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Capstone Networking Night

After project approval, local sponsors may attend an in‑person event where you can meet student teams interested in your project, discuss next steps, learn more about the Information School and meet other sponsors.

Read below to find out more information including what to expect, what to bring and where to park.

Who will be there?

Sponsors with approved projects and their representatives will receive an invitation to attend. This is an in-person event at the University of Washington, Seattle campus.

MSIM and MLIS students and teams will share information about their skills and interests. Students will meet with a variety of sponsors to discuss project ideas and gather additional project information.

What to expect

  • Light appetizers and lots of time in conversation.
  • Quick chats between sponsors, students, and teams. 
  • Sponsors and students will share email contact information to allow for deeper discussions after networking night.
  • Student teams will be asking clarifying questions about project objectives, constraints, data and stakeholders.
  • Information School faculty and staff will be onsite and able to answer questions.

What to bring

Networking is the goal of the night; the list below are recommendations of what to bring based on past events and recommendations from other sponsors.

  • Something with your organization name and/or logo to help students find you.
  • Anything that makes your project come alive, such as handouts, visuals, etc.
  • Your availability for deeper discussions.
  • Business cards or a QR code with contact details.

Parking at the UW (closest to the HUB)

Plan ahead

Nearest option: Padelford Garage

Padelford Garage is the nearest parking to the Husky Union Building (HUB). Enter from Pend Oreille Road off Montlake Blvd NE, park in signed visitor areas, and take the escalators up to Stevens Way to reach the HUB. Visitor parking requires payment during posted hours; confirm current rates and hours with UW Transportation Services.

Alternative: Central Plaza Garage (CPG)

CPG sits under Red Square near Suzzallo Library and offers self‑serve visitor parking on levels C02–C04; evening/weekend rates may differ. From CPG, it’s a short campus walk to the HUB.

After Capstone Networking Night

Late October: Capstone Networking Night event
The next day: Expect follow‑up emails from interested teams to schedule interviews or a pitch‑off as needed.
Within 1–2 weeks: Complete team conversations and evaluate fit (skills, scope, access, timeline).
By mid‑November: Select your team and notify the team by email; copying the Capstone team at iCapstone@uw.edu.

Choosing between multiple teams (MSIM & MLIS Sponsors)

Option A: Team interviews

Schedule individual 15–20 minute conversations with each interested team to discuss approach, scope and constraints. Ask for a short capabilities overview and leave time for Q&A.

Option B: Pitch‑off format

Block 60–90 minutes and have teams present back‑to‑back (5–10 minutes each) followed by brief questions. This side‑by‑side format makes comparisons easy and accelerates your decision.

The Information School Capstone team can help facilitate scheduling and follow‑ups with student teams if needed.

Contact

Email: iCapstone@uw.edu

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