Geo-Institute Celebrates 30 Years as Geo-Congress 2026 Returns to Utah

Three decades of advancing geotechnical engineering will be honored at Geo-Congress 2026, taking place March 9-13 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. The Geo-Institute’s 30th anniversary will bring together professionals, researchers and students worldwide for five days dedicated to technical exchange, professional development and networking.

Established in 1996 as part of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ strategic vision to advance the geotechnical engineering profession, the Geo-Institute operates as a semi-autonomous technical institute within ASCE. Its annual conference, Geo-Congress, offers outstanding opportunities for geo-professionals and students, featuring cutting-edge technical sessions, short courses, lectures and special events celebrating three decades of innovation and leadership in geotechnical engineering.

Marv Halling, head of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Utah State University, emphasized the long-standing relationship between the university and the Geo-Institute.

“The American Society of Civil Engineers is the largest and most visible professional society related to the many disciplines of civil engineering,” Halling said. “Over the years our geotechnical engineering faculty and students have been connected to the Geo-Institute through its outreach and close community. We look forward to being a part of the 30th anniversary of the institute and Geo-Congress.”

The significance of the anniversary also reflects the conference’s growth from its origins in Utah to a nationally recognized event.

“Since its inception at Geo-Logan, Geo-Congress has traveled across north America, evolving into a forum where engineers, scientists, students and industry leaders collaborate to advance technologies and practice for a safer, better world,” said Ryan Maw, principal of Gerhart Gole and co-chair of Geo-Congress 2026.

Maw also highlighted USU’s foundational role in shaping the conference.

“Utah State University’s contribution to the first Geo-Congress, driven by the leadership of Dr. Loren Anderson, established the standard for this conference and cannot be overstated,” Maw said. “As a proud Utah State graduate and a former student of Dr. Anderson, I am honored to serve as this year’s Geo-Congress co-chair and to continue the tradition of Aggies making a meaningful impact in our communities.”

The institute hosted its first annual meeting in 1997 at Utah State University under the name Geo-Logan 97.

“Geotechnical Engineers from throughout the USA gathered in Logan for a week of activities including technical sessions, field demonstrations, field trips, technical committee meetings, family activities and an evening at an outdoor theater in the nearby mountains,” said Loren Anderson, organizing committee chair. “Welcome back to Utah.”

Originally, the conference committee anticipated approximately 400 participants for this four-day event, but interest far exceeded expectations, with nearly 750 attendees joining the first official meeting.

Geo-Logan 97 set the stage for that would become the nationally recognized Geo-Congress of today, a cornerstone event for the geotechnical community.