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 in Salt Lake City.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Geo-Institute, a technical institute within the American Society of Civil Engineers, is celebrating its 30th anniversary at Geo-Congress 2026, taking place March 9-13 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. The annual conference, which started as Geo-Logan 97 at Utah State University, has grown into a nationally recognized event for geotechnical engineering professionals, researchers, and students.

Why it matters

The Geo-Institute's 30th anniversary and the return of Geo-Congress to Utah highlight the long-standing relationship between the institute and Utah State University, as well as the conference's evolution from a regional event to a nationally significant forum for advancing geotechnical engineering technologies and practices.

The details

Established in 1996 as part of ASCE's strategic vision, the Geo-Institute operates as a semi-autonomous technical institute within the American Society of Civil Engineers. Geo-Congress, the institute's annual conference, offers technical sessions, short courses, lectures, and special events celebrating three decades of innovation and leadership in geotechnical engineering.

  • The Geo-Institute hosted its first annual meeting in 1997 at Utah State University under the name Geo-Logan 97.
  • Geo-Congress 2026 will take place March 9-13 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.
  • The Geo-Institute is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Geo-Institute

A technical institute within the American Society of Civil Engineers that was established in 1996 to advance the geotechnical engineering profession.

Utah State University

The university that hosted the first Geo-Logan 97 conference in 1997, which set the stage for the nationally recognized Geo-Congress event.

Marv Halling

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

Ryan Maw

The principal of Gerhart Gole and co-chair of Geo-Congress 2026, who highlighted Utah State University's foundational role in shaping the conference.

Loren Anderson

The organizing committee chair for the first Geo-Logan 97 conference, who welcomed the return of the event to Utah.

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What they’re saying

“The American Society of Civil Engineers is the largest and most visible professional society related to the many disciplines of civil engineering. 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.”

— Marv Halling, Head of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Utah State University (usu.edu)

“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.”

— Ryan Maw, Principal, Gerhart Gole and co-chair of Geo-Congress 2026 (usu.edu)

“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. 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.”

— Ryan Maw, Principal, Gerhart Gole and co-chair of Geo-Congress 2026 (usu.edu)

“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. Welcome back to Utah.”

— Loren Anderson, Organizing committee chair, Geo-Logan 97 (usu.edu)

What’s next

Geo-Congress 2026 will take place March 9-13 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, bringing together geotechnical engineering professionals, researchers, and students from around the world to celebrate the Geo-Institute's 30th anniversary.

The takeaway

The return of Geo-Congress to Utah and the Geo-Institute's 30th anniversary highlight the long-standing partnership between the institute and Utah State University, as well as the conference's evolution into a nationally recognized event that advances geotechnical engineering technologies and practices for a safer, better world.