GRAADS 2026

Help us plan ahead by registering to attend GRAADS! Registered attendees will receive a free lunch during the conference.

GRAADS takes place on Saturday March 28th, 2026 in the Iowa State University Student Innovation Center in Ames, Iowa.

Submissions have closed for GRAADS 2026.

Presentations

Give a short presentation about your work! Presentations should be about or related to work done during your graduate studies (creative work, thesis research, class projects, etc.) and can vary in style and subject. Symposium presentations also look great on your CV!

Presentations are in 20 minute blocks: a 15 minute talk and 5 minutes for questions. Presenters should bring any necessary physical materials for their presentation. The presentation spaces will have audio and video capabilities.

If your submission is accepted, we will reach out to you via email for file submissions. The presentation schedule will be released after the submission deadline has passed.

Workshops

Share your expertise, teach a new technology or lead a creative collaboration! Workshops can consist of any subject, style or method within art and design and should relate to your graduate work/studies. Each workshop session is 90 minutes to allow time for group participation.

GRAADS may provide some workshop materials if available, but workshop leaders are encouraged to bring as many necessary materials as possible. You may also include a short presentation as part of your workshop.

If your submission is accepted, we will reach out to you via email to discuss details. The workshop schedule will be released after the submission deadline has passed.

Exhibition

If your presentation or workshop is accepted for GRAADS 2026, you will also be invited to submit work to the GRAADS 2026 exhibition! The exhibition will be displayed in the Iowa State Student Innovation Center (SICTR) 4th floor studio during the symposium. The exhibition will include digital and physical work in art and design.

We will send exhibition invitations after the proposal/workshop submission deadline has passed.

Submission Deadlines

February 07, 2026

I want to attend GRAADS, but I’m not submitting any work...

You can register for GRAADS as an attendee. Select ‘None - I just want to attend GRAADS’ in the registration form.

Notice

GRAADS may photograph or record your presentation, workshop and/or exhibited work. Documentation may be used on our media channels. You are also welcome to use any GRAADS documentation for your own professional or personal use.

Questions

Email the GRAADS team: graads@iastate.edu

By car

Ames is conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest, offering excellent access via major highways. Interstate 35 runs north-south through Ames and connects with Interstate 80, an east-west route, just 25 miles to the south. Key nearby cities include Minneapolis (218 miles north), Chicago (322 miles east), and Omaha (168 miles west).

By plane

The Des Moines International Airport, served by numerous commercial and commuter airlines, is the nearest major airport. Car rental services are conveniently located at the Des Moines airport for onward travel.

Iowa State Campus Map

Iowa State Student Innovation Center (Google Maps)

Parking in most campus lots is free all day Saturday. Be sure to read any signs posted in your lot.

Parking Lot 21 (next to the Armory) or Parking Lot 9 (behind the Design building) are the closest walking distance to the Student Innovation Center.

The Student Innovation Center has a small parking lot for drop-off and pick up only.

You can find the weekend parking map here: https://www.parking.iastate.edu/where

Both of our recommended hotels are close to campus and/or on the CyRide bus line. Ames has other hotels that may be accessible by bus and are all accessible by car.

Iowa House

This is the closest hotel to campus and the only hotel within walking distance. A reduced Iowa State rate may be available - you may need to call ahead to ask.

Gateway Hotel

Another good option close to campus and on the CyRide bus line (Brown line).

Have a question, inquiry, or just want to say hello? Email us at graads@iastate.edu. A member of our team will contact you promptly!