ACI Concrete Convention Sets New Record for Student Attendance

4/10/2025

The recent ACI Concrete Convention made history with its highest-ever student attendance, marking a major milestone in the Institute’s ongoing efforts to engage and empower the next generation of concrete professionals.

With more than 600 students traveling from across the country and around the globe, the convention saw record participation in student competitions, networking events, technical sessions, and career-building activities from March 30 – April 2, 2025, in Toronto, ON, Canada. This unprecedented turnout reflects a growing excitement among young professionals to connect, contribute, and shape the future of the concrete industry through ACI.

The ACI Ontario Chapter took a strategic approach to student outreach by sponsoring buses and registration (valued at $20 USD) for undergraduate and graduate students from universities in Ontario including McMaster University, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario, and York University.

In addition to transportation and registration, the chapter provided lunch vouchers for nearly 300 students and volunteers participating in the FRC Bowling Ball Competition. The 50 teams involved in the event represented universities from across the USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Indonesia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Poland.

On Sunday night following the competition, the Student and Young Professional Committee (SYPAC) hosted an interactive game of bingo for the 312 attendees. The Ontario Chapter provided gift cards (valued at $25 CAN) for approximately 35 winners.

The local chapter also selected the keynote speaker for the ACI Student Awards Program. Sasha Gollish, an engineer and athlete, presented on the topic, “Beyond Competition: Constructing Collaboration: Setting the Foundation for Shared Success” to a room full of eager students. The awards program was sponsored by Baker Concrete Construction.

“All this would not be possible without the support of our chapter board, volunteers, and sponsorships from our local chapter members/supporters,” say Oliver Xiao, ACI Ontario Chapter Board Director. “It takes an entire team's effort!”

The ACI Ontario Chapter led the way in student recruitment and connection-building by aligning with ACI’s updated Strategic Plan – with one of the main goals being to enhance the ACI experience by attracting, engaging, and supporting young members. SYPAC entered an official resolution of appreciation for ACI Ontario Chapter into the meeting minutes.

Other student focused events at the convention included the ACI Student Chapter Forum and the Undergraduate Research Session, sponsored by ACI’s only student-led committee, the S805 Student Leadership Council.

The ACI 123 Research in Progress Committee also held their bi-annual Concrete Student Poster Session, which provides a platform for master’s and doctoral level students to present their research.

ACI has more than 15,000 student members and 350+ student chapters at universities around the world. Membership in ACI is free to all students and benefits include deep discounts on ACI products including textbooks and convention registration.

Graduate students interested in attending a future spring or fall convention may now apply to receive a travel stipend up to $1,000 USD. The deadline to apply is June 15, 2025.

Learn more about ACI Student Activities here and get involved today!