Information about the Innovation Spotlight Stage at GSA Connect 2025.
Are You Smarter Than A Certified Professional Geologist?
4:30-5 p.m.
Come test your knowledge against professional geologists and learn more about becoming a PG with Reg Review.
Celebrating Excellence: Best Student Geologic Map Award Ceremony
5-5:30 p.m.
Join us as we recognize outstanding student contributions to geologic mapping. This ceremony highlights the winners of the Best Student Geologic Map Competition and celebrates their innovation, skill, and dedication to advancing geoscience.
Insights from Cuba: Chuck Bailey at the Thompson Forum
5:30-6 p.m.
Chuck Bailey shares unique perspectives from the 2025 Thompson Forum in Cuba. Explore discoveries, collaborations, and insights that shed light on Cuba’s complex geology and broader global connections.
Eclogites at the Penrose Conference: Recap & Photo Gallery
6-6:30 p.m.
Revisit the exciting Penrose Conference on Eclogites through a visual journey of field highlights and participant reflections. This recap showcases the landscapes, science, and community that defined the event.
This is Geoscience: Pipelines, Prospects & Perceptions
6:30-7 p.m.
Learn about "This Is Geoscience" a new initiative by the Geological Society of London. "This is Geoscience" showcases the value of geoscience to society, highlights opportunities offered by a geoscience career, and promotes the potential of planet-focused science.
Strike A Pose!: PhotoBooth Fun with the GSA Green Screen
10-11 a.m.
Capture your Connects experience with photos from our "green" screen. Create lasting memories and share your GSA pride.
Undergraduate and Graduate Geoscience Student Lightning Talk Showcase (Session T79)
11-11:30 a.m.
Hear undergraduate and graduate students present their innovative research in a quick and fun lightning format.
Geoscience with a Non-Profit: Connections Across Today’s Borders, Domestic and International
11:30-12 p.m.
Interested in how cross-border collaborations strengthen communities around the world? Join us for a talk on geoscience in a non-profit and international context.
Midday Movie Break
12-1 p.m.
Join us at the Innovation Spotlight Stage for a lunch time screening of a surprise throw-back geoscience film. Put on the headphones and take a break from conferencing while having your lunch.
They’ll name a sinkhole after you: Adventures from the 2024-25 Thompson Lecture tour in Asia
1-1:30 p.m.
Alan Fryer presents a lively recap of the Thompson Lecture tour across Asia. Discover the experiences, stories, and scientific insights that shaped this international journey.
Geologic Data for All: A New Era of Collaboration and Accessibility with Esri
1:30-2 p.m.
Hear about Esri's new Living Atlas of the World. By supporting national initiatives like the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) and making authoritative geologic data accessible to the public, researchers, and decision-makers, this initiative marks a pivotal step toward democratizing Earth science information and empowering a new generation of geoscientific exploration. Part of the Geology Without Borders series.
Exploring Namibia: Insights from the Thompson Forum
2-2:30 p.m.
Come hear about the Thompson Forum in Namibia. See images of its stunning, dynamic landscapes and learn about the country's scientific significance.
Exploring the Hydrogeology of High Mountains in Nepal: GSA Penrose 2026 in the Himalaya
2:30-3 p.m.
Get excited for the 2026 Penrose Conference in Nepal. Hear about the upcoming conference and marvel at the stunning images of the Himalayas.
Geoscience for Everyone: Public Science Publishing with GSA
3-3:30 p.m.
Discover how GSA’s 2024 acquisition of Mountain Press’s beloved geology titles is shaping the future of public science publishing. Learn what’s ahead for Roadside Geology, Geology Rocks, and Geology Underfoot and how these books help bring geoscience discoveries to wider audiences.
Discovering the Lyell Collection with the Geological Society of London
3:30-4 p.m.
Learn about the Geological Society of London’s Lyell Collection, a premier resource for geological literature. Explore its history, highlights, and how to access data for cutting edge research.
Lightning Talks I: the Scientific Quick Pitch
4-4:30 p.m.
Trying to get the most out of your conference? Attend the Innovation Spotlight Stage Lightning Talks for a sampler of the science showcased at Connects 2025.
Geology on the Road with Nathalie Brandes and Paul Brandes
4:30-5 p.m.
Nathalie Brandes and Paul Brandes, authors of "Texas Rocks!" and "Roadside Geology of Texas, 3rd Edition" (and more), will speak about their writing, publishing, and exploring Texas. Book signing to follow--buy books in the Connects store or at the event.
3D Computed Tomography Imaging for Core Analysis and Reservoir Evaluation
5-5:30 p.m.
X-ray CT provides a powerful, non-destructive way to analyze core and plug samples in three dimensions. Discover how this technique reveals internal structures, porosity, permeability, and fluid distribution, which are key parameters for evaluating reservoir quality and performance.
