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Tips for first time attendees at the International Conference

Each year our International Conference, and highest level competition, brings together over 2,000 champion problem solvers and supporters from around the world. We asked alumni and volunteers to share some tips for first-time attendees!

Coaches and chaperones should share these tips with students so their time at the Future Problem Solving world finals is the experience of a lifetime.

Use the conference app

Yapp is where you can see the agenda, connect with attendees, and see any important announcements. Students and adults can use the app. Review the community guidelines with students.

Study the map

Review the main campus locations for the week: competition locations, meals, etc. Check the maps on Yapp and in the Resources Library.

Early is on time

We suggest that you plan to show up a few minutes early for all events. The campus is large, figure in extra time for walking!

Get ready to compete

Make sure all students have competition materials ready – computer/laptop and charger, FPSOnline login info, dictionary/thesaurus, highlighter, pen/pencil, etc. Charge devices overnight!

Take advantage of the social experience

  • Encourage your students to participate in the social events – the choir, Variety Show, Memento Exchange, sessions, etc. Many alumni report that they are still friends with and keep in touch with people they met at IC events.
  • Encourage students to talk to others and embrace the opportunity to meet new people. Asking where they are from, how long they have been Future Problem Solvers, and their favorite topic are good conversation starters.
  • Don’t miss the Community Projects Showcase! It’s a great way to see our impact in action and learn more about the states and countries attending the International Conference.

Student behavior reminders

  • Discuss cell phone use expectations, particularly during Opening and Awards Ceremonies and any performances (skits included!) 
  • Remind students of the behavior expectations for dorms, including lights out and wake-up calls/alarms. 
  • In the dining halls, remind students to show respect for fellow diners by clearing tables after eating and leaving in a timely manner to make room for others.

Make memories and have fun

  • Get to the on-site shop, the Zippy Mart, early when there are more items to choose from, especially if you forgot to order a T-shirt ahead of time.
  • Don’t stress! Remember to be in the moment and enjoy it with your students!

Questions?

If you have any questions about the International Conference, please fill out our IC help form.

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April Michele

April Michele Bio

Executive Director

A seasoned educator, April Michele has served as the Executive Director since 2018 and been with Future Problem Solving more than a decade. Her background in advanced curriculum strategies and highly engaging learning techniques translates well in the development of materials, publications, training, and marketing for the organization and its global network. April’s expertise includes pedagogy and strategies for critical and creative thinking and providing quality educational services for students and adults worldwide.

Prior to joining Future Problem Solving, April taught elementary and middle grades, spending most of her classroom career in Gifted Education. She earned the National Board Certification (NBPTS) as a Middle Childhood/Generalist and later served as a National Board Assessor for the certification of others. She was trained and applied the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Humanities, which helped widen the educational scope and boundaries beyond the U.S. In addition, April facilitated the Theory and Development of Creativity course for state level certification of teachers. She has also collaborated on a variety of special projects through the Department of Education.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and the University of South Florida with a master’s in Gifted Education, April’s passion is providing a challenging curriculum for 21st century students so they are equipped with the problem solving and ethical leadership skills they need to thrive in the future. As a board member in her local Rotary Club, she facilitates problem solving in leadership at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute and earned her certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Edyth Bush Institute at Rollins College.