself.”
SHPE and Latinas in Tech are teaming up for the 2026 National Convention around a shared commitment to expanding opportunities, building leadership pathways, and creating community for Hispanics across STEM fields and industries.
Together, the organizations will bring new energy and fresh perspectives to members throughout their career journeys.
For the first time, SHPE also will open part of the convention to the larger community through Familia Fest on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The free event invites children of all ages and their families to explore STEM through a College Fair for local high school students, handson STEM activities, and connections with STEM career resources.
Familia Fest also will build on the existing foundation laid by Indiana’s strong STEM curriculum in schools across the state.
“STEM Familia Fest is about helping families see what is possible,” Valdez Wolfe said. “A child may come because they want to build something, try an experiment, or explore new technology. A high school student may discover a college they had never considered. A parent may learn about a STEM career pathway they didn’t know existed. We want families to leave seeing a future in STEM and understanding that there are people, organizations, and opportunities ready to help them get there.”
In addition to Familia Fest, the SHPE National Convention will include:
Career Fair: The two-day Career Fair will feature 150 employers recruiting and interviewing candidates for internships and jobs.
University Village: A dedicated space for students exploring graduate education, including the Familia Fest College Fair for local high school students. Nearly 50 colleges and universities will participate. Click here for the full list.
Educational and Professional Development Sessions: Sessions for college students and professionals focused on career development, technical skills, leadership and emerging areas of STEM.
Major national companies participating in and supporting the convention include Amazon, Apple, Bank of America, Honeywell Aerospace, and Wells Fargo. Click here for the full list.
The convention also will include the STAR (SHPE Technical Achievement and Recognition) Awards, recognizing individuals, corporations, government agencies and academic institutions for their contributions to STEM and SHPE’s mission.
Early bird registration for the 2026 SHPE National Convention is available through Sept. 15. Regular registration runs through Oct. 7, with late registration available through Oct. 31. Click here to register.
About SHPE
SHPE: Leading Hispanics in STEM, is a nonprofit organization serving and advancing Hispanics in STEM. With more than 20,000 student and professional members, SHPE’s mission is to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development.
For more information, please visit https://www.shpe.org/.
About Latinas in Tech
Latinas in Tech is a global non-profit organization dedicated to connecting, supporting, and empowering Latina women working in technology.
Founded in 2014 in Silicon Valley, the organization has grown into a powerful network of tens of thousands of members across more than 20 chapters worldwide.
Latinas in Tech works hand-in-hand with top technology companies to create safe spaces for learning, mentorship, and professional recruitment, serving as a launchpad for future-ready careers.