Conference Activities & Special Events
SAGEEP 2026 | Geophysics in the 21st Century
March 15–19, 2026 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
SAGEEP 2026 offers a full week of technical programming, networking, special events, and professional development opportunities. Below is a day-by-day overview of featured activities and social events taking place throughout the conference.
Sunday, March 15
Short Courses (Select Offerings)
Short courses begin Sunday and include half-day technical training opportunities:
SC-1: Introduction to the Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) Method
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (ET)
Instructor: Julian Ivanov, Kansas Geological Survey
SC-2A: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Principles, Applications, and Fundamental Data Processing
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (ET)
Instructor: Dr. Jan Francke, Groundradar
SC-3: TEM Tools
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (ET)
Instructor: Laura Quigley, Seequent
SC-4: Borehole Geophysics with Mount Sopris
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (ET)
Instructor: Hanna Flamme, Mount Sopris
SC-2B: Advanced GPR Data Processing, Interpretation Strategies, and Common Pitfalls
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (ET)
Instructor: Dr. Jan Francke, Groundradar
Please review the Short Courses page for full descriptions and registration details.
Monday, March 16
Opening Session, Awards & Keynote Presentations
8:15–10:40 AM | Grand Ballroom 3–4
SAGEEP 2026 begins with the Opening Session, which includes presentation of:
- The John Nicholl Memorial Award
- Early Career Award (ECA)
- Institutional Awards
Keynote Presentations
Dr. Jonathan E. Nyquist
From Rock Hammers to Python Notebooks
A SWOT analysis of skills, curricula, and constraints shaping geoscience education today.
Kristin M. Carter, PG, CPG
The Pennsylvania Geological Survey: An Historical Tale of Four Surveys
Join us for a presentation from Kristin Carter on the Pennsylvania Geological Survey’s evolution over time — from the First Survey’s early reconnaissance of the Commonwealth’s geologic resources in the mid-1800s to the Fourth Survey’s 21st Century approach to preparing and delivering geologic data and products.
Milestones in Near Surface Geophysics: A Tribute to Pete Haeni
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 3–4
This special standalone session honors the legacy and contributions of Pete Haeni to the field of near-surface geophysics. Join colleagues and leaders in the profession as we reflect on key advancements and milestones that have shaped the discipline.
Sponsored by: Hager-Richter Geoscience, Inc. (HRGS) and Schnabel Engineering
Technical Sessions
2:20 PM – 3:00 PM | Breakout Session Rooms
Concurrent technical sessions begin and continue throughout the day across multiple tracks.
Exhibit Hall Icebreaker
3:00–5:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 1–2
Reconnect with colleagues and meet exhibitors during the official Exhibit Hall Icebreaker. Enjoy refreshments while exploring the latest equipment, software, instrumentation, and services from leading industry providers.
Student Event: Geophysics is for the Birds
6:00–8:00 PM | National Aviary of Pittsburgh
The EEGS Education Committee invites all SAGEEP attendees to the annual Student Event mixer following the Exhibit Hall Icebreaker.
Geophysics students and professionals are welcome to attend for food, beverages, networking, and a chance for close encounters of the bird kind. This event provides a relaxed setting for students, early-career professionals, and experienced practitioners to connect in a uniquely Pittsburgh venue.
Sponsored by: Terracon; AEG-Greater Pittsburgh; EQT; Hager-Richter Geoscience, Inc. (HRGS); Pittsburgh Geological Society (PGS); and Schnabel Engineering.
Tuesday, March 17
Technical Sessions
8:00 AM – 3:20 PM | Breakout Session Rooms
Concurrent technical sessions begin and continue throughout the day across multiple tracks.
Featured Luncheon Speaker
12:00–1:20 PM | Commonwealth
Join us for a featured luncheon presentation by Dr. William Harbert, Professor of Geology & Planetary Science, University of Pittsburgh - titled, "Deep Learning, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence as they impact the Geosciences". This session offers valuable academic perspective while providing time to connect with fellow attendees.
Exhibit Networking, Refreshments & Outdoor Equipment Demonstrations
Program Update: Please note that the Outdoor Equipment Demonstrations originally scheduled for Tuesday afternoon during SAGEEP 2026 have been cancelled. We invite attendees to join us for the extended Exhibit Hall Refreshments on Tuesday afternoon, offering additional time to connect with exhibitors and colleagues.
3:30–5:00 PM | Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown - Grand Ballroom 1-2 & Hotel Grounds
This extended networking session will create a hybrid experience between the exhibit hall and outdoor demonstration area, located just outside the conference venue. Attendees will be able to move freely between both spaces while enjoying afternoon refreshments in the exhibit hall.
The session is designed to provide additional networking time with exhibitors while giving attendees the opportunity to see geophysical equipment and techniques demonstrated in a hands-on environment.
Conference Evening Event: Dining with the Dinosaurs
6:00–8:30 PM | Carnegie Museum of Art & Natural History
Advance registration is recommended.
Sponsored by: Huntley & Huntley, Inc.
Wednesday, March 18
GAINS Luncheon & Capstone Panel
12:00–1:30 PM | Commonwealth
The EEGS Education Committee invites attendees to the “capstone” of the 2026 Geophysical Applications in Near Surface (GAINS) program.
Subject Matter Experts from industry and academia will participate in an open forum discussion on the past, present, and future of geophysics education, as well as workforce development challenges and opportunities. Students and professionals at all levels are encouraged to attend, engage, and contribute to the dialogue.
Featured panelists include:
- Jacob Sheehan, Schnabel Engineering
- Blair Schneider, Ph.D., Kansas Geological Survey
-
Sage Wagner, P.Gp., Terracon
-
Kennedy Doro, Ph.D., University of Toledo
-
Jordan Hayes, Ph.D., Dickinson College
-
Richard Krahenbuhl, Ph.D., Colorado School of Mines
Sponsored by: IRIS Instruments and Colorado School of Mines
Wrap-Up Reception & Poster Session
3:30–5:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 1–2
Conclude SAGEEP 2026 with the Wrap-Up Reception and Poster Session, held in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Geological Society. Celebrate the week’s discussions, explore poster presentations, and continue networking before departure.
Sponsored by: Pittsburgh Geological Society (PGS)
Thursday, March 19
SC-5: Advanced Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) Method — Active and Passive
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ET)
Instructor: Julian Ivanov, Kansas Geological Survey
Field Trip: Tour-Ed Coal Mine & Museum
9:30 AM–1:30 PM | Tarentum, PA
