AGU26 is the American Geophysical Union's annual meeting, bringing 25,000+ Earth and space scientists from 100+ countries to San Francisco to share research and collaborate under the theme 'Where Science Connects.'
Dates
7–11 Dec 2026
Venue
George R. Moscone Convention Center
Time
8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Companies exhibiting at AGU26 Annual Meeting include AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships, AAS Division for Planetary Sciences, ABB India Limited, Academia Sinica and ACS Publications.
Event overview
AGU’s annual meeting, the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists, convenes 25,000+ attendees from 100+ countries to share research, connect, collaborate, and inspire one another.
Discover 'Where Science Connects' at AGU26.
TL;DR
Cutting-Edge Science: Discover the latest research in Earth and space sciences; Global Collaboration: Network with experts, policymakers, and emerging leaders; Interactive Sessions: Attend workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on learning experiences; Career Advancement: Access mentoring programs, career fairs, and funding opportunities.
Launch and demo your breakthrough innovations in an interactive selling environment; Share your research and exchange information with an interested and qualified audience; Connect directly with current and prospective customers actively seeking solutions like yours; Access top-tier talent and recruit industry experts who are already engaged in your field; Unlock partnerships and expand into new markets with global industry leaders; Gain maximum visibility at the industry's most influential event while advancing Earth and space science innovation.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
3Moscone Center has no on-site parking. The SFMTA-operated Moscone Center Garage at 255 3rd Street offers 732 spaces with 6 ft 6 in clearance. Rates: $4/hour (6 a.m.–noon), $5/hour (noon–3 p.m.), $18 early bird (weekdays, enter 6–9 a.m., exit before 9 p.m.), $29 for 12 hours, $35 for 24 hours. The garage is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Fifth & Mission / Yerba Buena Garage at 833 Mission Street is open 24/7 with 2,585 spaces at $5–$6/hour, $38 for 12 hours, $44 for 24 hours.
732 spaces · $35.00/day
Moscone Center is ADA-compliant with wheelchair ramps, accessible elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout. Assistive Listening Devices can be arranged through the in-house AV provider (Projection). The venue does not maintain a wheelchair inventory, but a list of local vendors is available to show managers. Wheelchair-accessible transportation during hotel shuttle hours can be scheduled by calling (415) 377-3452 at least 24 hours in advance. Scooter and wheelchair rental is available through Scootaround (1-888-484-1804). Accessible quiet/comfort rooms and Mamava lactation pods are available.
A Quiet Room is available at Moscone North Lobby, Level 1, Room 115, intended for silent meditation, reflection, or prayer. No mobile device or computer use, and no food or beverages allowed. Prayer rooms have previously been set up at Moscone Center during Ramadan, open to all faiths and equipped with prayer rugs.
Coat and luggage check services are available through Guest Services of America at Moscone North, South, and West lobbies. Services are typically open during registration hours and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees may apply; confirm hours and pricing with the show office.
Luggage storage is available at the coat and luggage check locations in Moscone North, South, and West lobbies. This is useful for arrival/departure days. On-site storage is first-come, first-served and may be limited during peak times. Remote airline and bag check-in has been offered at Moscone West for some events; check with the show office for AGU26 availability.
Power outlets and charging stations are available throughout the venue. Dedicated charging stations can be found in common areas between Moscone North and South. On-demand meeting pods with power outlets and USB charging have been added to Moscone Center for attendees needing a quiet place to work or charge devices.
Moscone Center does not operate a venue-wide shuttle. Event-specific hotel shuttle services are common: shuttle buses run between official hotels and Moscone Center when arranged by the show organizer. Wheelchair-accessible transportation during hotel shuttle hours can be scheduled at (415) 377-3452. Check the AGU26 website or app for official shuttle routes and schedules.
Food options
Moscone Center concessions, Samovar Tea Lounge, Soma Restaurant & Bar, Super Duper Burgers, Deli Board, Bini's Kitchen
On-site diningParking: The Moscone Center does not have on-site parking. Nearby parking options are available; Moscone North & South are accessible via Montgomery BART/MUNI station, Moscone West via Powell station.
Attend
Event days & opening times
In-Person Regular Member
Early rate through 5 November 2026
In-Person Regular Non-Member
Early rate through 5 November 2026
In-Person Graduate Student Member
Early rate through 5 November 2026
In-Person Undergraduate Student Member
Early rate through 5 November 2026
Virtual Regular Member
Early rate through 5 November 2026
Virtual Regular Non-Member
Early rate through 5 November 2026
One Day In-Person
One-day registration rate for members and non-members
Guest Pass
Adult guest 18 or older; does not include oral or poster scientific sessions
Ticket info
Badge collection
All registration fees must be paid in full before receiving credentials. Online registration continues through the last day of the conference, and on-site registration opens Sunday, 6 December 2026 at the Moscone Center.
