Are you a seasoned forensic professional or newly minted forensic scientist? This year’s International Symposium on Human Identification has learning opportunities for attendees just entering the field, those with decades of experience and everyone in between.

The general session will kick off with keynote speaker Allison Massari. Her talk The Mindset for Success – Activating True Resilience will describe Allison’s recovery from a devasting accident and the lessons she learned which are relevant to anyone (everyone) who wants to live a more fulfilling life. Additional presentations during the 2 ½ day general session will cover a gamut of current topics in forensic science including updates on forensic policy, scientific innovations, forensic investigative genetic genealogy, DNA databases, interesting cases and much more. Oral talks are being solicited through June 1. Abstracts for both oral and poster presentations can be submitted through the symposium website.

A wide range of workshops are on offer this year. Bring practical knowledge back to your lab by learning more about reporting on likelihood ratios, solving cases using alternative DNA matching technologies, solving criminal cases with forensic investigative genealogy and implementing rapid DNA.

Are your called to testify on your results in court? The workshop, Courtroom Communications- Testifying about forensic science with communication best practices could be just what you need. In this workshop you’ll learn how to effectively communicate results to lay people in a manner that’s easy to understand.

Are you in a supervisory position? You’ll want to check out the workshops focused on best practices for bringing new hires into the lab and a second workshop on effectively dealing with challenging people and situations. In addition, a full day workshop will be held on Sunday with suggestions for improving implementation of new techniques, while minimizing errors, and developing quality management systems including standards for credentialing DNA analysts.

Visit the official symposium website to see more details on the dozen workshops scheduled in conjunction with this year’s ISHI.

Networking with people who share your interests is one of the biggest reasons to attend ISHI. Opportunities for social engagement abound, starting with the welcome reception on Monday, September 18. Mingle with your fellow attendees, enjoy hors d’oueves, and a beverage to kick off the symposium at the beautiful conference hotel.

Discuss topics of interest at the table topic lunches on Tuesday and Wednesday and cap off the fun with a special event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on Wednesday evening. The night at the museum will include access to the exhibits, a buffet dinner with drinks and lively dance floor. No need to purchase a ticket- the social events are all included in your ISHI registration.

New forensic scientists and students who are pursuing advanced degrees related to forensic science will enjoy the special events designed to engage their interests. Attending ISHI is a great resume builder. Showcase your research by presenting a scientific poster during the poster/exhibitor sessions or participate in the “bring your slides” portion of the free Young Scientists' Showcase on Tuesday. The Young Scientists' Showcase will allow you to network with others just beginning their careers, educators supporting forensic science programs and seasoned professionals providing helpful advice for landing your first job. Learn more about ISHI’s opportunities for students (including reduced registration fees) on our website.

If the scientific content and networking at ISHI aren’t enough to entice you to attend, consider the amenities that Denver has to offer. ISHI will be held at the Denver Convention Center and Hyatt Regency hotel. The thriving city center offers stimulating night life, first rate shopping, excellent restaurants and more. Beer fans might decide to extend their stay to participate in the Great American Beer Festival, conveniently scheduled to begin the same day that the symposium concludes. For those with a taste for outdoor activities, the mountains are just a short drive away.

We hope you’ll check out the 34th International Symposium on Human Identification and see for yourself why fellow forensic scientists consider it the don’t miss conference of the year.