7-9 NOVEMBER @ KINGSTON

FYIC 2025

Presented by OSPEOSPE Logo

Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers

Hosted byQueen's UniversityQueen's University LogowithESSCOESSCO Logo
"A Present for the Future"

Join us for Ontario's premier leadership and integration conference designed exclusively for first-year engineering students.

Discover What Awaits You

Queen's University is situated on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory. We are grateful to be able to live, learn, and host this conference on these lands. This acknowledgment is a reminder of our collective responsibility to reflect on the histories, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous peoples, and to continue learning how we can actively contribute to reconciliation in meaningful ways.



MEET THE FYIC 2025 CO-CHAIRS

Dear Delegates,

On behalf of our organizing team, we are excited to welcome you to FYIC 2025! This year’s conference, themed “A Present for the Future,” will bring together over one hundred first-year engineering students from across Ontario for a weekend of growth, connection, and inspiration

This year’s program has been thoughtfully designed to provide an engaging balance of learning, collaboration, and celebration. You can look forward to hearing from industry experts and academic leaders, participating in an exciting case competition, and joining in discussions that highlight creativity, sustainability, and innovation. Alongside this, you will experience the supportive, vibrant spirit of Queen’s Engineering—a spirit that we cannot wait to share with you.

FYIC is more than just a conference; it is an opportunity to meet peers from across the province, gain valuable leadership and professional skills, and immerse yourself in a community dedicated to shaping the future of engineering. Knowing firsthand how tough it is to be an engineering student, we aim to help ease that transition into whatever path you choose to take.

We are thrilled to welcome you to Queen's campus and to be part of the beginning of your engineering journey. Together, let’s make FYIC 2025 an unforgettable experience that sparks lasting friendships, inspires bold ideas, and equips you with skills that will benefit you throughout your career.

We can't wait to meet you this November!

Warm regards,

Jaden Belliveau and Flaminia Testa

Jaden Belliveau and Flaminia Testa

Flaminia Testa (she/her) & Jaden Belliveau (he/him)







About Us




A conference hosted by engineering students, for engineering students.

Presented by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), the First Year Integration Conference (FYIC) gives first- year engineering students from across Ontario the opportunity to connect with peers from around the province and participate in sessions designed to develop leadership skills, break down first-year barriers, and advance their career exploration. Attended by over 130 first-year and upper-year students from 18 universities across Ontario, this conference serves to inspire students and build connections to last their whole careers.

Hosted with the Engineering Student Societies’ Council of Ontario (ESSCO), FYIC 2025 will take place at Queen’s University, a world-renowned institution and a leader in engineering research and innovation.

The First Year Integration Conference (FYIC) is a unique, province-wide initiative that brings together first-year engineering students from 18 universities across Ontario. Our goal is to ease the transition into university life by providing a welcoming and inspiring space where students can build connections, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable insight into the world of engineering.

Through a dynamic lineup of interactive workshops, seminars, and dedicated industry networking events, FYIC empowers students to explore their academic and professional potential. By connecting with peers and industry professionals alike, participants begin their engineering journey with confidence, curiosity, and community.

This year, our theme is ‘A Present for the Future’. We aim to inspire the next generation of bright minds to design sustainable solutions that will benefit generations to come. With additional emphasis on personal development, delegates will learn skills that will help them grow into the engineers they want to be.









About Queen's University



FYIC 2025 is proudly hosted by Smith Engineering at Queen’s University, where we are reimagining engineering education. Located in historic Kingston, Queen’s is one of Canada’s most distinguished institutions, recognized globally for academic excellence, impactful research, and community engagement.



Smith Engineering is cultivating a new generation of engineers—leaders with deep technical expertise and a strong sense of societal, environmental, and ethical responsibility. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, and a vibrant research culture, we are preparing problem-solvers for the challenges of tomorrow.



