Description
This event is divided into two parts: the SOFE Local Heats during the day, followed by the Networking Reception and Buffet Dinner in the evening. The event will take place at the Museum of Making in Derby, a fantastic venue that celebrates the region’s rich engineering heritage while looking forward to the next generation of engineers. It’s the perfect setting to connect with the past, present, and future of engineering in the heart of the East Midlands.
SOFE Local Heats
The Speak Out for Engineering (SOFE) Local Heats provide young engineers with a unique opportunity to showcase their presentation skills in front of a panel of judges and a diverse audience. Participants will demonstrate their ability to communicate complex engineering concepts clearly and engagingly.
For more information on how to enter the competition, see the details below.
Networking Reception and Buffet Dinner
In the evening, we invite everyone to join us for a buffet networking reception, where you can mingle with some of the leading figures from IMechE. Special guests include:
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Matt Garside, IMechE President
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Professor Helen James, Education & Skills Strategy Chair
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Nick Valentine, Young Members Board Chair
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry professionals, share ideas, and learn from influential voices in the engineering community. Whether you're participating in the competition or simply looking to network, you’re welcome to join us for this relaxed and insightful evening. The winner of the day’s competition will also be announced at the reception!
Ticket Information:
You don’t need to be a part of the competition to attend the networking reception—everyone is welcome!
Don't miss out! Register now to secure your spot in this exciting event and be part of a great day of learning, networking, and celebration.
How to Enter the Competition (note the deadline has now passed)
To participate in the SOFE local heats, simply register by selecting one entrant ticket. Once registered, you’ll receive an email with further details about the presentation requirements. Please submit a 200-word synopsis of your presentation to the regional secretary (Tom Hughes) by 26th September to be eligible for the competition using the contact details on this page.
The Speak Out for Engineering (SOFE) competition, organised annually by IMechE’s Young Members, was established in 1964 to challenge young engineers to communicate effectively. The competition has evolved to allow for greater participation, while maintaining its core focus on effective communication.
It’s open to Affiliate, Associate, or Young Members of IMechE who have been professionally registered for 10 years or less. Participants are required to deliver an oral presentation on a mechanical engineering topic, lasting 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session with the judges.
The competition emphasises presentation skills (90% of the marks) over technical content (10%), allowing a broad range of topics, from simple to complex, to be presented effectively. This competition promotes interest in verbal and visual communication, aiming to enhance young engineers’ ability to explain and describe technical subjects clearly.