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.
Keynote Speaker
Mr. John Garstka
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.
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WG
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Working Groups
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WG 1
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Homeland Security Analysis
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WG 2
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Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Advanced Explosives (CBRNE)
Defense
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WG 3
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Infrastructure Analyses, Protection and Recovery
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WG 4
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Analytic Capability Development
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WG 5
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Cyber Operations Research
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WG 6
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Command and Control (C2)
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WG 7
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Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
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WG 8
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Space Acquisition, Testing and Operations
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WG 9
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Air and Missile Defense
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WG 10
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Joint Campaign Analysis
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WG 11
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Land and Expeditionary Warfare
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WG 12
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Maritime Operations
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WG 13
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Power Projection and Strike Warfare
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WG 14
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Air Warfare
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WG 15
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Military Health, Casualty Estimation, and Human Performance
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WG 16
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Strategic Deployment and Distribution
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WG 17
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Logistics, Reliability and Maintainability
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WG 18
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Manpower and Personnel
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WG 19
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Readiness
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WG 20
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Analytic Support to Training and Education
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WG 21
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Energy
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WG 22
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Military Assessment
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WG 23
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Process and Performance Improvement
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WG 24
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Test and Evaluation (T&E) and Experimentation
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WG 25
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AoAs and Capability Development
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WG 26
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Cost Analysis
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WG 27
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Decision Analysis
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WG 28
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Advances in Modeling and Simulation Techniques
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WG 29
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Emerging and Adapting Computational Solutions within OR
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WG 30
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Wargaming
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WG 31
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Operational Environments
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WG 32
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Special Operations and Irregular Warfare
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WG 33
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Social Science Methods and Applications
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WG 34
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Data Science and Analytics
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WG 35
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AI and Autonomous Systems
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DWG
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Distributed Working Groups
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DWG 1
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Emerging Operations Research
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DWG 2
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Unmanned Systems
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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
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
3.4 Miles from USCGA
300 Long Hill Rd.
Groton, CT 06340
Phone:
860-405-1585
Reserve here.
3.4 Miles from USCGA
224 Gold Star Hwy.
Groton, CT 06340
Phone:
860-445-6800
Reserve here.
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.
5.4 Miles from USCGA
625 N Rd.
Groton, CT 06340
Phone: 860-446-2600
MORS BLOCK IS FULL
9.1 Miles from USCGA
55 Whitehall Ave.
Mystic, CT 06355
Phone:
860-980-8010
Reserve here.
9.2 Miles from USCGA
20 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-572-0731
Reserve here.
9.2 Miles from USCGA
48 Whitehall Ave.
Mystic, CT 06355
Phone:
860-980-3257
Reserve here.
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
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
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2025
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7 Nov
14 Nov
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94th MORS Symposium Early Registration Opens
94th MORS Symposium Abstract Submission Opens
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2026
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30 Jan
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Abstracts Due for all Working Groups, Focus Groups, Special Session, Tutorials, and Demos
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6 March
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All Chairs will notify potential presenters of acceptance
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13 March
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Early Registration Ends; Regular Registration Begins
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24 April
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Non U.S. FVEY Clearances Due
Regular Registration Ends; Late Registration Begins
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1 May
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Revisions to Agenda
U.S. Citizens Clearances Due
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15 May
|
Upload UNCLASSIFIED Presentations and Disclosure Forms in Presenter Center
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22 May
|
All Invoices Paid
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8 - 11 June
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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
Social. Tickets 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:
- 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.
- Click “Next” on the Contact Info tab.
- Click “Next” on the Demographics tab.
- 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.
- Click “Next” at the bottom of the page.
- Click “Next” on the Meeting Questions tab.
- Click “Next” on the Donations tab.
- Click the box next to I accept the Terms & Conditions and click “Pay Now”.
- You will see the item(s) you added to your registration. Click “Proceed to Check Out”.
- 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
Constitution Island Warner House
3.9 Miles
Learn More
Culinary Institute of America
35.1 Miles
Learn More
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor/New Windsor Cantonment State Historic
Site
12.1 Miles
Learn More
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
14.6 Miles
Learn
More
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.