"USSD has the best Plenary sessions and Wrap Parties, year after year, of any conference that I attend.
You all do a great job organizing the annual event."  - 2025 Attendee

General

• When and where will the 2026 conference take place? 
  The 2026 USSD Annual Conference & Exhibition will be held Monday, May 4 – Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Austin, Texas.  
• Where is the conference venue? 
  All conference events are located in the Hilton Austin, Austin, TX.
• Is there a recommended hotel block? 
  Yes — all attendees and guests are encouraged to book within the USSD attendeee room block. Please help USSD avoid unnecessary penalties and keep registration fees low by booking your sleeping room in the attendee room block at the Hilton Austin through our official booking links provided on the Location & Lodging tab. Government rates are available. 
• Who should attend this event? 
  Professionals in civil engineering, dam and levee design, construction, safety, operations, maintenance, risk management, and related fields. Owners, practitioners, regulators, and contractors. We welcome anyone in the Dams community and USSD members receive best pricing.
• Can I attend only part of the conference? 
  Yes — single-day passes are available for those who cannot attend the full event. Workshop registration may also be purchased separately.
• What is the theme of the 2026 event?
  The theme is “From Legacy to Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation of Dam Engineers.” 

Registration & Pricing

• How do I register for the event?
  Select and purchase USSD Member or Non-member tickets. Ticket registration is accessible from the Registration Information tab. You can choose from different ticket types (attendee, presenter, young professional, student, single-day pass, workshops, wrap party, field tour...).

• How do I add or update my existing registration?
  Please follow the instructions found here. 

• Is there a discount for students or young professionals? 
  Yes — there are specific lower-cost tickets for students and young professionals.

• Where is my / How do I use my courtesy registration?  
  We provide courtesy registration discount codes to qualifying individuals and companies by direct email to main contact(s). Please email USSD if you believe you have not received your code or need additional assistance using your code during checkout. 

• Who do I contact with questions about registration or the event? 
  Contact the conference team at conferences@ussdams.org.

Program & Activities 

• What will the conference Program include?The Program features simultaneous technical sessions divided into attendee "tracks", a Plenary Session, a Legacy Lecture, various workshops, and networking events for attendees and their paid guests. 

• Where can I find the Technical Sessions and Presenters? 

  Schedule and speaker details can be found on the Agenda tab.

• Will there be exhibits? 
  Yes! The Exhibition Hall offers 87 booths showcasing products and services related to dams, levees, and water infrastructure. 

Exhibitors & Sponsorships

• How can my organization exhibit or sponsor the conference? 
  Sponsorship and exhibitor options are available, with benefits such as visibility at the event and engagement with attendees. Find additional resource buttons at the top right of this page to learn more. 
• Who should consider exhibiting? 
  Organizations involved in dam engineering, construction, safety, water resources, and related technologies will benefit from exhibiting.
• Exhibitor Resources / Info Guide
  Exhibitors can find their need-to-know information here: Exhibitor Info Guide

Do you need assistance? Email staff.

Wrap up the USSD 2026 Annual Conference with a night of great food, drinks, and friendly competition at PINS Mechanical Co. Austin. 

Join fellow attendees for an evening of casual networking and fun at one of Austin’s most popular social venues, featuring duckpin bowling, arcade games, ping pong, patio games, and more. It’s the perfect way to unwind, celebrate a successful conference, and connect with colleagues in a relaxed, energetic setting. 

Your $25 ticket includes: 

• Food and drinks
• Access to all games and activities
• Round-trip transportation provided from the conference hotel 

Whether you’re aiming for a strike, challenging friends to arcade classics, or just enjoying good conversation, the USSD Wrap Party is a can’t-miss highlight of the conference. 

Space is limited — advance tickets recommended.