2026 Region VI Student Conference 21 March 2026 – 22 March 2026 Advanced Tech Labs at Cal Poly SLO, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Abstract Submissions Closed | 2026 Registration Closed | Registration Deadline: 4 March 2026
Submit an Abstract Student Conference Rules
Conference Host: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA
Conference Location: Advanced Tech Labs at Cal Poly SLO
Take part in AIAA’s Regional Student Conference by presenting your research in a formal technical meeting, exchange ideas, and discuss programs with students from other universities in your region.
Please note: A high school or university student in good standing at their institution who is also an AIAA student member is eligible to submit a paper to the Regional Student Conference. The submitting and presenting author(s) must be AIAA student members. Any student may attend the Regional Student Conference but may be subjected to a higher registration fee if they are not AIAA members. Please click here for more information to join as an AIAA Student Member.
You must be attending a high school/college/university in Region VI to participate in the Region VI Student Conference. Students can petition to present at a conference outside their university’s region by emailing [email protected].
Region VI includes Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. Additionally, it includes the Canadian provinces of Yukon and British Columbia.
Cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place winners for each category.
Refer to the Student Conferences webpage for conference rules and FAQs.
2026 Registration Closed
Prices
- High School & University Student Members: $20
- Educator Associates/Professional Members: $30
- Parent/Guardian: $30
- Non-Members: $55
Registration Deadline: 4 March 2026
Abstract Submissions Closed
Abstract Deadline: 2 February 2026
Manuscript Deadline: 24 February 2026
Friday, 20 March
- 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Early Registration Check-in
- 6–7 p.m.: Optional Tour for High Schoolers
Saturday, 21 March
- 8:30–9 a.m.: Registration/Check-In
- 9–9:30 a.m.: Opening Ceremony
- 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: & Student Presentations
- 10 –11 a.m.: Cal Poly SLO Wind Tunnel Tour
- 12–1:00 p.m.: Lunch
- 1–5:30 p.m.: Student Presentations
- 5:30–7 p.m.: Mixer and Keynote by David G. Smith, CEO, Mojave Air and Space Port
Sunday, 22 March
- 8:30–9:30 a.m.: Morning Speaker & Breakfast
- 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.: Student Presentations
- 10 –11 a.m.: Cal Poly SLO Vacuum Chamber Tour
- 12–1 p.m.: Lunch
- 1–4 p.m.: Student Presentations
- 1:30–3 p.m.: Airport Hangar Tour
- 4–5 p.m.: Networking Mixer
- 5–7 p.m.: Closing Ceremony: Dinner, Awards & Keynote by Jonathan W. Arenberg, Fellow and Chief Mission Architect for Science and Robotics Exploration, Northrop Grumman
Apple Farm Inn
2-minute drive from campus
La Cuesta Inn
2-minute drive from campus
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown
2-minute drive from campus
The Wayfarer San Luis Obispo, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
2-minute drive from campus
Supported By
Contact AIAA Student Programs at [email protected].