American Exploration & Mining Association - AEMA 2026
Event Date
December 6–11, 2026
Location
Sparks, NV
Expected Exhibitors
230
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) Annual Meeting is one of the most significant gatherings in the U.S. mining sector. AEMA describes it as the longest running and second-largest annual mining convention in the U.S., offering a dynamic platform where industry professionals, experts, and emerging leaders collaborate, share ideas, and build connections across the full mining life cycle.
The meeting is hosted by AEMA, a national association representing exploration, the junior mining sector, and public-lands access. Its membership spans geology, exploration, mining, engineering, equipment manufacturing, technical services, and equipment and supply sales — making it a rare event that brings together corporate interests alongside explorationists, small miners, grassroots members, vendors, and suppliers.
Attendees benefit from a strong technical program, timely short courses, prominent speakers, and extensive networking and social opportunities. The 2026 program features 150+ speakers, 30 technical sessions, 11 short courses, 2 keynote luncheons, a sold-out trade show, and the Core Shack exhibit of drill core and rock samples. It is worth attending for anyone seeking to understand policy, innovation, and key challenges shaping the future of North American mining.
Show Highlights
The 2026 Annual Meeting program includes several signature components:
- 150+ speakers across a robust technical program
- 30 technical sessions addressing key challenges within the mining life cycle
- 11 short courses offering collaborative, hands-on learning
- 2 keynote luncheons featuring prominent industry figures
- 230+ exhibits in a sold-out trade show
- The Core Shack, which offers a firsthand look at drill core and rock samples from new discoveries and advanced-stage exploration, with direct access to the geologists and teams behind the work
The meeting also emphasizes networking and social opportunities, plus AEMA's advocacy work representing members before government and in the public arena.
Registration
As of the latest update from AEMA, online registration was not yet open. AEMA warns attendees to be cautious of scams: the association does not partner with any outside vendors or third parties for registration or hotel bookings, and will never contact attendees to complete registration on their behalf. Attendees should register only through official AEMA channels at miningamerica.org. The exhibit hall for 2026 is completely sold out; companies may join the exhibitor waitlist in case of cancellations, and the Core Shack was still open for booking.
History
AEMA is a national association with more than 130 years of history and over 1,800 members, serving as a recognized national voice for exploration, the junior mining sector, and public-lands access. Its Annual Meeting is billed as the longest running and second-largest annual mining convention in the United States. In 2022 the association held its 128th Annual Meeting at the Nugget Casino Resort, reflecting a long and continuous tradition of gathering the North American mining community each December in the Reno/Sparks area.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 AEMA Annual Meeting?
The AEMA Annual Meeting takes place December 6-11, 2026, at the Nugget Casino Resort located at 1100 Nugget Ave in Sparks, Nevada, in the Reno/Sparks area.
Who should attend the AEMA Annual Meeting?
The meeting is designed for professionals across the entire mining life cycle, including geologists, explorationists, engineers, small miners, equipment manufacturers, technical service providers, and suppliers. It brings together corporate interests, junior mining companies, grassroots members, and vendors.
What does the 2026 program include?
The 2026 program features 150+ speakers, 30 technical sessions, 11 short courses, 2 keynote luncheons, a sold-out trade show with 230+ exhibits, and the Core Shack, which displays drill core and rock samples from new discoveries and advanced-stage exploration.
How do I register and book a hotel room?
Registration is handled directly through AEMA at miningamerica.org. Hotel rooms at the Nugget Casino Resort can be booked online or by phone using code GAEMA26 at a rate of $109 per night plus a $26 discounted resort fee. AEMA warns that it never uses outside vendors for registration or hotel bookings, so attendees should avoid unsolicited offers.
How do I get to the venue from the airport?
The Nugget Casino Resort is about 4-5 miles from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, roughly a 5-8 minute drive. The resort offers a complimentary airport shuttle running approximately every half-hour, and taxis or rideshare are also available in under 10 minutes.
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