What is it?
Launching in Spring 2027, Ideas in Motion is an annual, curated gathering of stories, perspectives, and ideas worth sharing.
Each year centers on a unifying theme, inviting SPS alumni to explore it through their own unique experiences and insights. 4 alumni will be selected from the pool of applicants to develop and deliver 12-minute talks, virtually (Zoom), each exploring a single, memorable idea through the lens of that year’s theme – one that challenges assumptions, offers a fresh perspective, or invites us to see something familiar in a new way. Selected speakers will will engage with student and alumni audience members through a 25-minute networking session following the event,
At its heart, Ideas in Motion is a space for alumni to share what they’ve learned, questioned, and come to see differently – and for our community to connect through those perspectives.
2027 Annual Theme: The Weight of Choice
We make choices every day, but some choices carry more weight than others. At a time when technology is reshaping industries, economic uncertainty is redefining stability, and career paths are becoming increasingly nonlinear, deciding what comes next can feel both more consequential and more complicated.
The Weight of Choice invites us to explore the ideas, experiences, and unexpected lessons that emerge when we face decisions without a clear or certain path forward. What influences the choices we make? When do we stay the course, and when do we change direction? How do we know when to take a risk, let go of an opportunity, or redefine what success means? And what can we learn from the choices that didn’t turn out the way we expected?
For Ideas in Motion, we are looking for fresh perspectives rather than straightforward career stories. Your talk might challenge a familiar assumption, introduce an unexpected idea, reveal something you have discovered through your work or experience, or make a compelling argument about a choice we often take for granted. Your topic does not need to be directly about career decisions; rather, it should offer a distinctive idea that illuminates some aspect of how we navigate choice, uncertainty, change, or possibility.
What Makes a Strong Ideas in Motion Talk?
Your experience and expertise are what make your perspective valuable, but the strongest Ideas in Motion talks take a specialized experience and connect it to something broader.
Consider sharing what your experience has taught you about something we can all think about. A strong talk might draw from a specific industry, research area, or professional experience, but the central thesis should resonate beyond that context. Ask yourself:
“If someone outside my field heard this talk, would they walk away seeing something differently?”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Schedule
- Event Date: Tuesday, March 9th, 2027
- Event Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Location: Virtual / Zoom
Agenda
| Welcome (5 minutes) | 6:00 – 6:05 PM |
| Speaker Series (60 minutes) Each speaker’s presentation is 12 minutes long 3 mins is allotted for introductions between speakers, each | Speaker 1: 6:05 – 6:20 PM Speaker 2: 6:20 – 6:35 PM Speaker 3: 6:35 – 6:50 PM Speaker 4: 6:50 – 7:05 PM |
| Breakout Networking Session (25 minutes) | 7:05 – 7:30 PM |
Audience
Master’s students and alumni of all ages, programs, and career stages are invited to attend this event as a member of the audience. This population consists of:
- Current and former executive and professional master’s students
- Current and former residential master’s students
- Current and former online master’s students
Yes. Applicants do not need to have a fully developed talk (they do not need to have a fully developed presentation or script); however, they should be able to clearly articulate the idea they are interested in exploring in specific detail.
Yes. Alumni may submit more than one idea for consideration. However, each selected speaker will deliver only one presentation; 4 unique presentations from 4 different alumni will be selected for the 2027 event.
No. Ideas in Motion talks are designed for a single speaker and should be grounded in the speaker’s own experiences, expertise, and perspective.
The details and direction of your presentation may evolve as you develop your talk. However, the central thesis should remain aligned with the idea proposed in your application and the annual theme. Significant changes in topic or direction will be reviewed by the Career Services team on a case-by-case basis.
Preparation time will vary depending on your experience, the development of your idea, and your individual approach to preparing and practicing a presentation. Selected speakers should expect to dedicate time between December and March to developing their idea, creating and refining their presentation, incorporating feedback, and practicing their delivery. While the preparation process is individualized, we anticipate that speakers will spend approximately 15–25 hours preparing for the event over the course of the program.
Having slides is optional. Please note, Ideas in Motion is a virtual event, speakers are expected to use visual/auditory tools to present their idea, or should be expert storytellers to complement the presentation and bring their ideas to life.
You don’t need to be an experienced public speaker to participate. Prior to the event speakers will participate in a Presentation Rehearsal with Brown staff, faculty, and fellow speakers. This provides an opportunity to practice in a supportive environment, work through nerves, receive feedback, and refine your delivery before the event.