94th Symposium

The 94th MORS Symposium
Sharpening Our Analytical Edge
8–11 June 2026

2354 Fairchild Drive
USAF Academy, CO, 80840


Event Menu

Security

If you hold a U.S. Government security clearance which is held in DISS, please submit your clearance via DISS to:

MORS SMO Code: 6A286
Meeting: MORS 94th Symposium
Dates: 8–11 June 2026
Location: USAFA 2354 Fairchild Dr, Air Force Academy, CO 80840
Point of Contact: Derek Pelham
Phone: 703.933.9070
E-Mail: derek.pelham@mors.org

Overview

For 60 years the annual MORS Symposium has been the national security operations research community’s premier forum to exchange insight, examine emerging research, and address the most complex analytic challenges facing our nation. Each year, the Symposium brings together roughly 1,000 operations research and analytic professionals representing military, government, industry, and academia to share best practices, sharpen analytic approaches, and strengthen professional relationships in a collaborative environment. At its core, this work is focused on supporting the warfighter with high-quality, decision-ready analysis.

The Symposium begins with learning-focused Monday Tutorials and CEU Courses, followed by multiple days of deep, content-rich Working Group sessions and panels. Throughout the week, participants present in-progress work, share completed studies, discuss future analytic priorities, and explore new techniques and methods. The MORS Symposium continues to be the best venue to present, discover, and advance the latest developments in operations research and analysis while building the connections that drive national security impact year-round.

Agenda Coming Soon!

Keynote Speaker

Mr. John Garstka
Rear Admiral Douglas W. Sasse, III

Director, Cyber Warfare/Platform and Weapons Portfolio Management OUSD, A&S

John Garstka, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Director for Cyber Warfare within the DASD for Platform and Weapon Portfolio Management, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

His current responsibilities include oversight of the development and acquisition of capabilities for cyberspace operations and implementation of DoD’s Strategic Cybersecurity Program, which focuses on cyber hardening the Department’s highest priority missions. As the Director for Cyber Warfare he pioneered the application of Cyber Resiliency assessments to help Combatant Commands understand cyber risks to critical missions and the application of Mission Focused Cyber Hardening to prioritize cyber mitigations.

Mr. Garstka began his career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was commissioned in 1983 after graduating as a Distinguished Graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a BS in Mathematics. He earned a Master of Science degree in Engineering from Stanford University in 1985 and served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years and in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for 15 years.

He has an extensive background in systems engineering, mission analysis, cyber risk assessment, and capability development for space, communications, networking, and cyber capabilities. His experience includes material solution analysis for space surveillance systems, communications satellites, unmanned aerial systems communications, airborne networking, cyber ranges, and capabilities for cyber situational awareness. As an operations research analyst he conducted force structure analysis for the Air Force Officer Force and the Air Force Acquisition Workforce.

He has written and spoken extensively on the topics of network-centric warfare, warfighting innovation, and defense transformation.

Mr. Garstka is married to Diane and resides in Springfield, VA and is the proud parent of four children.

Call For Abstracts

Important Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: 14 February 2025
  • Decision Notification: 7 March 2025

 

MORS is seeking abstracts for technical presentations. Abstracts should fall under one of the main topics below or a topic of your choosing. All abstracts must be submitted as unclassified and 3,000 or less characters without images or videos. To submit an abstract, visit the Presenter Center or select the button above.

WG

Working Groups

WG 1

Homeland Security Analysis

WG 2

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Advanced Explosives (CBRNE) Defense

WG 3

Infrastructure Analyses, Protection and Recovery

WG 4

Analytic Capability Development

WG 5

Cyber Operations Research

WG 6

Command and Control (C2)

WG 7

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)

WG 8

Space Acquisition, Testing and Operations

WG 9

Air and Missile Defense

WG 10

Joint Campaign Analysis

WG 11

Land and Expeditionary Warfare

WG 12

Maritime Operations

WG 13

Power Projection and Strike Warfare

WG 14

Air Warfare

WG 15

Military Health, Casualty Estimation, and Human Performance

WG 16

Strategic Deployment and Distribution

WG 17

Logistics, Reliability and Maintainability

WG 18

Manpower and Personnel

WG 19

Readiness

WG 20

Analytic Support to Training and Education

WG 21

Energy

WG 22

Military Assessment

WG 23

Process and Performance Improvement

WG 24

Test and Evaluation (T&E) and Experimentation

WG 25

AoAs and Capability Development

WG 26

Cost Analysis

WG 27

Decision Analysis

WG 28

Advances in Modeling and Simulation Techniques

WG 29

Emerging and Adapting Computational Solutions within OR

WG 30

Wargaming

WG 31

Operational Environments

WG 32

Special Operations and Irregular Warfare

WG 33

Social Science Methods and Applications

WG 34

Data Science and Analytics

WG 35

AI and Autonomous Systems

DWG

Distributed Working Groups

DWG 1

Emerging Operations Research

DWG 2

Unmanned Systems

Call for Tutorials

Important Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: 14 February 2025
  • Decision Notification: 7 March 2025
  • Tutorial Day: Monday, 9 June 2025

