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| 14 Sep 2026 | |
| Written by Gaby Vita | |
| Canada | |
| Events News |
| IGS North America |
Before the technical program of the 13th International Conference on Geosynthetics began in Montréal, IGS leaders, committee chairs, staff and Corporate Members came together for a busy weekend of reflection, strategic planning and conversation about the Society’s future.
The weekend provided an important opportunity to recognize the progress made over the past four years while beginning to shape the priorities that will guide the IGS through the 2026–2030 term.
On Saturday, September 12, the IGS Officers and staff gathered for an eight-hour meeting focused on the Society’s achievements, current activities and future direction.
The meeting brought together President Daniele Cazzuffi, Vice President Laura Carbone, Immediate Past President Sam Allen, Secretary Giulia Lugli and Treasurer Jie Han, alongside Executive Director John Kraus, Secretariat Manager Elise Oatman and Marketing and Communications Manager Gabriella Vita.
The group reflected on the progress achieved during the 2022–2026 term before turning its attention to the next four years. Discussions centered on how the Society can build upon its existing work, strengthen its international impact and continue delivering meaningful value to its members.
President Daniele Cazzuffi presented the five goals that will guide his presidential term:
These goals provided the foundation for detailed discussions about the Society’s priorities, programs and opportunities for greater international collaboration.
On Sunday, September 13, 31 representatives, including Officers, Council Members, committee chairs and staff, gathered for the IGS Council Meeting.
The meeting opened with President Cazzuffi outlining his vision and priorities for the 2026–2030 term. Treasurer Jie Han then provided an overview of the Society’s financial position, supporting discussions about responsible investment in activities that benefit members and advance the use of geosynthetics worldwide.
The chairs of the IGS Technical Committees and Diversity Committee also shared their plans for upcoming activities, initiatives and events. Their updates demonstrated the breadth of work taking place across the Society, from technical knowledge development and education to collaboration, inclusion and professional engagement.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in productive discussions about the IGS strategy for the next four years and how its different groups can work together to turn the Society’s priorities into action.
The weekend concluded on Sunday evening with the IGS Corporate Member Reception, hosted by Corporate Member Committee Chair Angelo Ricciuti.
Around 100 representatives from IGS Corporate Members gathered to reconnect with colleagues from across the international geosynthetics community and mark the beginning of 13ICG.
Immediate Past President Sam Allen reflected on the achievements of the past four years and recognized the important role Corporate Members played in supporting the Society’s activities and progress throughout his presidential term.
President Cazzuffi then looked ahead to the next four years, sharing his priorities for the new term and emphasizing that Corporate Members will continue to have an important role in the development and advancement of the Society.
The reception provided a fitting conclusion to a productive opening weekend, bringing together reflection on past achievements, a clear vision for the future and the people whose knowledge, commitment and collaboration make the work of the IGS possible.
As 13ICG gets underway, we look forward to sharing more news, insights and photographs from Montréal for members who are unable to join us in person.
