MPD Division Elevator Pitch Contest

Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, the Nevada MPD!

Details

The elevator pitch contest is held in two phases. In the first phase, you will submit a short letter of intent that expresses your desire to join the contest, describes the nature of your presentation and explains your key takeaway message. The presentation should be related to mining, but there is no restriction on what you can present. For example, you could explain a research or internship project or you could simply explain how you got into mining or what you love about the industry.
 
In the second phase, you record a short elevator pitch where you explain your topic in a manner similar to a casual conversation in the elevator. The suggested length of the video is 3-4 minutes, roughly allocated per the outline given below. Videos will be judged based on clarity and presentation skills.

Hints

• Be creative! We strongly discourage the use of PPT slides as a backdrop. The focus of the talk should be YOU and YOUR EXPERIENCE. Our instruction is intentionally vague, as we want to encourage your creativity.
• As long as the content is related to mining, there is no restriction on what you can present.
• Consider outlining your presentation with roughly the following breakdown:
  1. Introduce yourself and your project. What is the “big picture” objective or mission. Best to start with a “hook.” (~30 seconds)
  2. Explain your specific role or experience. Tell a story that helps expound on your big picture topic. (~1 minute)
  3. Explain the outcome? What lessons did you learn? (~1 minute)
  4. End with a key takeaway or call to action. (~30 seconds)
• Have fun!

Awards

Awards will include: $1,000 for 1st; $500 for 2nd; $200 for 3rd to 5th, and $125 for up to 10 additional non-placing participants.

Submission Details and Timeline

If you have any questions, please reach out to the contest chair, Aaron Noble, at aaron.noble@vt.edu 
Both the letter of intent and the video can be submitted by email to: aaron.noble@vt.edu 

Letter of intent: due October 27
Video: due November 24
Winners announced: early December