Energy Basix: Market Trends in Industry - Oil, Gas, Geothermal, and Critical Minerals
5:30-6 p.m.
Energy Basix explores current market trends across oil, gas, geothermal, and critical minerals. Gain insights into the evolving energy landscape and implications for geoscientists.
Nu Mass Spectrometer products and developments from Nu Instruments, Ltd
6-6:30 p.m.
Nu Instruments Ltd showcases developments in isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Learn about emerging technologies and applications and their impact on geoscience research
How can we support your department? A listening session with leaders from NAGT's Traveling Workshops
10-10:30 a.m.
NAGT's Traveling Workshop program has been helping departments thrive and adapt to change for more than a decade. The landscape of higher education is changing; join us for an open discussion to share the challenges you face to help us develop resources to support you.
Licensure, Certifications, and Career Pathways for the Geologist of the Future
10:30-11 a.m.
Explore the evolving requirements for geologist licensure and certification. Learn about new developments, and how these pathways influence professional opportunities.
Sensors and Software from Radiodetection: GPR, Noggin, pEKKO, EKKO Project Software and SPIDAR System
11-11:45 a.m.
Join David Dryden of Sensors and Software from Radiodetection for a showcase of methods including GPR, Noggin, pEKKO, EKKO Project Software and SPIDAR System
Midday Movie Break
11:45-2 p.m.
Take a break from conferencing and join us at the Innovation Spotlight Stage for a screening of the film that started the franchise and many a geoscience career: Jurassic Park (1993).
StraboSpot Demonstration: Free, Open-source, Database and Software Suite for Geologists
2-2:30 p.m.
StraboSpot is a geologic data ecosystem for collecting, storing, and sharing field and lab data, designed with the workflow of geologists in mind. Learn how to use StraboSpot for your research and chat with the creators.
Black Snow: the Film
2:30-3 p.m.
Experience Black Snow, a powerful film connecting environmental issues with human stories.
Black Snow: Meet the Makers and Q&A
3-3:30 p.m.
Engage with the scientists behind Black Snow in a Q&A session. Gain deeper insights into the stories, challenges, and messages that shaped the film.
Brunton Axis Measurement Methods
3:30-4 p.m.
Discover new Brunton measurement methods and refine your existing skills with Lauren Heerschap of Brunton
Association for Women Geoscientists Town Hall
4-4:30 p.m.
Chat with AWG leadership about existing and new AWG projects, and how you can get involved with the organization.
Lightning Talks II: the Scientific Quick Pitch
4:30-5 p.m.
Wish you could go to more talks and hear about more science? Attend the Innovation Spotlight Stage Lightning Talks.
GSA’s Past, Present, and Future: Hear from the GSA Leadership!
5-6:30 p.m.
Explore GSA’s transformative history, where we are today, and the vision shaping our future—through insights from the leaders guiding the Society forward
Strike A Pose!: PhotoBooth Fun with the GSA Green Screen
10-11 a.m.
Capture your Connects experience with photos from our "green" screen. Create lasting memories and share your GSA pride.
Lightning Talks III: the Scientific Quick Pitch
11-11:30 a.m.
Your last chance to hear fast and fun talks that provide a sampler of the research showcased at Connects 2025.
Popular Geology: Making Maps for the Geo-Curious
11:30-12 p.m.
Come hear about the Connects 2025 Map and learn about expectations for public-science authors regarding maps and figures for the recently acquired Trade Books.
Big Ideas in a Snap: the 3-Minute Thesis Competition
12-12:30 p.m.
These geoscience students have their research summaries down to a science. Watch up-and-coming experts describe their cutting-edge science in a light-hearted competition.
Science Explorer (SciX): Research Discovery and Exploration from Earth to the Cosmos
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Did you want to attend a "From Earth to the Cosmos: Geoscience Beyond Our Planet" short course but couldn't make it? Join short course creators for a glimpse at the information you missed.
Bridging Science and Solutions: GIS Empowering Earth Sciences for a Sustainable Future with Esri
1:30- 2 p.m.
Close out the Innovation Spotlight Stage events with a talk by our sponsor, Esri. In an era defined by a changing environment, resource depletion, and natural disasters, Earth scientists face an urgent call to action. This final Innovation Spotlight Stage talk highlights the transformative synergy between Earth Sciences, remote sensing, and GIS, showcasing how these technologies are revolutionizing our response to environmental challenges. (Part of the Geology Without Borders series).
Take center stage at the premier geoscience event of the year with the Innovation Spotlight Stage—a high-visibility platform located prominently at the entrance of the Exhibit Hall and viewable from all directions in the Poster Hall.
This complimentary opportunity is open to exhibitors, sponsors, and other partners who want to elevate their presence at GSA Connects. Use the stage to:
The Innovation Spotlight Stage is available in scheduled blocks throughout the meeting. Spots are limited and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
