The MPSA invites conference attendees who are graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, contingent faculty, junior faculty, or PhDs in non-academic positions to meet with faculty mentors over refreshments in a small-group setting. 

The Mentoring Reception will be held during the MPSA Annual Conference on Friday April 24, 2026 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL. You must be registered for the in-person conference to participate; there will not be an option to participate virtually. Please review your conference schedule before you RSVP for the Mentoring Reception.

Each mentor will connect with a group of no more than four mentees to discuss current research and professional aspirations. Your contact information and questions/conversation topics will be shared with your mentor and fellow participants in your small group. 

Short biographical sketches of this year’s mentors can be found here. Mentors are organized into two groups - one for undergraduate students and another for graduate students and professionals - so please be sure to review and select mentors within your respective professional level. Mentors are available on a first come, first served basis. 

RSVP to participate in the Mentoring Reception no later than Friday April 10, 2026.

There will be no on-site signups for this event, so mentors will have plenty of time to review the information for those in their group prior to the event.