What are the guidelines for the Pitch Perfect competition?

Competitors will have 90 seconds to pitch their research to the Pitch Perfect audience. Pitches must adhere to the following rules:

• Presentations are limited to 90 seconds maximum and competitors exceeding 90 seconds will be disqualified.

• Presentations can be traditional talks or spoken word poems.

• Presentations begin when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted and should be presented from the beginning of the oration.

• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) is permitted.

• Props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.​

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Is attendance/participation mandatory for FIRE students and PRMs​?
No, however, we feel that both the workshop and the Pitch Perfect event will be fun and help students develop both confidence and important career readiness skills.

Can I attend the workshop if I am not planning to participate in the Pitch Perfect Competition? 
Of course! We are hoping that this workshop will help prepare you to present at the FIRE Summit and to talk confidently about your research experience in the future.

Can I participate in the Pitch Perfect Competition if I can't attend the workshop? 

Of course! The workshop is an opportunity to help students prepare for the competition if they chose but it is not a requirement to compete.

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Is there a dress code?
Participants are not required to dress up for the occasion.  If you have a FIRE t-shirt, though, consider wearing it to the event.

Who do I contact to request a reasonable accommodation?
FIRE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Ashley Harper. 

Additional questions can be sent to Dr. Jessica O'Hara (johara@umd.edu).