Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is an honor and a privilege to personally invite you to join us in Montreal this September for the 13th International Conference on Geosynthetics (13 ICG). I encourage you to extend this invitation to your professional networks too, as this will be a truly unique opportunity to engage with stakeholders from within and outside of the geosynthetics industry and to explore the broader forces shaping infrastructure and society.

So many things make 13 ICG a must-attend event. While geosynthetics remain at the core of the discussions, the conference will deliberately look beyond traditional boundaries. Themes such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, and lifecycle performance will enhance our technical foundations and challenge us to think more broadly about the value we deliver and the future we help build.

The technical program reflects depth and ambition:

• 250+ presentations
• 11 featured lectures (including luminaries from organizations such as the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, International Commission on Large Dams, and Geosynthetic Materials Association)
• 6 plenary sessions
• Interactive panel discussions that follow and expand upon keynotes
• Sessions led by IGS Technical Committees
• UN Sustainable Development Goals insight from the Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact Network
• The IAGI GeoGames, highlighting installation and construction quality
• And much, much more

These learning and networking opportunities will ensure that every participant finds relevance, inspiration, and action in the program.

Follow the schedule updates here: https://www.13icg-montreal.org/program-at-a-glance/ 

Lecture Highlights:

The keynote program will feature three prestigious IGS Lectures:

• The Giroud Lecture
• The Bathurst Lecture
• The Rowe Lecture

The supporting Featured Lecture program will highlight additional emerging and important topics in geosynthetics through invited presentations from distinguished experts who represent the geosynthetics field and external organizations. Connected papers and panel discussions will expand upon these issues in infrastructure design, construction practices, service life evaluation, and long-term value. Importantly, the inclusion of voices from outside our field will provide fresh perspectives that strengthen geosynthetics within the broader context of global engineering innovation. 

Full details are available at: https://www.13icg-montreal.org/keynotes/ 

IGS General Assembly:

The ICG is held only every four years, and no ICG would be complete without the IGS General Assembly. Open to all IGS members, the general assembly represents a cornerstone of our Society’s governance and transparency. During this session, I will provide a report on current and ongoing initiatives as I conclude my term as President, followed by a comprehensive update from the IGS Treasurer on the fiscal health of the Society. We will also hear the first official address from our newly elected President, Daniele Cazzuffi, who will share his vision for the future of the IGS. 

This meeting is an essential opportunity for members to engage directly with the leadership of the Society and participate in shaping its direction.

The 13 ICG Trade Show:

For organizations seeking to engage more visibly, a limited number of exhibit and sponsorship opportunities remain. Participation offers a unique platform to connect with leaders from industry, academia, and government in a highly focused and international setting. 

More information can be found at: https://www.13icg-montreal.org/exhibits-and-sponsorships/ 

Additional Highlights:

Convince Your Boss: If you or your colleagues require justification to attend, please review the key benefits of participation here for the various stakeholders involved: https://www.13icg-montreal.org/convince-your-boss/ 

Special Offer: Enhance your participation by adding the new IGS Geosynthetics Handbook to your registration, a book that has rightfully taken its place as a must-have materials resource for engineering students as well as practicing engineers. The Geosynthetics Handbook will be available for collection on-site in Montreal at a significant discount. Registration and details are available here: https://www.xcdsystem.com/icg/member/index.cfm 

Why You Need to Be Here: 13 ICG offers the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships, and experience the vibrant culture of Montreal—one of the world’s great international cities. 

13 ICG Gala: The conference gala, reinforcing the 13 ICG theme “Legacy, Evolution and Revolution,” will be held at the renowned Cirque Eloize and promises an exceptional evening of culture, creativity, and professional camaraderie, including performances, a seated dinner, the IGS Foundation Silent Auction, and a special appearance by the 13 ICG GeoBand.

To stay informed and connected:

Conference website: https://www.13icg-montreal.org/ 

Newsletter signup available on the homepage

General inquiries: general@13icg-montreal.org  

Conference phone: 1-888-225-6233

The 13 ICG is more than a conference—it is a moment to engage with new ideas, to strengthen our global community, and to reaffirm the essential role of geosynthetics in addressing the challenges of our time. I strongly encourage you to be part of this important and inspiring event.

I look forward to welcoming you to Montreal.

Yours sincerely,

Samuel R. Allen

President, International Geosynthetics Society

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