Ticket notes
One-day in-person registration is available at $435. Registered attendees may buy guest passes for $180 each; guests must be 18 or older and may access the Exhibit Hall, Welcome Reception, and keynotes, but not oral or poster scientific sessions. Special-event tickets must be purchased online by 5 November 2026 and are non-refundable. AGU will not accept cash on site during AGU26; on-site payments must be by credit card.
What's on
2
Oral
1
Plenary
3
Event days
08:30–19:30
Typical time
Dr. Richard Alley
Evan Pugh University Professor of Geosciences @ Pennsylvania State University
Ice cores, glaciers, and climate change
Dr. Karen Alley
Associate Professor @ University of Manitoba
Ice-ocean interaction and sea-level rise
Brandon Jones
AGU President @ American Geophysical Union
Moderator, plenary conversation
Dr. Gabrielle Boisrame
Assistant Research Professor @ Desert Research Institute
Hydrologic extremes and global-to-local modeling
Chris Terai
Research Scientist @ Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Hydrologic extremes modeling
Mathieu Morlighem
Professor @ Dartmouth College
Ice sheet modeling and cryospheric sciences
Amanda Lynch
Professor @ Brown University
Cryospheric sciences and polar research
Edward Hanna
Professor @ University of Lincoln
Cryospheric sciences
Mariama Dryák-Vallies
Researcher @ University of Colorado Boulder
Polar research and cryospheric sciences
Margaret Rudolf
Researcher @ University of Alaska Fairbanks
Cryospheric sciences
Tandong Yao
Professor @ Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Cryospheric sciences and Tibetan Plateau research
From Ice Ages to Ice Loss: What the Past and Present Teach Us About Our Climate Future (Featured Plenary)
Monday, Dec 7, 2026
GC117: The global water cycle: coupling and exchanges of mass and energy between the ocean, land, cryosphere, and atmosphere
Wednesday, Dec 9, 2026
C31G: Understanding and Projecting Ice Sheet Evolution and Tipping Dynamics for Future Sea Level Rise (Poster)
TH33C: Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences and Fifth International Polar Year (Town Hall)
C33C: Understanding and Projecting Ice Sheet Evolution and Tipping Dynamics for Future Sea Level Rise (Oral)
Thursday, Dec 10, 2026
U42A: A Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences and Preparing for the Fifth International Polar Year (Union Session)
Annual ISMIP7 Community Workshop
NASA PACE Hands-on Workshop (SCIWS15: Working with PACE Satellite Data for Ocean, Atmosphere, and Land Research)
International Heliophysics Data Environment Alliance (IHDEA) Meeting
Proposal Writing Workshop: Using NASA ROSES as an Example
AGU Union Medals, Awards and Prizes
AGU recognizes individuals and teams for outstanding accomplishments in research, education, science communication, and outreach with Union Medals, Awards, and Prizes, presented at the AGU Annual Meeting.
AGU Fellows
AGU Fellows are recognized for their innovative research and exceptional contributions to Earth and space science, honored at the AGU Annual Meeting.
AGU Section Awards and Lectures
AGU sections present awards and named lectures to recognize significant contributions in specific scientific disciplines, celebrated at the AGU Annual Meeting.
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Exhibitors: 289
This edition
2026
Visitors: 25,000
Exhibitors: 300
Next edition
2026
AGU26 will take place December 7–11, 2026, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco under the theme 'Where Science Connects.' AGU's recurring positioning states the annual meeting convenes 25,000+ attendees from 100+ countries. The 2026 edition returns to the meeting's historical home city after the 2025 edition in New Orleans.
Venue rotation back to San Francisco (Moscone Center) Theme refined to 'Where Science Connects'
Growth over time
Edition recap
AGU25 ran 15-19 December 2025 in New Orleans. AGU's post-show archive preserves the scientific program, iPoster gallery, AGUTV resources and past-exhibitor information. The archived official exhibitor PDF is numbered through 289 exhibitor entries. A final audited AGU25 attendee total was not located in the public post-show materials reviewed, so the official pre-event forecast of more than 20,000 attendees is kept separate from the prior-edition actuals. AGU's AGU26 sales sheet, citing AGU25 registration data, reports that 24% of attendees were international, attendees came from more than 100 countries, 40% were involved in purchasing decisions, and 97% of AGU25 exhibitors reported a positive experience.