Ranked among the top 10 universities worldwide in the 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, Queen’s is committed to sustainability, equity, and global collaboration. As delegates, you’ll experience the energy and excellence that define Queen’s and Smith Engineering—a place where tradition meets innovation and the future of engineering is being built today.









Our Sponsors



Sponsor FYIC 2025!







Our Team



FYIC 2025 is fully run and organized by students.

The executive team consists of a passionate group of Smith Engineering students (from all disciplines) dedicated to delivering an inspiring and impactful conference experience for first-year delegates across Ontario.







Information for Attendees

Our Commitment to Delegates

Our top priority for FYIC 2025 is creating a space where everyone in attendance feels welcomed and safe. Our upcoming delegate package will provide specific details about the accessibility of our spaces, the intensity of our activities, the available emergency and non-emergency contacts in Kingston, and safe spaces available on campus. If you have any questions or additional requests, please don't hesitate to contact us before or during the conference and we will support you to the best of our ability.

What Makes a Good Delegate?

Given the theme of this year's FYIC, A Present for the Future, our Organizing Committee has put together a set of guidelines to help in selecting delegates. FYIC 2025 at Queen's University will encourage first-year engineering students to think critically about sustainability, both in engineering practices and in the future of our communities.

This conference is designed to help delegates gain new perspectives, explore sustainable solutions, and grow as leaders within their schools and EngSoc communities. Delegates will be challenged to reflect on how their decisions today can shape a more sustainable and innovative tomorrow.

Delegate Fees & Inclusions

Full Delegate Fee:

$152.62

What's Included:
  • Hotel accommodations (2 nights: Friday, Nov 7 – Saturday, Nov 8)
  • 2 dinners, 2 lunches, 2 breakfasts + snacks!
  • Access to all stations and workshops
  • Entrance to case competition
  • Full participation to Friday evening social
  • Full participation in Saturday night banquet
  • FYIC 2025 merch (includes T-shirt, tote bag, patch, etc.)
  • FYIC 2025 sponsor merch (includes sustainable sponsor branded merchandise)
Payment Information:

Payment details will be included at the time of delegate registration. Delegate fees will be due PRIOR to arrival at the conference via cheque or electronic transfer. Payments will be accepted at the absolute latest at the time of check-in at the conference. Should payment terms not be met, participation in the conference may be revoked. The organizing committee of the conference will attempt to accommodate specific circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Should you require payment accommodation, please reach out BEFORE the delegate registration period closes.

Delegate Selection Tips

Here are some possible questions to ask your delegates in the selection process:

  • Why are you interested in exploring sustainability and how it connects to the future of engineering?
  • What do you hope to learn or take away from FYIC, and how will it shape the way you approach your first year and beyond?
  • How will you share your experience and insights from this conference with your peers and student community?
  • What past experiences (academic, extra curricular, or personal) have shaped your interest in leadership or sustainability?

Memories from Past Conferences

Past conference 1




Conference Timeline

Important dates and deadlines for FYIC 2025

September 7th

  • •

    Pre-Delegate Package RELEASE

  • •

    Pre-Delegate Registration OPENS

  • •

    Delegate Registration date ANNOUNCED

September 14th

  • •

    Pre-Delegate Registration CLOSES

September 22nd

  • •

    Delegate Registration OPENS

October 6th

  • •

    Delegate Registration CLOSES

October 7th

  • •

    Delegate Package RELEASE

All dates are subject to change. Please check back regularly for updates.





Accommodation Details

All conference delegates will be staying at the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront

Hotel Information

Address

2 Princess Street
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 1A2 Canada

Front Desk

+1 (613) 549-8400

Accessibility

Accessible rooms are available. Delegate applications will include space for accessibility requests and requests for alternate rooming preferences.

Room Details

Rooming assignments will be 4 delegates per room, unless otherwise requested. Rooming preferences and accessibility requests in your registration will be accommodated to the fullest extent possible.

