The Plaid Program Design competition is an immersive and interactive program and curriculum design challenge intended to bring together professionals from across the fraternal industry to conceptualize and pitch innovative learning experiences. Participants join teams of up to 3 to develop a program or curriculum pitch that aligns with an industry topic/challenge outlined in a prompt. Participants will draw from their professional experiences to integrate theory and research into practice and walk away with a strategically designed pitch they can take back to their campus or organization.

How can I register to participate?

Create a team of 2-3 people, no more or less. You can also sign up as a ‘free agent’ to be placed with a team.

Register for the Plaid Program Design Competition

Registration closes Wednesday, November 26, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Who can participate?

This competition is for Annual Meeting attendees who hold full-time professional roles on a campus or at an Inter/National Headquarters. Graduate students are welcome to participate as long as they are members of a team that includes at least one full-time professional.

There are two tracks: one for campus-based professionals and another for headquarters staff members. If a team has both campus and headquarters representatives, they will compete in the headquarters staff track.

When will the competition take place?

Plaid Program Design Competition Virtual Kick-Off | Thursday, December 4th

Join Plaid’s team to get information about the prompt and presentation requirements & receive the evaluation rubric.

On-Site Planning and Coaching Sessions | Monday, December 8th and Tuesday, December 9th

Sign up to connect with the Plaid team on-site at AFAAM for feedback and coaching sessions to put the final touches on your pitch.

Presentations | Wednesday, December 10th

Present to a Shark Tank-style panel of industry expert judges to receive feedback to refine your pitch so you can take it back to your campus or organization and make it a reality. Teams will be given 7 minutes to present, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A with the judges.

The Program Design Competition will take place from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Additional information about rooms will be shared through the AFA Annual Meeting conference app.

Winners Announcement | Thursday, December 11th

Join us during the Annual Meeting Closing General Session, where we will announce the winning teams!

What can I expect from participating?

The Plaid Program Design competition provides an opportunity for professionals to:

• Flex and build your program and curriculum design skills
• Get feedback from learning design professionals and industry experts on your pitch
• Develop your pitching skills and develop an idea to take back to your campus or organization
• Spend time networking and collaborating with fraternity-sorority and higher education professionals
• For each track, prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third-place teams. More details to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the presentations take place?

Teams will be asked to sign up for a 10-minute time slot to present in person during the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, December 10th. The location will be provided ahead of time and will also be included in the Whova app.

Can non-participants watch the presentations?

While we appreciate your excitement and desire to support the participants, the presentations are limited to the presenters and the judges.

When will the prompt be announced?

Join us on Thursday, December 4th, for the virtual kick-off, where we will share more information about the program, including the prompt. An email with the details for the kick-off will be sent to all participants, and a recording will be sent following the meeting in case you cannot attend.

Can graduate students participate?

Yes! Graduate students can participate on a team with at least one full-time professional on a campus or at a headquarters. Graduate students are responsible for finding their own team members to ensure enough eligible participants.

What if I don’t have a team?

We can help you find one! When you complete the registration form, you will be asked if you are signing up a team or would like to be matched with one. After registration closes on November 19, we’ll let you know who your team members will be.

Do I need to sign up for an on-site coaching session?

It’s highly encouraged but not required! This is an optional resource to help answer any questions that may come up as your team prepares, and an opportunity to get feedback so you can make final adjustments before presenting.

Who are the judges?

The judges’ panel will consist of industry experts who will be able to provide objective and insightful feedback to participants.

Is there an awards ceremony?

Winners will be announced at the Closing General Session of the Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 11. If you cannot attend, we will contact you afterward to congratulate you and deliver your award.

Am I invited to the Plaid reception?

Yes! All registered competition participants will receive an invitation to the Plaid reception.

Who should participate in the Program Design Competition?

Anyone interested in designing stimulating, thought-provoking learning experiences! Whether you’re a seasoned curriculum designer or looking to grow your knowledge, this is an excellent opportunity to practice and get feedback from experts in the field.