Welcome!

Ian Madin, GSA Connects 2021 General Co-Chair

Jeff Rubin, GSA Connects 2021 General Co-Chair

We’re excited to welcome you to Portland for GSA Connects, October 10-13! So much has changed since we hosted in 2009, which means even more to see and do. Portland and surroundings offer a broad and spectacular range of accessible geology: two hours' drive can take you into the Cascades, the Columbia Gorge, the Oregon Coast, and the rolling hills and thick sediments of the Willamette Valley. Our landforms reflect flood basalts, violent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, glacial floods, and part of the world’s largest temperate rain forest.

We’d love to guarantee an in-person meeting, and will do everything to make that possible, but whether in the newly renovated Oregon Convention Center, on a field trip, or by virtual attendance, we can still share science and each other’s company. Speaking of science, we’re offering 177 topical sessions, 37 short courses, 25 field trips, and 5 Pardee Sessions, all conducted under GSA’s Respectful Inclusive Scientific Events umbrella. Oh – and of course we’ll have the networking, mentoring, and other community events that you want, and of course you’ll be able to make your own spontaneous connections. We’re the hosts - it’s your conference!

Want to take a break? Enjoy diverse restaurant and food-cart offerings, our surrounding Wine Country, performing and visual arts, public gardens, and more than 10,000 acres of public parks just within the city limits – and a populace that actually shows up for public science presentations! The same light rail system that serves our conference venue stretches across three counties from award-winning Portland International Airport to the suburbs.

See you in October!

Ian Madin and Jeff Rubin

GSA Connects 2021 General Co-Chairs