Check-In

Time

2:00 PM Friday, November 7

Process

A member of the FYIC 2025 Executive Team will greet delegates at the hotel for conference check-in and will be happy to answer any questions and concerns at the time of check-in. Please note one credit card from each room will be required by the front desk to have on file.

Early/Late Arrival

If arriving before 2:00 PM or after 6:00 PM, please reach out to the FYIC Executive Team at (807) 630-7454.

Check-Out

Time

11:00 AM Sunday, November 9 (latest)

Luggage Storage

A locked room will be available on-campus for delegates to store their bags during the Sunday conference events.

Amenities

  • Laundry and daily housekeeping

  • On-site parking ($30/night) and pet-friendly ($60)

  • On-site restaurant, Fitness center (6 am – 12 am), and Pool (8 am – 10 pm)

  • Smoke-free hotel

PACKING

Conference Attire

Friday

  • Travel: comfortable clothing

  • Friday Social: casual

Saturday

  • Sessions: business casual

  • Banquet: semi-formal (e.g. suits, blazers, dresses, skirts, dress pants)

Sunday

  • Case Competition: business casual

Electronics

  • Cell Phone – Be sure to have Discord and email notifications on to receive conference updates throughout the weekend!

  • Laptop/Tablet – needed for case competition

  • Chargers, etc.

Miscellaneous

  • Government Issued ID (required for hotel check-in)

  • Credit Card (required for hotel check-in)

  • Medication and Toiletries

  • Reusable Water Bottle

  • Extra Snacks (optional)

  • Patches to trade

  • School merch (coveralls, jackets)

  • School mascot

And leave some extra space in your bag for FYIC merch!

*Ask your Head Delegate if there's anything else you should bring!*





Getting to Kingston

Transportation Options

Mega Bus

Affordable bus service with multiple daily departures from various locations.

FlixBus

Comfortable bus service connecting Kingston to major cities.

Via Rail

Train service with Kingston located on the Ontario-Quebec route.

When you arrive in Kingston, both the Megabus and Via Rail stations have bus routes that can take you to your hotel.

Via Rail Route

Kingston is located on the Ontario-Quebec route for ViaRail. Cities that have train stations are shown in the figure below.

Via Rail Route Map
Conference Venue

Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront
2 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1A2

Local Transportation in Kingston

Kingston Transit

The local bus service can take you from transportation hubs to your accommodation and the conference venue.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Kingston.

WITHIN KINGSTON

*Transportation will be provided throughout the conference via shuttles on Saturday and Sunday*

Delegates are responsible for arranging travel to and from the hotel and on Friday evening to campus. Feel free to coordinate travel from train or bus stations with other delegates through the appropriate FYIC Discord channel.

Available methods of transportation in Kingston include city buses and taxi/uber/lyft. For day-of city bus routes and times, we advise downloading Google Maps in advance.

  • Amey's Taxi 613–546–1111

  • Uber/lyft app

  • City bus fare is $3.50 for 90 minutes of transit – ask for a transfer slip if taking more than one bus within 90 minutes

Kingston Map with Common Locations

Common Locations

  1. Holiday Inn

  2. Via Rail Station

  3. MegaBus Station

  4. Queen's University

Queen's University Campus Map

WASHROOM GUIDE

Gender Inclusive Washroom Locations

Gender Inclusive Washroom Locations

  • Ellis Hall - 039, 137, 433, 436

  • Jeffrey Hall - 121, 324, 425, 522

  • Kingston Hall - None – closest to Jeffrey

  • Biosci (BioSciences Complex) - 0591, 0594, 1389, 2288, 2289, 3288, 3289, 3490

  • JDUC (John Deutsch University Centre) - 120, 215, 334B, 428, 430L, A102, A103, A104, A202, A203, A204, A302, A303, A304

BLUE LIGHT EMERGENCY PHONES

Blue Light Emergency Phones
Blue Light Emergency Phones Map

When the red button is pushed, the phone is connected directly to the Emergency Report Centre (ERC), where the exact location of the phone is indicated, and two-way audio communication is established. The phones are intended to be used in any situation where you feel threatened or anxious, if you witness an accident or a crime, or if you wish to be escorted.

Make yourself familiar with the location of the blue lights along the routes you typically walk. If you begin to feel uneasy, concerned, or afraid, don't hesitate to use them.

AMENITIES

WATER BOTTLE FILL STATIONS
Water Bottle Fill Stations
AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AEDS)
Automated External Defibrillators
PRAYER AND MEDITATION SPACES
Prayer and Meditation Spaces
FOOD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Food Available for Purchase

INCIDENT RESPONSE COMMITTEE

What is the IRC?

The Incident Response Committee (IRC) is in place to ensure a safe and respectful environment at the FYIC 2025 conference.

If you experience or witness an incident that causes concern and cannot be easily resolved, you are encouraged to submit a confidential incident Report Form. You may choose whether or not you are comfortable being contacted. All identifying details will remain private. The IRC's role is to listen, respond, and support delegates when issues arise.

IRC Chair Contact

Monica Paul

Provincial Councilor, ESSCO

irc@essco.ca

Submitting an Incident Report

A link to the Incident Report Form will be provided shortly before the conference. We strongly recommend submitting all concerns through the form, rather than using the IRC Chair email.



140+

Participants

12+

Speakers

8+

Workshops

3

Days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to the FYIC 2025 FAQ section. We're here to address your most common queries and provide you with the information you need to make the most of your conference experience.

The conference will offer a dynamic mix of sessions, including keynote talks, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. These sessions will explore themes such as building technical expertise, strengthening leadership abilities, and navigating the challenges of undergraduate life. You’ll gain valuable perspectives from industry professionals, upper-year students, and subject-matter experts dedicated to supporting your academic and personal growth throughout your engineering journey. To cap it all off, you'll have the chance to put your skills to the test in an exciting case competition on the final day of the conference.

Attire varies throughout the conference. Casual wear is suitable for the opening ceremony and social. Business casual is expected during sessions on Day 2 as well as the case competition on Day 3. For the banquet, semi-formal attire (e.g. suits, blazers, dresses, skirts, dress pants) is encouraged to complement the event’s elegant ambiance.

All meals will be provided, and light snacks will be available throughout the sessions.

Before the conference, review the schedule and get to know the sessions in advance. Bring a device like a laptop or tablet for the case competition on Day 3, and be prepared to take notes during sessions. Arriving with thoughtful questions for speakers and panelists will help you make the most of your learning and networking experience.

Feel free to reach out by emailing us at fyic@engsoc.queensu.ca OR fyic@essco.ca with the subject line: “FYIC Inquiry – [Your Name]”, or send us a direct message on Instagram at @fyic2025.

Contact Us






Emergency Contact

In case of emergency during the event, please use the following contact information. For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 first. You can also use the on campus or report an incident to the .

Emergency Services

Campus Security Emergency Response

613-533-6111

Campus Security Non-Emergencies (e.g. Safe Walk)

613-533-6080

Life-Threatening Emergency Response

911

Non-life-threatening mental health distress: Addictions and Mental Health KFL&A (Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington) Crisis Line

613-544-4229 (Canadian plans) or 1-866-616-6005

Event Staff Contacts

Abbie Houlding - Relationships Director

+1 (807) 630-7454

fyic.relationships@engsoc.queensu.ca
Jaden Belliveau - Co-Chair

+1 (647) 939-4853

fyic@essco.ca
Flaminia Testa - Co-Chair

+1 (613) 883-0319

fyic@essco.ca

THANK YOU!

From the FYIC 2025 Organizing Committee, thank you for giving us the opportunity to make an impact on your engineering journey.

We cannot wait to welcome you to Queen's campus this November; we hope this conference will remain a highlight of your academic career and you are able to get the most out of your weekend.

We look forward to meeting you all soon!

Sincerely,

FYIC 2025 Organizing Committee