21st Biennial Congress of the MRS
Planning is well underway to have the 2026 MRS 21st Biennial Congress in Utah, USA.
Keep an eye out here as new information will be made available regularly
Key Information
When: June 28 – July 1, 2026
Where: Marriott Downtown City Creek, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Key Dates:
Registration opens: Early February 2026
Early bird deadline: TBA
Abstract submission opens: Early February 2026
Abstract submission closes: TBA
Last updated: 30th January 2026
Accommodation
The meeting will be held at the Marriott Downtown City Creek, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Conference organisers have negotiated discounted rates for the conference – details to follow shortly.
Alternative accommodations in the vicinity includes:
–
Delegates are advised to book their accommodation early as Salt Lake City can be busy in summer and the congress falls immediately before the 4th July weekend.
Last updated: 30th January 2026
Program
The program is still being finalised and will be made available here soon. Below is a sneak peak at our confirmed speakers…
Last updated: 30th January 2026
Registration
Registration will open in early February.
Conference registration does not include accommodation. Please see the accommodation tab for further information on places to stay.
Please check back soon, and keep an eye out for further information in our monthly newsletter and on our social media channels
Last updated: 30th January 2026
Social Events
The meeting will host a Welcome Reception and Congress Dinner. More details to follow soon.
Delegates will be able to purchase a ticket for these events during the registration process
Last updated: 30th January 2026
Getting to Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the main gateway for both domestic and international delegates attending the 21st Biennial MRS Congress. The airport is conveniently located just 5 miles (8 km) northwest of downtown Salt Lake City, approximately 12-15 minutes by car.
For International Delegates:
Salt Lake City International Airport is served by major international carriers and offers connections through major US hubs.
For Domestic Delegates:
Salt Lake City is well-connected to major US cities through multiple carriers including Delta, American, United, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Frontier.
Airport to Hotel Transportation
The Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek (75 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101) is located in the heart of downtown, adjacent to the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Transportation Options:
- TRAX Light Rail (Most Economical): Take the Green Line directly from the airport to City Center Station. Trains depart every 15-20 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. One-way fare is $2.50. Trains operate from 5am-midnight on weekdays and 6am-midnight on weekends. The TRAX station is located on the ground level of the airport (exit door 1A, head east).
- Taxi/Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available at the airport with designated pickup areas on the ground level. Journey time is approximately 12-15 minutes. Estimated cost: $20-$25 one way.
- Airport Shuttle Services: Several shuttle services operate between the airport and downtown hotels, with advance reservations recommended. Journey time is approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Rental Cars: Multiple car rental agencies are available in the Gateway Center, located next to the airport parking garage.
The Marriott Downtown at City Creek offers valet parking for those driving to the venue.
Last updated: 30th January 2026
Visa Information for International Delegates
Do You Need a Visa?
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA): Citizens of 42 countries including most of Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Chile, and Israel can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. You must:
- Apply for ESTA online at least 72 hours before travel: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- Hold a valid biometric passport
- Pay $21 application fee
Check the full list of eligible countries here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html
Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa or ESTA.
Visitor Visa
If you’re not eligible for ESTA, you’ll need a visa. Apply at least 3-4 months before the conference.
For current information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/business.html
In general, a visa application process will require you to:
- Hold a valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Complete a DS-160 form: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
- Pay the visa fee
- Interview at a US Embassy/Consulate
- Hold an invitation letter from conference organisers
- Provide proof of registration and payment
Requesting a Visa Invitation Letter
You must register and pay for the conference first. Then email XXX :
Important, an invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval.
Last updated: 30th January 2026
Discover Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City offers a unique blend of urban culture and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal destination to explore before or after the conference.
In the City
Temple Square – Utah’s most-visited attraction and the historic heart of downtown, featuring the iconic Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle (home to the world-famous choir), and beautifully landscaped gardens. Free guided tours available.
Utah State Capitol – Stunning Neoclassical building with panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley. Free tours showcase Utah’s history and government.
Natural History Museum of Utah – World-class museum on the University of Utah campus featuring impressive dinosaur exhibits, geology, and Utah’s natural history.
City Creek Center – Premier shopping and dining destination connected directly to the conference hotel, featuring over 110 stores and restaurants in an open-air setting with a flowing stream.
Great Salt Lake – North America’s largest saltwater lake is just 20 minutes from downtown. Experience the unique floating sensation and witness migratory birds at this natural wonder.
Gateway to National Parks
Salt Lake City is ideally positioned as a base camp for exploring some of America’s most spectacular national parks:
- Capitol Reef National Park – 3.5 hours
- Arches National Park (near Moab) – 3.5 hours
- Canyonlands National Park – 4 hours
- Bryce Canyon National Park – 4 hours
- Zion National Park – 4.5 hours
- Yellowstone & Grand Teton – 5 hours
Many delegates extend their stay to explore Utah’s renowned “Mighty Five” national parks or the iconic geysers of Yellowstone.
June Weather
Late June in Salt Lake City offers warm, sunny days with low humidity – perfect for outdoor exploration. Expect daytime temperatures of 85-95°F (29-35°C), cool evenings around 60-65°F (15-18°C), and abundant sunshine.
Please note, Salt Lake City has an average elevation of approximately 4,330 feet (1,320 meters) above sea level. This elevation may cause mild symptoms like headaches, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath for those arriving from sea level, especially when undertaking more strenuous activities such as hiking.
More Information
Visit www.visitsaltlake.com for detailed attraction information, restaurant recommendations, and tour options.
Sponsors
The organising committee would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support of this meeting:
Supporters
We would also like to acknowledge the support of: