The SMRI Fall 2026 West Yellowstone Conference will take place 27-30 September. The Conference Announcement is available here. Any questions regarding registration or sponsorship of the event may be directed to Rachel Cunningham ([email protected]). 

Registration

In-person Member Registration, and Virtual Registration for Members and Non-Members will open on 15 July. Non-Member Registration opens 12 August. Registration closes 4 September; late registration may incur a $250 fee.
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Conference Information

Technical Class #1: Development of a Cavern Storage Project: Cavern Basics
The Technical Class, traditionally held on the Sunday prior to the Technical Session, is designed as an introductory course and refresher for the wide variety of disciplines and management levels involved in solution mining and underground storage. The schedule for this class is included in the Conference Announcement. Please note, this class will not be repeated for the Spring 2027 Conference. 

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Over the past 50 years, SMRI has established itself as the leading source of technical knowledge and research related to solution mining and underground storage. This intensive one-day program is designed for engineers, geologists, operators, regulators, and project managers involved in salt cavern development and operation.

The course follows the complete project lifecycle and covers:
• Project development fundamentals & permitting
• Geology & geomechanics of evaporite formations
• Solution mining principles & cavern design
• Drilling, logging, & downhole completions
• Laboratory testing of salt & non-salt materials
• Cavern thermodynamics & gas storage capacity
• Gas first fill, commissioning, & mechanical integrity testing
• Storage operations & brine management
• Cavern abandonment & subsidence considerations

 Instruction will be provided by an internationally recognized faculty representing industry, academia, and research organizations. The class schedule allows ample time for the topic, questions, and open discussion during session. It also provides opportunities to continue conversations with peers during included coffee breaks and lunch.

 
Technical Class #2: Introduction to Python for Technical Professionals
Presented by Matthew Bauer, Agapito Associates, LLC
As engineering, operational, and monitoring datasets continue to grow in size and complexity, Python has become one of the most widely used tools for scientific computing, automation, data analysis, and visualization. This workshop is designed to help participants understand the fundamentals of Python and explore practical applications relevant to engineering, geoscience, and underground storage operations. No prior programming experience is required. Please note, this class will not be repeated.

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Due to the hands-on nature of this workshop, enrollment is limited to ensure adequate instructor interaction.
Early registration is strongly encouraged.

A variety of topics will be covered, including:

• Python fundamentals and syntax
• Variables, data types, and data structures
• Working with data specific to cavern
operations, including:
• Tabulated data
• LAS well logs
• Spatial data
• Deviation surveys
• Sonar surveys
• Visualization and plotting
• Local Python installation

Participants should bring a laptop and have a Gmail account to access Google Colab notebooks. The workshop will include instructor-led presentations, guided exercises, and interactive demonstrations. Participants will receive course materials, example notebooks, and reference resources to support continued learning following the Conference. Participants who wish to install Python on their local machine, which is optional, should have administrative rights on their computer.


Monday Night Event
On Monday, 28 September, Explore the history of West Yellowstone and how Yellowstone National Park influenced the town during this optional networking event. The evening begins with a short walk to the Museum of the Yellowstone, where you’ll enjoy a self-guided tour featuring engaging exhibits, videos, and stories about the park—don’t forget to take a photo with Old Scarface. Following the museum, continue to the nearby Union Pacific Dining Lodge for a 7:00 pm included buffet dinner and drinks. If you have any dietary restrictions, please contact Rachel Cunningham prior to 3 September. $125/person, 5:30PM - 9:30 PM

Field Trips

Field Trip 1: World Mining Museum & Berkeley Pit
Travel through the scenic landscapes of southwest Montana on this full-day excursion to Butte, home to the renowned World Mining Museum. For more than a century, Butte was one of the world’s most productive copper mining regions, earning an important place in mining history.

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At the museum, you'll step back in time as you explore the historic mining camp, tour the impressive steel headframe, and descend into the Orphan Girl Mine on a guided underground tour. The experience offers a fascinating look at the lives and working conditions of the miners who helped build Butte's legacy. The day also includes several notable stops along the way, including Earthquake Lake, Meaderville, and the Berkeley Pit—a former open-pit copper mine that is now one of the nation's largest federal Superfund cleanup sites. Cost is $170 and includes Lunch and Transportation. Maximum Capacity of 40.

 
Field Trips 2 & 3: Yellowstone National Park Bus Tour
Experience a comfortable bus tour through Yellowstone National Park with a knowledgeable interpretive guide. Along the way, you'll visit some of Yellowstone's most iconic landmarks and scenic areas. 

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Planning a summer trip to Yellowstone National Park can be a massive undertaking. With so much to see, and so much pre-trip research to do, it can be easy to find yourself discouraged and overwhelmed. Enter Yellowstone Vacation Tours! We make it easy for you to experience the wonder of this amazing National Park in style and comfort, while learning from the folks who know it best. Our professional certified guides ensure that you will not only see the best of what Yellowstone has to offer, but you will learn some amazing and fun facts along the way! We offer a number of informative and entertaining summer bus tours, including trips into Yellowstone National Park, and exploring the surrounding area.

Famous Yellowstone sights you may see on your day:
Field Trip #2 - Lower Loop Route Field Trip #3 - Upper Loop Route
  • Old Faithful Geyser
  • Craig Pass
  • Fountain Paint Pot
  • Yellowstone Lake
  • Mud Volcano
  • Hayden Valley
  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
  • Mammoth Hotsprings
  • Tower Falls
  • Roaring Mountain
  • Lamar Valley
  • Dunraven Pass

Dress in layers and be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures can vary from 17°F to 70°F, sometimes within the same day. We recommend bringing a windproof and waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, warm socks, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Clothing and outdoor gear options are limited in West Yellowstone, so plan ahead and pack accordingly.

 

Travel Information

The Fall 2026 Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone located at 315 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, Montana 59758 United States. The SMRI room block for the Conference at the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone has sold out; SMRI has secured additional room blocks at the Starlite Yellowstone, Kelly Inn, and Clubhouse Inn.

  • To book with the Starlite Yellowstone, access their webpage here, and use Group Code 903 for reservations 24 September - 2 October.
  • To book with the Kelly Inn or Clubhouse Inn, call +1 406-646-4544 and mention Group Code Solution Mining for reservations 24 September - 3 October. Complimentary breakfast and WYS Airport shuttle service are included for guests at the Kelly or Clubhouse.

 

Each SMRI participant is responsible to book their own hotel reservations.

Transportation

West Yellowstone's closest airport is the West Yellowstone Airport (WYS) located 2.8 miles from the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone. There will be two flights in and two flights out each day until 29 September, after which there will be only one flight in and one flight out each day at this airport, so make your flight reservations early. Shuttle service is available free of charge for attendees flying into West Yellowstone Airport (WYS) and staying at either the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone or Gray Wolf Inn & Suites. To arrange pick-up or drop-off, attendees can call +1 406-646-7365, extension 2.

Alternatively, the Bozeman International Airport (BZN) accepts many more domestic and international flights compared to the West Yellowstone Airport (WYS) and typically has slightly lower airfare, located 90.8 miles from the hotel.

Thank you to our Sponsors of the Fall 2026 Conference!

After Party Sponsors: BOP Solutions | Wellhead Support Systems
Platinum Sponsors: Gulf ESS | SubTerra

If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor for the SMRI Fall 2026 West Yellowstone Conference, please access the Sponsor Application form, or reach out to Rachel at [email protected]. For additional information, please take a look at the Fall 2026 Sponsor Policy. Exhibitor Tables have sold out! Please contact Rachel to join the Exhibitor Table waitlist!