FAQs

Conference Details

What is the HPAIR Conference?
The HPAIR Harvard Conference offers a wide variety of events. We have many sessions with leading speakers, which typically include a moderated conversation with our team and time for audience questions. Executive seminars are available as an additional add-on, allowing delegates to share an intimate conversation with a speaker in small group settings over lunch.

We also offer our Impact Challenge, which remains one of our most popular events, providing delegates with the opportunity to work on real-world problems in small teams and mentored by industry professionals. 

Lastly, we have a wide range of community events for the delegates, from networking sessions to I-Night, where delegates have the opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage.

Who is speaking at the conference?
We are so excited for this year’s speaker lineup! Our team is hard at work securing the best speakers from around the world to come to Harvard this February. Speakers will be announced closer to the date of the event once they have been finalized.

When and where is the conference?
The 2025 Harvard Conference will take place tentatively from February 7-9, 2025 at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

What is covered by the conference fee?
All event programming and lunches are covered, as is dinner during the opening ceremony day. Though delegates are responsible for their own lodging and transportation costs, you can apply for scholarships to help reimburse some or potentially all of these costs.

Application Process

How do I apply for a HPAIR conference?
HPAIR’s conference delegate application process has two rounds.The first is an online application, which can be found at apply.hpair.org. The application requires you to attach a resume and answer a few short-answer questions. If you are selected for the next round of applications, you will either be asked to submit a video interview, or have a brief online (Zoom) interview with a HPAIR staff member. We look forward to reading your application soon!

What is the application timeline?
Early-bird applications open October 5, 2024 and close October 25, 2024 at 11:59 EST. Regular applications will then open and close on November 22, 2024 at 11:59 EST. All scholarship applications must be submitted by October 20, 2024.

When will final decisions be released?
Scholarship/Early Bird round applicants can expect to receive a decision on a rolling basis beginning in November. Regular Round applicants can expect to receive decisions by mid-December.

What are the advantages of applying during the early-bird round?
Early-bird applicants enjoy a discounted conference ticket price and have the opportunity to apply for our scholarship program! Early-bird applicants also receive their decisions earlier and have more time to apply for a visa to attend the conference.

How do I take advantage of the early-bird discount?
To receive the early-bird discount, you must apply in the early-bird round and register for the conference during early-bird registration.

What qualities are you looking for in my application? (In other words, is there anything specific that can help me in my application?)
We take a holistic approach when reviewing applications, considering a wide range of factors to get a comprehensive understanding of each applicant. This includes not only your responses to the application questions but also your past experiences, community engagement, and passions as reflected in your resume. Additionally, we value the insights gained through the interview process, which helps us assess how your individual strengths align with our values. Demonstrating authenticity, commitment, and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully are key qualities that can strengthen your application.

Does HPAIR award scholarships? How do I apply for a scholarship?
Yes, HPAIR is committed to accessibility and proud to offer scholarships for all of our conferences. 

Applicants can only apply for HPAIR’s scholarship program during the early-bird round. To apply, applicants must answer an additional short-answer question on the application form and submit the documents listed in the application. Scholarship applications for HCONF 2025 close October 20, 2024. This is a strict deadline, so get your applications in quick! We will not be able to consider any scholarship applications after that deadline.

Are scholarships available to international students?
Yes, many of our scholarship recipients are international students!

Is the scholarship merit-based or need-based?
Scholarships are merit-based, although we do try to take financial need into consideration. We encourage all applicants to apply for our scholarship program, and practice need-blind admissions: applying for a scholarship will not affect your candidacy for the conference!

What visa do I need to attend the conference?
A B1/B2 visitor visa is required to attend the conference for non-citizens of the United States. More information can be found here.

Will HPAIR sponsor my visa application?
As a student-run organization, our governmental purview is significantly limited — as such, we cannot advocate for expedited visa requests or granting of a visa on behalf of any individual. For most delegates who request supporting documentation in order to book a visa appointment, the letter of acceptance you will receive is sufficient documentation for the consulate or embassy.

Miscellaneous

How do I join the HPAIR team/be a volunteer?
Only currently enrolled Harvard College students may apply to join the HPAIR team.

I’m currently 17, but I will turn 18 by the time of the conference. Can I still apply?
Yes! As long as you will be 18 during the conference, we welcome you to submit an application.

What is covered by the conference fee?
All event programming and lunches are covered, as is dinner during the opening ceremony day. Though delegates are responsible for their own lodging and transportation costs, you can apply for scholarships to help reimburse some or potentially all of these costs.

Does HPAIR provide recommendation letters to delegates?
Due to the short nature and the high number of delegates at our conferences, we are unable to provide recommendation letters to individual delegates. While we believe individualized recommendation letters are important, we do not believe our team is adequately prepared to speak for each delegate’s personal abilities and potential.