2026 IOWA IAI FALL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

FFA ENRICHMENT CENTER, ANKENY, IOWA

NOVEMBER 2ND-4TH, 2026

This 2.5 day conference is beneficial for those who are in the forensic science field and/or have the responsibility of crime scene processing, forensic  examination or criminal investigation as part of their job duties. Professors and students of criminal justice, forensic science or a related field are also welcome.

CONFERENCE FLYER

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 

Business Meeting on Day 2 is open to active members for the year of 2026 only

Lectures & Presentations: 

• Lessons From Cold Cases: Preserving Today's Evidence for Tomorrow's Investigations (Chad Lovig, Iowa Cold Case Unit)
• Unidentified Human Remains Project (James McMillan, Iowa Cold Case Unit)
• Best Practices for Shooting Scene Defect Documentation (Cassie Salter, CBPD)
• Basic Testifying Preparation Techniques for Crime Scene Investigators and Officers (Meggan Guns, Polk County Attorney's Office)
• Preparing Cases for Federal Prosecution (SA Christian and SA Jenkins, ATF)
• Advanced DNA Sequencing Methods & Genetic Genealogy Updates (Othram Labs)
• Footwear & Tire Track Impression Comparison-Updates (Steve Tvrdik, DCI Crime Laboratory)
• Blunt and Sharp Force Trauma Evidence & Documentation (Dr. Allison Hade, IOSME)
• Aquatic Death Investigations (Dr. Sarah Mormino, The Forensic Diver LLC)

Case Studies:

• Case Study: Pulse Nightclub Terror Attack, Orlando, FL (Undersheriff Hopper, Orlando PD)
• Case Study: The Staged Suicide of Danielle Dolan, Sioux City IA (Sioux City PD and Dr. Heather Garvin, Des Moines University)
• Case Study: The Asante Walker Investigation: Catching a Serial Rapist in Eastern Iowa

Workshops:

• Processing & Photographing Reflective Surfaces
• Expert Witness Testifying: Preparation for the Certified Examiner
• Building a Forensically Sound 3D Laser Scanning Workflow (all types of scanner users welcome!)

Registration Options:

$125.00 – Active Member Registration (includes 1-year membership to the Iowa IAI for the year of 2027). This option should be chosen if you are an active member of the Iowa IAI for the year of 2026 or attended the 2026 Iowa IAI Basic Crime Scene School and would like to attend all three days of the conference.

$175.00- Non-Member Registration (includes 1-year membership to the Iowa IAI for the year of 2027). This option should be chosen if you are not an active member of the Iowa IAI for the year of 2026 and would like to attend all three days of the conference. 

$65.00 – Lifetime Member

$45.00 – Students
(must provide proof of current enrollment in forensic or criminal justice courses)

1-Day Registration Available (must register separately for each day if you'd like to attend 2 separate days):

• $100.00 - Day 1
• $100.00- Day 2
• $75.00- Day 3

HOTEL INFORMATION:
Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny
1515 SW Main Street Ankeny
Iowa, USA, 50023
Room Reservations Here by October 1st to get special Iowa IAI rate.

The Iowa IAI will be hosting a Photo Contest at this year's event!

Photo Categories Are:

• Forensics / Crime Scene / Law Enforcement: Can include forensic crime scenes, evidentiary casework, research, ceremonies, or training photographs
• Just For Fun!: Photographs of anything that makes you smile (within reason, guys, this is a professional conference, okay?)

Interested? Choose the option of YES when asked about the Photo Contest during registration and more information will be emailed to you!