Geothermal Rising's NextGen Geo Committee invites all student participants and young professional advocates, both member and non-member alike, to connect and engage with their geothermal community peers. GR Student activities provide fun, interactive opportunities for you to grow your personal geothermal networking community and make some new friends along the way!
Sunday, September 20
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM | GR Student Members Icebreaker | Student Mentor's Lounge, Booth #905, Texas Ballroom (4th Floor)
Kick-off the conference by meeting the GR Student Committee and connecting with fellow student attendees in a relaxed, informal setting. This icebreaker offers a welcoming opportunity to make new connections, start conversations, and build community before the week’s activities begin.
Monday, September 21
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | GR Mentor-Mentee Meetup | Texas Ballroom (4th Floor)
Are you looking for an experienced geothermal professional to discuss ideas with, answer career questions, or help you think through your next academic or professional step? Join us for lunch on Monday and meet accomplished professionals from geothermal industry and academia. Each mentor will give a one-minute introduction covering their background, expertise, and career experience. Students can then connect with mentors whose interests and experience best match their goals. The meetup is intended to provide practical advice, expand professional networks, and create mentoring relationships that continue throughout the conference and beyond.
Tuesday, September 22
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Next Gen Geo Workforce Development Session – The Importance of Early-Stage Geothermal Energy Education | Hunter’s Creek (3rd Floor)
Join us before lunch for a dynamic Next Gen Geo panel on “The Importance of Early-Stage Geothermal Energy Education.” Designed for high school students, undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, educators, and geothermal professionals, the session will examine how early exposure, clear educational pathways, knowledge sharing, and workforce training can prepare the next generation for careers in geothermal energy. Panelists will share perspectives and practical experiences, followed by discussion and interactive activities that encourage greater industry involvement in education, outreach, and talent development.
Panelists:
- Shari Kelley, Senior Geophysicist/Field Geologist at New Mexico Bureau of Geology
- Christopher Katis, Marketing Communications Specialist for the Utah FORGE Project
- Vanessa Robertson, Director of Policy and Education Geothermal Rising
- Malcom Ross, Adjunct Faculty, Rice University
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Awards Ceremony | Houston Ballroom 1-4 (2nd Floor)
The Membership Meeting is more than just another conference gathering—it is YOUR opportunity to connect with GR members from around the world, hear the latest association and industry updates, and help shape what comes next for the geothermal community. This is YOUR association, and your ideas, participation, and leadership matter. Come network with industry leaders, discover ways to get involved, and celebrate student achievement as scholarship recipients, poster session winners, and paper contest winners are announced.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | GR Trivia Night | Meyerland (3rd Floor)
Put your knowledge to the test and enjoy a lively evening with fellow conference attendees! Trivia Night is your chance to team up, tackle fun challenges, celebrate the answers you know, and laugh about the ones you miss. Compete for prizes, bragging rights, and a little conference glory while making new connections in a relaxed setting. Participation is included with your conference registration.
Conference Long Events
Sunday – Wednesday | Mentor’s Lounge | Exhibit Hall, Texas Ballroom (4th Floor) | Booth #905
The Mentor’s Lounge is a welcoming space designed to bring geothermal students, early-career professionals, and experienced industry leaders together for informal conversation, mentorship, and meaningful connection. It creates an easy setting to share experience, ask questions, build relationships, and strengthen the next generation of the geothermal community.
Sponsored by TLS Geothermics
Sunday – Wednesday | Student Committee Booth/Merch Sales | Houston Ballroom Foyer (2nd Floor)
Stop by the Student Committee Booth throughout the conference to learn more about GR Student Membership, meet members of the Student Committee, and explore ways to get involved. You can also browse and purchase 2026 Student Committee merchandise, ask questions about student programs and events, and connect with other students and early-career professionals.
