Are you working on a project that could impact the way we explore, understand, or develop mineral resources? Do you have fresh insights, compelling data, or innovative techniques that deserve a spotlight? The Student Poster Contest is your chance to bring your work to life in front of a diverse audience of geoscientists, researchers, and industry professionals. And maybe win some awesome prizes.​

Whether you’re presenting cutting-edge research, exploration breakthroughs, expert fundamentals, or technical innovations, this is more than just a poster—it’s a platform to connect, inspire, and be recognized. Posters will be showcased throughout the conference, giving you visibility and the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with attendees from across the minerals and geoscience community.

• Visibility: Your work will be seen by professionals, academics, and peers from Nevada, the USA and by international attendees.​
• Networking: Meet potential mentors, collaborators, and employers.​
• Excellent Experience: Practice presenting your ideas in a professional setting.​
• Recognition: Compete for prizes and gain acknowledgment for your contributions.​

Space is limited, so we strongly encourage early submission!​

Poster presenters will be assigned a time slot to be present at their display for discussion, Q&A, and panel judging.

Student poster abstract submissions will be reviewed by the Poster Committee and nominees will be notified accordingly. Submissions will be selected based on relevance to the conference theme, originality and clarity. ​

Applicants submitting talk abstracts have the option of presenting a professional poster as their second preference if they are unsuccessful with their talk submission. ​

This contest is designed to simulate a situation where a geologist, engineer, or metallurgist presents a project or process to decision-makers. Participants will be evaluated on their ability to clearly and concisely communicate the significance and impact of their work, both on the poster and verbally. Students will gain valuable experience interacting with professionals from various disciplines and will have the chance to build connections with leaders in the field. Submissions may cover topics such as exploration, operations, environmental management, economics, reclamation, and other relevant topics.​

• Submission Deadline: February 1, 2027
• Contest Date: April 28, 2027
• Prizes:
  • 1st Place: $3,000
  • 2nd Place: $2,000
  • 3rd Place: $1,000

Each student will be provided with a display unit 8 foot wide x 4 foot tall suitable for push-pinmounting, along with a chair to sit on. Posters should include high-quality visuals such as maps, charts, diagrams and other supporting materials. Tables can be made available upon request should the presenter provide physical samples, handouts, and demonstrations.​

• Poster setup will occur on April 25-26, 2027​
• Judging will take place throughout the conference and will be transparent. Students should be present to discuss their work with judges during the assigned Poster Presentation times.​
• Awards will be presented during the closing ceremony of the conference, on April 29, 2027​

Participation is free for full-time students who are members of the GSN. If you are not a GSN member, you can sign up here. Student membership is $25 per year and strongly encouraged for all career aspirational geoscientists.​

Poster abstract submission is now open until April 1, 2026. Refer Abstracts and Proposals page for details and electronic form submission. Only an abstract is required by April 1, 2026, final submission is February 1, 2027.