Events
RockBreaker
Start WIUGC 2026 off right with RockBreaker, the conference’s official icebreaker event. This social evening is designed to bring together geoscience students from across Western Canada in a relaxed and welcoming setting—before the technical talks, field trips, and industry events begin.
Whether you're new to WIUGC or returning to reconnect with peers and professionals, RockBreaker is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow delegates, spark new friendships, and grow your network. Expect great food, engaging conversation, and a lively atmosphere that sets the tone for the exciting days ahead.
Break the ice. Build connections. Start WIUGC 2026 strong.
Industry Fair
The WIUGC Industry Fair connects geoscience students with a wide range of academic, professional, and industry organizations from across Western Canada. This event provides a valuable opportunity to explore career pathways, build connections, and engage with leaders in the geoscience field.
Attendees will have the chance to interact with:
Graduate program representatives from select universities
Government geological surveys showcasing current research and initiatives
Professional associations offering guidance on licensure and career development (e.g., P.Geo., P.Eng.)
Industry exhibitors from the mining, energy, and environmental sectors
The Industry Fair will be held on campus at the University of Manitoba. Final venue details will be shared as they are confirmed.
Whether you're seeking employment, exploring graduate studies, or looking to grow your professional network, the WIUGC Industry Fair offers a welcoming and informative space to connect with the geoscience community.
Manitoba Museum Tour
WIUGC 2026 attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Manitoba Museum. These guided tours offer a rare look inside the museum’s collection vaults and research areas, which are typically not accessible to the public.
Led by museum staff, each tour highlights how geological and paleontological specimens are preserved, studied, and integrated into exhibitions and research. Three tours will be scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Attendees are welcome to explore the museum’s public galleries before or after their scheduled tour, depending on their time slot.
Tour registration and time slot sign-up details will be announced soon. Space will be limited, so early registration is recommended.
Challenge Bowl
Join us for the SEG Challenge Bowl at WIUGC 2026, a fast-paced geoscience quiz competition bringing together students from universities across Canada. Hosted at the University of Manitoba, this event combines academic challenge with spirited competition in a fun, fast-paced format.
Originally launched by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) in 2006, the Challenge Bowl has become a highlight at WIUGC, offering Canadian geoscience students a chance to test their knowledge in a live quiz-show setting. Questions cover a wide range of topics including geology, geophysics, geography, and geoscience history, with difficulty ranging from upper undergraduate to early graduate levels.
Whether you're a participant or part of the audience, the Challenge Bowl is an exciting way to engage with geoscience beyond the classroom, connect with students from other universities, and show off your skills in a competitive but friendly environment.