 

As part of this year’s symposium, we will be hosting tutorials on selected topics of importance to the national security analytics community. Tutorials will be held on the first day of the symposium: Monday, 9 June. We welcome submissions on topics related to this year’s theme of “Engaging the National Security Community” but will consider any topic so long as the submission makes a strong argument that it is timely and relevant. Tutorials may be classified up to SECRET.

Successful tutorials will educate participants on current or emerging methods, tools, and concepts within the profession. We discourage tutorials that are too narrowly focused or that promote a particular organization, product, or service.

Tutorials may run anywhere from 1 hour to a full day (8 hours). Attendance is free for MORS members and $100 for non-members.

 

Submission Instructions:

All submissions are due by 14 February 2025 . Click on the “Submit Abstract” button to begin the submission process. Please fill out the form below and include it with your submission as well.

Tutorial/CEU Course Form

 

FAQs:

Q: Can I submit multiple proposals?

A: No, you are limited to one submission.

Q: Can I submit a classified tutorial?

A: Yes, tutorials may be classified up to SECRET.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Tina Yan at tina.yan@mors.org.

Call for CEU Courses

Important Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: 14 February 2025
  • Decision Notification: 7 March 2025
  • CEU Course Days: 9-10 June 2025

 

As part of this year’s symposium, we plan to host a selection of CEU courses on topics of importance to the national security analytics community. Unlike tutorials, CEU courses grant participants CEUs (Continuing Education Units) upon completion. MORS partners with Virginia Tech to grant CEUs.

In order to qualify, CEU courses must consist of 10 hours of teaching time, not including breaks. This is equivalent to 1 CEU. Additionally, a member of Virginia Tech faculty must review and sign off on all submitted course materials prior to the symposium. You will be responsible for finding a suitable faculty member who is willing and able to perform this review.

CEU courses will be held on the first and second days of the symposium: Monday – Tuesday, 9-10 June. Monday will be a full day (8 hours) and Tuesday will be a half day. Attendance is $100 for MORS members and $150 for non-members.

We welcome submissions on topics related to this year’s theme of “Engaging the National Security Community” but will consider any topic so long as the submission makes a strong argument that it is timely and relevant. Successful CEU courses will provide an interactive and engaging environment to educate participants on current or emerging methods, tools, and concepts within the profession.

 

Submission Instructions:

All submissions are due by 14 February 2025 . Click on the “Submit Abstract” button to begin the submission process. Please fill out the form below and include it with your submission as well.

Tutorial/CEU Course Form

 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Tina Yan at tina.yan@mors.org.

Hotel

National Conference Center

18665 Conference Center Drive
Leesburg, VA 20176

$115/night government per diem rate - must show government issues ID at check-in to receive this rate, otherwise $149 rate will prevail.

$149/night non-government rate

Hotels

Hampton Inn Groton

3.4 Miles from USCGA
300 Long Hill Rd.
Groton, CT 06340
Phone: 860-405-1585

Reserve here.

Hilton Garden Inn Mystic/Groton

3.4 Miles from USCGA
224 Gold Star Hwy.
Groton, CT 06340
Phone: 860-445-6800

Reserve here.

Baymont by Wyndham Groton/Mystic

3.4 Miles from USCGA
360 Route 12
Groton, CT 06340
Phone: 860-445-8000

To Reserve:
Call 860-445-8000 and state you wish to book a room under MORS 93rd

OR

Send an email to rani@masterkeyusa.com with guest name, check in/out dates, phone number and email, and you will be contact to collect credit card details and confirm booking.

Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa

5.4 Miles from USCGA
625 N Rd.
Groton, CT 06340
Phone: 860-446-2600

MORS BLOCK IS FULL

Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton

9.1 Miles from USCGA
55 Whitehall Ave.
Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-980-8010

Reserve here.

