The Call for Proposals is now open! Submit by October 31

OVERVIEW

What to Expect

Registration

Conference Schedule Highlights

Thursday, March 4

• 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Workshops & Volunteer Events
• 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Opening Keynote
• 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Job Fair & Reception

Friday, March 5

• 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Sessions & Keynotes
• 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Poster Contest & Reception

Saturday, March 6

• 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM: Sessions
• 4:00 – 5:30 PM: Closing Keynotes & Awards
• 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Conference Closing Fun

Register early and save! Early bird pricing is now available through November 20, 2026!

Early Bird Pricing:

• Students: $360 ($460 after Nov 20)
• Early Professionals: $480 ($580 after Nov 20)
• Professionals: $590 ($690 after Nov 20)
• Non-EWB Volunteers: $900 ($1000 after Nov 20)

Cancellations accepted through February 4, 2027, with a $50 fee

SPONSORSHIP

Be a conference sponsor! Sponsorships help make the conference possible and keep it accessible for our volunteer community. For questions or to explore additional sponsorship opportunities, contact Jackie Meyer, jackie.meyer@ewb-usa.org.

WHY ATTEND

STUDENTS

• Present your work through a Conference Session or the Poster Exhibition, sharing your projects and ideas with peers, professionals, and potential employers.
• Explore career opportunities at the Job Fair, featuring employers hiring entry-level engineers and interns, plus graduate programs.
• Build your network with mentors, industry professionals, faculty, students, and EWB-USA’s international partners.
• Grow your skills and resume through leadership, learning, and hands-on conference involvement.
• Discover career pathways in global development, sustainable design, humanitarian engineering, and more.
• Get inspired by innovative solutions and ideas shaping the future of engineering.

Learn more and get help requesting funding to attend >>

PROFESSIONALS

• Advance your career with sessions eligible for Professional Development Hours (PDHs) - up to 14 hours given.
• Build your skills through hands-on workshops covering solar, GIS, water systems, and more.
• Present your work through a Conference Session or the Poster Exhibition, sharing your expertise, research, and innovative solutions.
• Explore new opportunities at the Job Fair, including full-time, contract, consulting, and continuing education opportunities.
• Expand your network with professionals across industries, academia, EWB-USA, and international partners.
• Discover new tools and trends shaping engineering and global development.
• Learn from your peers through impactful projects, lessons learned, and best practices from around the world.

Learn more and get help requesting funding to attend >>

ST. LOUIS

Venue: St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St Louis, MO

Group Rate: $239/night

Room Block Cutoff: February 9, 2027

Reserve Rooms: Conference Group Rate Link

About the hotel: The St. Louis Union Station Hotel is more than a place to stay. The historic train station is a destination of its own, with plenty to explore without ever leaving the property. Visit the St. Louis Aquarium, take in the city from the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel, tackle the indoor ropes course, play mini golf, wander through the Mirror Maze, or catch the Grand Hall Light Show. There are also rides, a carousel, restaurants, bars, and plenty of places to gather and explore between conference sessions.

Nearest Airport: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

Getting to the Hotel: The venue is 15 miles from St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). Uber and Lyft are both available at the airport. The ride typically takes about 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Learn More About St. Louis and the Union Station Hotel >>

FAQ

Is there a virtual attendance option?
No. The conference is designed as an in-person experience, allowing attendees to get the most out of the networking, hands-on learning, and connections that happen when we come together in one place.

Who should attend?
The conference is for students, professionals, alumni, partners, and others interested in engineering, community-driven solutions, and EWB-USA’s work. For EWB-USA chapters, we strongly recommend that at least one member attend. Chapter leaders and project leads will find many sessions especially relevant, with valuable learning and connections for volunteers in all roles.

Is the conference just for EWB-USA volunteers?
Not at all! You don’t need to be a current EWB-USA volunteer to attend. The conference is open to anyone interested in connecting, learning, and being part of the EWB-USA community.

What meals are included with registration?
Registration includes breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday. Thursday and Friday receptions will include appetizers (as well as a cash bar). Food will also be included as part of the Saturday evening event, with more details coming soon.

How do I get help asking for funding to attend?
Visit the Why Attend pages for Students and Professionals for tips and resources to help make the case for funding your conference attendance.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are accepted through February 4, 2027, with a $50 fee. After this date, registrations are nonrefundable, but substitutions are allowed. Email requests to events@ewb-usa.org with the subject “EWB-USA CONFERENCE CANCELLATION.”

The Countdown Begins