Global Gathering For Earth-Focused GeoAsia8

Hundreds of delegates from more than 45 countries descended on Brisbane for the 8th Asian Regional Conference on Geosynthetics (GeoAsia).

Some 450 attendees were welcomed by the IGS's Australasian Chapter (ACigs), which organized the four-day event from June 10-13 to explore the theme 'Geosynthetics: pioneering lasting solutions for the Earth'.

Event co-chairs, ACigs Immediate Past President Siamak Paulson and Amir Shahkolahi, chair of the IGS Asian Regional Activities Committee (RAC), hailed the event's success, saying feedback from delegates was highly positive.

Conference highlights included the Fumio Tatsuoka Lecture, this time given by Professor Chao Xu on 'Studies and practice of geosynthetic-reinforced soil abutment and integrated bridge systems'. A technical program of esteemed keynote speakers covered 18 thematic areas, and there were two special sessions where IGS China and IGS India presented the latest geosynthetic developments from their countries.

Innovate features included speed consulting; presentation-free sessions where the audience could ask whatever questions they wanted of an expert panel, and a daily 'unconference' featuring a short talk on topics including sustainability, mining and tailings, and quality and testing, followed by audience questions.

Differences were celebrated at a special industry diversity talk from speaker Shine Salur coordinated by the IGS Diversity Committee, and a range of educational and social events occupied IGS Young Members, which you can read more about here.

Additionally, IGS Corporate Members networked at a dedicated reception, and the newly formed IGS Premium Corporate Members group held its inaugural meeting.

The conference also welcomed more than 56 exhibitors and 30 sponsors, with slots for both groups sold out several months before the event. Delegates had an extra incentive to check out the stands – a 'knowledge test' competition where the answers could be found by talking to exhibitors.

Organizers hailed the final evening's Gala Dinner a "standout moment" with more than 240 delegates making new connections and reconnecting with old while enjoying a gourmet meal and magic show. Diners also digested a presentation from the IGS Foundation, the Society's grant-making body.

Also at the dinner a host of IGS accolades were dished out including regional service awards, student awards, IGS Foundation travel grants for IGS Young Members, and the results of the ACigs photo competition. First prize was won by Axter's Mukula Hettihewage for his image showing a mining project in Queensland, Australia, where 1.2 million m2 of geosynthetics liner was deployed.

Maccaferri won the IGS Asia region Corporate Case Study competition for its work on India's Jammu-Baramulla railway line. The win will now see it join other regional winners for the grand final at the 13th International Conference on Geosynthetics in Montreal, Canada, next year.

ACigs thanked the IGS for its support in helping deliver the conference, and paid tribute to the enthusiastic participation of attendees.

Mr Shahkolahi said: "GeoAsia8 served as a significant platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, contributing to the advancement of geosynthetics in civil and geotechnical engineering across the Asia-Pacific region. We're delighted to have seen such a healthy turnout and the positive feedback from all involved."

Mr Paulson added: "We now pass the baton for GeoAsia to IGS India, which will host the next event in 2029. We'll be sharing our learnings from Brisbane to help the Chapter create another outstanding delegate experience."

Keep up-to-date with ACigs activity by visiting its website here.