Hilton Mystic

9.2 Miles from USCGA
20 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-572-0731

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Best Western Mystic

9.2 Miles from USCGA
48 Whitehall Ave.
Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-980-3257

Reserve here.

Residence Inn Mystic Groton

9.3 Miles from USCGA
40 Whitehall Ave.
Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-536-5150

Reserve here.

 

Exhibitor Prospectus

Prospectus:

Exhibitor Registration

Exhibitor registration deadline is Monday, 4 May 2026.

 

Who Should Exhibit:

  • Interested partners and non-partners are welcomed
  • Software companies offering interactive products and services for the analytics and operations research field
  • Recruiters
  • Industry companies successfully using analytics and operations research tools
  • New companies entering the analytics and operations research industry
  • Education programs and institutions
  • Book and software publishers

Exhibitor Benefits:

  • Build your brand awareness to 800+ professionals, students, and academics in the industry
  • Increase exposure and return on your investment with listing on the website, and in the mobile app.

Please contact Ms. Katherine Miller at kmiller@mors.org for exhibiting questions.

Price (per exhibitor package):

  • MORS Partner: Complimentary, no fee
  • Non-MORS Partner Industry: $3,500
  • Military/Government* Exhibitor Only: $1,500

*All military/government space must be approved by Katherine Miller, Director of Partner Relations, kmiller@mors.org to qualify for the military/government rate. The contracting group must have a .mil or .gov in their email address to qualify.

Setup:

  • One 6ft Booth/Table
  • Two Chairs

Shipping Information:

Coming Soon

Exhibitor Schedule:

Coming Soon

Participating Exhibitors (Coming Soon):















Partnership Opportunity:

*Special Event* Awards Recognition Dinner
Wednesday, 26 June 2024, 1830 - 2130

Monterey Bay Aquarium:
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940

Be a part of this special event and let our attendees get to know your organization as we recognize the 2023 and 2024 Prize and Award winners and newly elected Fellows at the Awards Recognition Dinner ! This well-attended event will be held on Wednesday, 26 June, 1830 – 2130 off-site at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

There will be a one-hour cocktail reception before the plated dinner. The dress of the evening will be cocktail attire. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and showcase your brand to this super-engaged and dedicated cohort!

 

Admiral Level:

MORS Partner: $8,000 / Non-Partner: $10,000

  • Two Full Conference Registrations
  • Company Ad Shared on social media*
  • Logo on the conference website and in the mobile app
  • Recognition at Special Event Reception and Dinner with option for 10 minute speaking opportunity at start of dinner
  • One-time Email Use of Opt-In Participant List (Pre- or Post-Conference)
  • One Full page advertisement in Spring and Summer Phalanx publication
  • Website, Signage, Print & Mobile App Recognition
  • 10x5 booth/tabletop exhibit during general conference with one (1) complimentary booth representative registration
 

Captain Level:

MORS Partner: $6,000 / Non-Partner: $8,000

  • One Full Conference Registrations
  • Company Ad Shared on social media*
  • Logo on the conference website and in the mobile app
  • Recognition at Special Event via full signage where available
  • One-time Email Use of Opt-In Participant List (Pre- or Post-Conference)
  • Website, Signage, Print & Mobile App Recognition
  • 10x5 booth/tabletop exhibit during general conference with one (1) complimentary booth representative registration
 

Commander Level:

MORS Partner: $5,000 / Non-Partner: $7,500

  • Company Ad Shared on social media*
  • Logo on the conference website and in the mobile app
  • Recognition at Special Event via full signage where available
  • One-time Email Use of Opt-In Participant List (Pre- or Post-Conference)
  • Website, Signage, Print & Mobile App Recognition
  • 10x5 booth/tabletop exhibit during general conference with one (1) complimentary booth representative registration
 

Lieutenant Level:

MORS Partner: $3,000 / Non-Partner: $5,500

  • Logo on the conference website and in the mobile app
  • Recognition at Special Event
  • One-time Email Use of Opt-In Participant List (Pre- or Post-Conference) done by a third party
  • Website, Signage, Print & Mobile App Recognition
  • 10x5 booth/tabletop exhibit during general conference

*Advertistments must be approved by MORS Marketing

 

A'la Carte Partnership Option:

Recognition Pre-Dinner Reception ONLY (up to three co-sponsors available) : $2,500

Network and participate in this popular social event at the Symposium. This is a one-hour cocktail reception before the plated dinner. This option includes one (1) customized item and one (complimentary symposium registration). Customized items could include signage, branded napkins, floral arrangements for table décor, etc during the reception.

