About Geotechnical Frontiers

Geotechnical Frontiers 2025 occurs every six years and is the merging of the Geosynthetics Conference and the annual Geo-Congress replacing both events in 2025. This popular event is where the geotechnical, civil and geo-professional communities unite to share developments in geotechnical engineering and technologies.

The four-day event features more than 200 exhibits, plus a comprehensive program of short courses, panel discussions, round table discussions, technical paper lectures and posters presented by top industry experts as well as the industries most influential plenary speakers. Geotechnical Frontiers 2025 offers many opportunities to connect with your peers on the trade show floor, at receptions, luncheons and other valuable networking events.

Geotechnical Frontiers 2025 is organized by the Advanced Textile Association’s Geosynthetic Materials Association and the American Society of Civil Engineer’s Geo-Institute.

Program Committee Chair
Daniel Alzamora, PE | Federal Highway Administration

Technical Program Co-chairs
Melissa Beauregard, Ph.D., PE, ENV-SP | US Army Corps of Engineers
Aaron S. Budge, Ph.D., PE, | Minnesota State, Mankato

Exhibit Chair
John Lostumbo, PE | Solmax

Conference Advisor
Michelle L. Barry, Ph.D., PE | University of Arkansas
Stan Boyle, Ph.D., PE | Shannon & Wilson , Inc.
Sara Khoshnevisan, Ph.D. | University of Cincinnati

Local Liason (Academic)
L. Sebastian Bryson, PhD., PE, D.GE, F.ASCE | University of Kentucky

Local Liason (Industry)
Samantha Schardein | US Army Corps of Engineers

Geo-Institute Representative
Brad Keelor | Geo-Institute

Geosynthetics Materials Association
Fred Chuck, PE | Geosynthetics Materials Association

Secretary General / Event Manager
Barbara Connett | Advanced Textiles Association

The Geosynthetics Materials Association (GMA), a division of the Advanced Textile Association (ATA) and the Geo-Institute (G-I) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Geo-Institute
The Geo-Institute (G-I) is a specialty organization focused on the geo–industry. Created by the American Society of Civil Engineers in October 1996, its 10,500+ members and 54 organizational members include scientists, engineers, technologists and organizations interested in improving the environment, mitigating natural hazards and economically constructing engineered facilities.

Geosynthetic Materials Association

GMA was founded in the 1980s to educate the user community on the technical and economic benefits of geosynthetics, with the goal of building stronger civil infrastructures in a cost-efficient manner. The association’s mission is to serve as a central resource for information regarding geosynthetics, to provide a forum for consistent and accurate geosynthetic information, to increase the adoption of geosynthetics and to promote the correct and safe use of geosynthetics.

GMA achieves its mission by furnishing engineering support, educational programming and government relations expertise and provides a network to exchange information, solve common problems and develop mutually beneficial relationships that grow the industry.

Since its inception, geosynthetics use has expanded into nearly all areas of civil, geotechnical, environmental, coastal and hydraulic construction.  Industry events provide networking opportunities and exposure to the industry for engineers, specifiers, contractors, government agencies and academics.  Over the past two decades, GMA recognized the need for expanding their legislative efforts creating a robust government relations program that advocates for the industry at the federal and state levels. This program educates lawmakers and regulatory agencies on the benefits of geosynthetic products.  It also seeks to influence legislation and regulations that affect our member companies.  GMA monitors vital legislation, connects with Congress to discuss the benefits of our industry and coordinates meetings for our members.  GMA is in continual contact with congressional offices, agencies and specifiers to ensure that the industry retains a strong presence in government circles and that geosynthetics continue to be the leading innovative material for infrastructure in the U.S.

ASCE
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents more than 144,000 members of the civil engineering profession worldwide, and is America’s oldest national engineering society. ASCE’s mission is to provide essential value to its members and partners, advance civil engineering and serve the public good.

Advanced Textiles Association

ATA is a not-for-profit trade association serving 1,550 company members involved in the global specialty fabrics marketplace. ATA operates 13 market groups – including GMA – and three country-specific divisions conducting targeted programs and conferences for specialty fabrics and advanced textiles end product manufacturers. ATA is headquartered in Roseville, Minn.

ATA supports and augments the geosynthetics industry with these contributions: