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Geo-Congress 2026

Salt Lake City, Utah | –

Special Sessions

Special Sessions and Geo-PIT

The Geo-PIT was established in 2019 as a way to deliver Powerful, Informative, Talks to the geotechnical community. PIT talks can be on anything. They're time limited and intended to be narratives and not technical presentations. There are now over 60 PIT talks - and they're all available on Youtube! Don't miss this year's amazing group of speakers!

Tuesday, March 10

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Keynote - All In, No Matter What the Arena

Matt RoblezMatt Roblez, McNeil Group, Inc

This talk focuses on giving your best effort in every role, every time, using real-world experience from professional wrestling, structural engineering, and national sports media. It emphasizes preparation, accountability, and professionalism as the common standards that lead to trust, and credibility.

Mr. Roblez is a third generation Civil Engineer. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1993 with a BS in Civil Engineering. He became a licensed Civil engineer in 1996 and a licensed structural engineer in 2000. He been involved in The American Society of Civil Engineers and their leadership since 1990. He started as a Secretary Treasurer at the University of Utah’s student section in 1990. He was awarded American Society of Civil Engineers – Utah Section Engineer of the Year award (2017). He served as an American Society of Civil Engineers Region 8 Governor from 2018 to 2022. In addition to his engineering work and involvement in ASCE, he is a published technical author and lecturer. Personally, Mr. Roblez has a passion for sports. He is a trained and licensed professional wrestler and has become very successful on the independent wrestling circuit portraying the bad guy or “heel” character, “The MK Bandit”. He also serves as part of the ESPN 700 broadcast team for the University of Utah football team. He has worked his way up the ladder at ESPN since 2001. He currently is an owner and manager at McNeil Engineering.

Geo-PIT:

  • The Engineer as Poet: How to Write a Geo-Poem - Mary Nodine, Morris-Shea
  • Advancing Earthquake Resilience through Research-Industry Partnership - Diane Moug, Portland State University
  • Lessons from Battles of the Rock Bands - Craig Rollins
  • Climber for Scale: Engineering Geology in Rock Climbing - Ari Menitove, UDOT

Wednesday, March 11

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Geo-PIT:

  • How We Made Sustainability Hard to Love - Kimberly Martin, Keller
  • Five Lessons in Five Years: Musings of a Young Geotechnical Engineer - Intisar Ahmed, GeoEngineers
  • Engineer or Leader: Why Not Both? - Carol Haddock, ASCE President 2027

Panel Discussion - This Is the Place: What Makes Utah Infrastructure Special?

This panel discussion includes both elected officials and industry leaders speaking about the 'secret sauce' in Utah infrastructure planning and delivery. Speakers will focus on Utah's pioneering spirit in planning and execution from 'this is the place' to present and how this has improved the quality life of its citizens.

Moderator: Mary Nodine, Morris-Shea Bridge Company
Speakers: Andrew Gruber, Wasatch Front Regional Council; Kay Christoferson, Utah House of Representatives; Michael Smith, ACEC Utah; Carlos Braceras, Utah DOT

Thursday, March 12

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Geo-PIT:

  • Invisible or In Charge: (If foundations could talk) - Morgan NeSmith, Berkel
  • Estuaries, Tidal Flats, and Salt Marshes: Why Every Geotechnical Engineer Should Care - Julie Paprocki, University of New Hampshire

Panel Discussion - Next Generation of Geotech Influencers

This panel brings together rising leaders from academia and industry to share bold ideas and fresh perspectives shaping the future of geotechnical engineering. Hear insights into their cutting-edge work and how artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and evolving funding landscapes are transforming research and practice. Join us for a fast-paced, forward-looking conversation about where geotechnical engineering is headed next.

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Geo-PIT:

  • How Utah’s Geology Uniquely Shapes the Utah Cutthroat Slam - Nick Langford, Gerhart Cole
  • Droning on or Spicing Up? A Foodie’s Take on Digital Twins - Surya Congress, Michigan State University
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