Please contact Ms. Katherine Miller at kmiller@mors.org for event Partnership Opportunity questions.

Award and Prizes

Nominate a deserving individual or team for one of MORS’ distinguished awards or prizes! MORS strives to recognize and celebrate analysts in all stages of their career, from young analysts to seasoned veterans in the field of operations research.

The following awards and prizes have open nomination processes. Visit each individual webpage for more information and email  recognition@mors.org with any questions.

Individual Awards

Clayton J. Thomas Award - Do you know an exceptional individual who has consistently worked to share their knowledge and talents with others in the field? The Thomas Award recognizes those who have demonstrated distinguished service over time and continuously delivered sound contributions that have improved the analytical underpinnings of the profession.

Vance R. Wanner Award - This distinguished award is given to a leader in the profession who has shown sustained service and leadership excellence and has played a major role in strengthening the profession of national security operations research.

Wayne P. Hughes – Know a young analyst who is already making an impact on operations research? Consider nominating them for the Hughes Award, which recognizes an early career analyst with a bright future ahead of them.

David Rist Prize - The Rist Prize is awarded to an individual or a team that is conducting implemented, impactful research. The work conducted can be up to the SECRET classification level. Finalists will present their work at the annual Rist Competition held on the Monday of the MORS Symposium, where a winner will then be selected.

 

In addition to the above, recipients of several other MORS awards and prizes are also honored at the Symposium. The following do not have open nomination processes, but you can read more about them by following the links below.

 

Awards for Best Publication

John K. Walker, Jr. Award - awarded to the best technical article published in Phalanx during the previous calendar year.

Phalanx Editor’s Award - awarded to the best non-technical article published in Phalanx during the previous calendar year.

MOR Journal Award - awarded to the best article published in Military Operations Research Journal during the previous calendar year.

 

Prizes and Graduate Research Prizes

Richard H. Barchi Prize - recognizes the best paper submitted in response to a call that went out to the best nominated presenters from each working or composite group at the last MORS Symposium.

Stephen A. Tisdale Graduate Research Prize – The Tisdale Prize recognizes the achievements of an operations research student in the graduating class at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) for high-quality research that has immediate, practical value to the defense of the United States and its allies.

Dr. James T. Moore Graduate Research Prize – The Moore Prize recognizes the achievements of an operations research student in the graduating class at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) for high-quality research that has immediate, practical value to the defense of the United States and its allies.

Eugene P. Visco Prize – The Visco Prize is awarded at the annual Emerging Techniques Forum (ETF) to an early-career analyst for their excellence in research quality, contributions, and presentation.

Richard E. Rosenthal Student Competition – The Rosenthal Prize is awarded at the annual Education and Professional Development Colloquium (EPD). Students from participating institutions take part in this “quick reaction analysis” challenge, which allows them to collaborate on an operations research problem and demonstrate their skills.

For awards and prizes with open nomination processes, visit each individual webpage for instructions and criteria. Email recognition@mors.org with any questions.

Deadlines

2025

 

7 Nov

14 Nov

94th MORS Symposium Early Registration Opens

94th MORS Symposium Abstract Submission Opens

2026

 

30 Jan

Abstracts Due for all Working Groups, Focus Groups, Special Session, Tutorials, and Demos

6 March

All Chairs will notify potential presenters of acceptance

13 March

Early Registration Ends; Regular Registration Begins

24 April


Non U.S. FVEY Clearances Due

Regular Registration Ends; Late Registration Begins

1 May

Revisions to Agenda

U.S. Citizens Clearances Due

15 May

Upload UNCLASSIFIED Presentations and Disclosure Forms in Presenter Center

22 May

All Invoices Paid

8 - 11 June

94th MORS Symposium

Social Events/Meals

Don't miss the opportunity to network with your peers in a social setting! Tickets must be purchased for the Recognition Dinner on Wednesday and Tuesday's  SocialTickets must be purchased by 27 May.

Ticketed items can be added to your cart at the time of registration or if you have already registered, see instructions below on adding items to your registration.

 

Meal Options:

Social: $25

Enjoy some down time and network with new and old colleagues at the Social. The Social will take place on Tuesday, 9 June from 1730-1930.

Recognition Dinner: $100

We are excited to once again celebrate our annual prize and award winners. This year’s dinner will be on the evening of Wednesday, 10 June. Join us as we honor the winners of the Wanner, Thomas, Hughes, Walker,  Phalanx Editors’, MOR Journal , Barchi, Rist, and Visco Awards and Prizes. In addition, we will celebrate the formal installation of the Society’s newest Fellows! A cash bar will be provided.

