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By now, you’ve heard the buzz. Geotechnical Frontiers is coming back in March 2025. Hundreds have stepped forward to be part of the program as speakers, authors, instructors or session chairs. Exhibitors have been picking their booths on the rapidly filling show floor and sponsors have been deciding how they want to support the industry’s largest event in North America. But what makes it so special? Why should you care? That’s easy.
The Geotechnical Frontiers specialty conference combines the biennial Geosynthetics Conference and the Geo-Institute’s annual Geo-Congress. This event is where the industry unites to share developments in geotechnical engineering and technologies. This will be the fourth installment of the event and once again, attendees can look forward to plenary lectures from some of the brightest stars in the industry as well as short courses, technical sessions, panel discussions, student competitions, a vast array of suppliers in the exhibit hall and networking opportunities galore, including the popular welcome reception.
As of press time, the organizing committee is still hard at work with the help of a small army of reviewers to get the technical program ready for you to experience and enjoy. By the time you read this, most of the final program will be posted online. Stop by the website and review the latest version of the schedule. Curious for a look behind the curtain? Here is what we can share today.
Short courses
Geotechnical Frontiers begins Sunday, March 2, 2025, with seven in-depth short courses. These classes are detailed classroom education for small groups and vary from four to eight hours.
- CPT & CPTu Application for Deep Foundations Geotechnical Design: Databased Approach
- Deasign and Construction of Energy Geostructures
- Design of Equipment Foundations
- Filter Evaluation for Dams and Levees Using the Risk Management Center: Filter Evaluation (Continuation) Toolbox
- Fundamentals of Geosynthetics
- Geosynthetics in Roadway Design
- Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessments of Geosynthetics and Geosystems
Plenary sessions and Geo-PIT talks
The H. Bolton Seed Plenary Session on Sunday night is the official kickoff of the conference. It is the first of seven plenary sessions scheduled at the start and end of each day. These lectures bring attendees together to hear from the biggest names in the industry sharing crucial industry insight. For a full list and a look at whom the speakers are, take a look at the online schedule.
Plenary sessions include the H. Bolton Seed Lecture, Shamsher Prakash Lecture, Robert M. Koerner Award and Lecture, Karl Terzaghi Lecture and Ralph B. Peck Lecture.
In addition to the headlining speaker at each plenary session, this year also features the addition of Geo-PIT talks. These 12-minute talks will follow the morning plenary speakers on the big stage. Talks are selected to be interesting, entertaining, out-of-the-box and generally non-technical.
Special sessions
These 90-minute sessions are a mix of panel discussions and lectures. They feature a deep dive into a single topic.
- Current Topics of Interest in ASTM D35 (Geosynthetics)
- Embracing a Digital Geotechnical Workflow
- FGI Technical Session: Waterpower and Containment
- From the Grain Up: Characterization and Modeling of Particulate Materials
- GeoStrata 25th Anniversary
- Geosynthetics: A Proven Path to Resilience and Sustainability
- Geotechnical Considerations for the Design of Sustainable Pavement Foundations
- Geotechnical Theatre Presents: Cause and Effect
- It’s Not Just a Line on a Piece of Paper: Understanding Risk of Various Trenchless Methods
- Khamis Haramy Award sessions (FHWA)
- Toward a Resilient Future: Evolution, State of the Practice and Future of Geosynthetics in Geotechnical and MSE Design
- Welding of Geomembranes
- Women in Geosynthetics Round Table
Poster sessions
Located on the show floor, these sessions feature rows of poster presentations on a wide variety of topics. They allow attendees to select the individual papers they are most interested in and directly connect with the authors for details and a unique opportunity to ask questions.
Technical sessions
Located in the classrooms, these sessions feature 12-15 minute podium lectures grouped by topic.
Opening reception
During this popular event, attendees enjoy drinks and appetizers while connecting with old and new colleagues and exploring the extensive exhibit hall. Plan to come back several times during the week to discover all 200-plus exhibitors.
Student competitions
The conference offers unique opportunities to watch lively student competitions, including the Wall and student posters. Come prepared to cheer on your favorites!
Louisville Slugger Museum
Monday evening features an exciting offsite event at the Slugger Museum. This add-on activity includes a reception and access to explore this iconic location in Louisville.
Register for the conference and book your hotel today
Did this sneak peek get you excited for Louisville? Want to get your planning underway in earnest? It’s a great time to make your plans to join the crowd in Louisville! Stop by geotechnicalfrontiers.com for details. We are anticipating 2,500 attendees from across the geotechnical industry and hope you will be one of them!
Learn more at Geotechnicalfrontiers.com
Secretary General
Geotechnical Frontiers 2025
+651 225 6914
barbara.connett@textiles.org
To receive regular conference updates via email, send your request to barbara.connett@textiles.org