Call for Proposals
GSA Connects 2026 Meeting in Denver, Colorado
Thank you for your interest in the 2026 GSA Connects Meeting in Denver, Colorado, USA. The GSA Connects meeting will take place from Sunday, 11 October 2026 to Wednesday, 14 October 2026. The Opening Reception/Icebreaker will occur on Sarurday, 10 October 2026.
Meeting Themes
Celebrating a Century of Continental Drift: Understanding Earth in Motion:
Honoring a century of discovery that reshaped Earth science.
Riverscapes in Transition: Dynamics, Hazards, and Human Futures:
Science at the intersection of water, climate, landscape, and society.
Innovations in Exploration from Deep Earth to Deep Space:
From AI to Yttrium - Developing Technologies to Transform Earth Science
All technical sessions will be in-person for 2026.
Proposers Please Note: Before you begin to fill out the forms, in addition to the proposal text, please have all of the contact information available for ALL of your conveners or advocates (full first and last names, affiliation, full address, and e-mail).
Topical Sessions
Topical sessions are designed to promote the exchange of timely or state-of-the-art information on a specific topic. Topical Sessions may be submitted by any GSA member, affiliated societies, or non-members.
Each topical session is a combination of volunteered and up to two (2) session-chair invited papers. Session chairs may present in their own sessions, but cannot be one of the two invited speakers. Please note, invited speakers may present two other volunteered abstracts at the meeting (one oral and one poster, or two posters).
Pardee Keynote Symposia
Pardee Keynote Symposia are prestigious events that highlight important scientific topics and/or issues of relevance to the geoscience community. All presenters and/or panelists are invited by the conveners. Pardees should not be viewed as glorified topical sessions. They are expected to be sufficiently different so that they will attract a broad audience and generate excitement in the community. Please note that Pardee proposals submitted in honor of an individual will typically not be considered.
The selection process is competitive. Pardee proposals should be carefully prepared, with attention given to all aspects outlined here. In particular, the proposal must specify clearly why the proposed symposium merits Pardee status. Therefore, a statement of significance, stating the way(s) in which the topic is timely, important, and relevant to the geoscience community, is a key requirement.
Field Trips
Field Trips offer immersive, place-based learning experiences that bring geology to life. These excursions range from half-day outings to multi-day adventures and blend scientific discovery with hands-on exploration, often supported by a published field guide. Designed to engage participants at every career stage, they provide opportunities to study classic sites, emerging research areas, and landscapes of enduring significance. This page is also where leaders can submit proposals for the Warren Hamilton and Kirk Bryan Field Trips.
Short Courses
Short Courses provide focused learning experiences across a wide range of geological and interdisciplinary topics. They offer a venue for presenters to share emerging science, innovative technologies, and practical methodologies. Designed to strengthen professional, teaching, and research skills at all career stages, these courses are led by knowledgeable experts committed to cultivating the next generation of geoscientists.
Geocareers Sessions
GeoCareers Sessions offer targeted professional development opportunities that help participants navigate and advance their careers in the geosciences. These sessions highlight diverse career pathways, practical skill-building, and real-world perspectives from professionals across industry, academia, government, and beyond. With an emphasis on mentorship, workforce readiness, and community connection, GeoCareers Sessions equip attendees with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving field.
Endorsements
Endorsements elevate visibility for your topical session, field trip, and/or short course and help tap into avenues for promotion. You can request endorsements from GSA Divisions and Associated Societies during your submission.
Ethics Disclosure
All individuals submitting a proposal are expected to embody the ethical standards set forth in GSA's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. You will be required to be able to answer "NO" to both of the following questions in order for your proposal to be reviewed:
- Has any court, regulatory agency, employer, or other public or private entity issued a restriction, sanction, ban, or any other form of discipline against you based on a finding that you engaged in professional misconduct of the type covered in GSA's Code of Ethics?
- To the best of your knowledge, are you currently under investigation by any court, regulatory agency, employer, or other public or private entity for professional misconduct of the type covered in GSA's Code of Ethics?
Proposal deadline: 11:59 PM (Pacific Time), Thursday, 19 February 2026.
Select the link below to submit a topical session, symposium, field trip, or short course proposal to the 2026 GSA Connects Meeting in Denver, Colorado, USA.
Proposal Form: Requirements and proposal submission form.
Changes can be made to your proposal until the proposal deadline, after which your proposal submission is final.
Electronic Submission Required