Events Schedule:

Tuesday, 9 June :

  • 5:30PM–7:30PM - Social: $25, Location:  TBD

Wednesday, 11 June:

  • 6:30PM 10:30PM Recognition Dinner: $100, Location: TBD

 

Steps to add items (Social Events/Lunch options/Tutorials) to your Symposium Registration if you have already registered for the Symposium:

  1. Go to the Symposium Webpage & Click the “Register” button.
    • You will see “Our records indicate that (Your name will appear) has already registered for 94th Symposium. Thank you. ” across the screen.
  2. Click “Next” on the Contact Info tab.
  3. Click “Next” on the Demographics tab.
  4. You will see “Registration”, then “Additional Events”. Click the small circle next to the Additional Events you would like to select and add to your registration. You will see a green check next to the item you would like to add.
  5. Click “Next” at the bottom of the page.
  6. Click “Next” on the Meeting Questions tab.
  7. Click “Next” on the Donations tab.
  8. Click the box next to I accept the Terms & Conditions and click “Pay Now”.
  9. You will see the item(s) you added to your registration. Click “Proceed to Check Out”.
  10. You may pay for the additional items, or you may select “Invoice Me” and click “ Submit Payment".

 

 

Parking and Badge Pick-Up

Registration will take place at West Belmont Place in the Pre-Function area between the National Ballroom and Belmont rooms within the National Conference Center. Free self-parking is available in the National Conference Center parking garage or the south parking lot.

Dress Code

Symposium Attire:

Civilian: Business Casual

Military: Working Uniform or Service Uniform

Recognition Dinner Attire:

Civilian: Cocktail attire

Military: Service Uniform or higher (Mess Dress/Formal Dress/Service Dress)

Local Information

Bear Mountain State Park

6.9 miles
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Boscobel House and Gardens

12.4 miles
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Brotherhood Winery

17.2 Miles
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Cold Spring Antiques Center

14.0 miles
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Constitution Island Warner House

3.9 Miles
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Culinary Institute of America

35.1 Miles
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Eisenhower Hall Theatre

1.38 Miles
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Orange County Choppers

19.1 Miles
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Pride of the Hudson

14.9 Miles
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National Purple Heart Hall of Honor/New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site

12.1 Miles
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Storm King Art Center

14.6 Miles
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River Rose Cruises

14.6 Miles
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Victor Constant Ski Area

2.8 Miles
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West Point Golf Course

2.8 Miles
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West Point Tours

1.1 Miles
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Veterns Repretory Theater

9.6 miles
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Westchester County Airport

46.0 Miles
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Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

14.6 Miles
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Registration

Register Payment Options Refund Policy


94th Symposium Registration and Refund Policy:

When registering please select the correct rate. You will be required to show ID at the registration desk and are subject to rate adjustments if your credentials do not match the registration category. The deadline to receive a full registration refund is 8 May. Beginning 9 May, no refunds will be given.

Attendees who have registered using the INVOICE ME option must adhere to the refund policy listed above. Attendees who have registered and have not canceled prior to the stated deadlines will be liable for the full cost of their registration and meals. Failure to pay will exclude you from being able to attend any future MORS events.

Contact Ms. Karla Lee-Riviere, karla.lee-riviere@mors.org, with any questions.

 

Register Now, Pay Later:

Take advantage of the option to register now and pay later with the “invoice me” option at checkout. This option will display in the credit card dropdown menu on the checkout page. If you need assistance registering, please contact Ms. Karla Lee-Riviere, karla.lee-riviere@mors.org.

*Note: This can only be used to purchase registration fees. This can not be used for social events, lunches or membership.

 

Social Events/Meals:

Tickets must be purchased for Tuesday's Social and the Recognition Dinner on Wednesday. Pricing and instructions are included on the Social Events/Meals tab.

Employer Early
(11/7-3/13)
Regular
(3/14-4/24)
Late
(4/25-Onsite)
MORS Government Sponsor* Member $400
$600
$600
MORS Government Sponsor* Non-Member $500
$700
$700
U.S. Federal Government Member $500
$700
$700
U.S. Federal Government Non-Member $600
$800
$800
All Others Member $675
$835
$935
All Others Non-Member $850
$1035
$1135

*Government Sponsor organizations include: Center for Army Analysis, HQDA/DCS Program G-8; Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration; Naval Operations, N81; Secretariat of the Air Force, Studies and Analysis SAF/SA; and OSD, A&S.