New this edition
New poster-hall format and poster measurements
For AGU26, AGU introduced new poster measurements and a poster-hall configuration incorporating seating and gathering spaces. Poster boards are designed to accommodate two posters on each side.
SourceOutstanding Emerging Presenters Program
AGU is evolving the Outstanding Student Presentation Awards into the Outstanding Emerging Presenters Program for 2026, adding support before, during and after the meeting, including draft-presentation feedback, optional OEP Circles and presentation awards.
SourceImpact
AGU25 convened 20,000+ registered attendees in New Orleans (December 15–19, 2025) for the world's largest gathering of Earth and space scientists, featuring nearly 1,900 unique scholarly sessions. While attendance was below the 27,000+ seen at AGU23 in San Francisco, the meeting maintained its role as the central annual forum for Earth and space science research, education, and policy exchange.
Audience quality
Attendees are primarily researchers, scientists, educators, students, policymakers, exhibitors, and communicators from over 100 countries. AGU25 drew a deeply engaged professional audience; anecdotal reports from institutional exhibitors note that smaller crowds in 2025 led to more substantive conversations with students and collaborators, and that attendees were actively seeking connections and career opportunities.
Exhibitor outcomes
AGU25 featured 330+ exhibiting organizations across the Earth and space science ecosystem. Exhibitors gain direct access to 20,000+ registered attendees, including decision-makers, researchers, and students, within a meeting that hosted nearly 1,900 scholarly sessions. Institutional exhibitors reported high-quality booth interactions, with students intentionally visiting booths for graduate and postdoc opportunities. No official booth-level ROI metrics have been published.
Intelligence
277
Exhibitors
17
Categories
21
Countries
15
Pavilions
Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.
~79% of listed exhibitors are from United States.
United States
Canada
China
United Kingdom
Taiwan
France
Germany
Japan
Switzerland
Singapore
India
Netherlands
Italy
Greece
Iceland
High priority
Buyers sourcing
Earth & Space Sciences Suppliers (profile Pending)
Buyers sourcing
Other Earth & Space Sciences Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Weather, Climate & Atmospheric Observation Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Universities, Federal Labs & Research Institutions Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Planetary Science, Astronomy & Space Mission Suppliers
Medium priority
Buyers sourcing
Scientific Publishing, Journals & Preprint Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Atmospheric Chemistry, Aerosol & Trace Gas Monitoring Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Remote Sensing, GIS & Earth Observation Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Seismology, Geodesy & Geophysical Exploration Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Field Sensors, Dataloggers & Environmental Measurement Suppliers
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
AGU26 concentrates the entire Earth and space science value chain — researchers, government agencies, instrument makers, publishers, and data providers — into one week in San Francisco. With 25,000+ attendees from 100+ countries and roughly 40% of attendees making or influencing purchasing decisions, the meeting is a high-leverage venue for instrumentation firms, publishers, and research-service providers. It is also where funding agencies preview programme priorities and where mission teams recruit collaborators, making it a leading indicator for public-sector and commercial demand over the following 12–18 months.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
AI and machine learning move from experiment to operational tool in Earth observation
AGU26 sessions explicitly target AI/ML for sustained ocean observing, seismic and acoustic event detection, computer vision, autonomous platform control, and cross-platform data synthesis. The programme treats machine learning as a practical instrument for processing high-density, multi-stream datasets that exceed traditional analysis capacity, rather than as a speculative add-on.
SourceGeophysical instrumentation market sustains mid-single-digit growth
The global geophysical equipment market is projected to expand from USD 13.19 billion in 2025 to USD 17.62 billion by 2031, a 4.94% CAGR, while a broader geophysical services and equipment segment grows at roughly 3.6% annually into 2026. Sustained instrument demand underpins the commercial exhibition floor at AGU26.
SourcePublic funding for geological mapping and resource science reaches a policy inflection
The U.S. Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) was authorized only through fiscal year 2026, prompting senators to introduce legislation extending funding through 2031. At the same time, ARPA-E has made up to $45 million available for unconventional oil-recovery research. Funding uncertainty and new programme money are both live topics for AGU26 exhibitors and attendees.
SourceLong-term ocean observatories become drivers of sensor and data-science innovation
AGU26 devotes dedicated sessions to long-term ocean observatories such as OOI, ONC, Argo, and GO-BGC as catalysts for robust hardware, anti-biofouling methods, real-time data-stream algorithms, and long-term data stewardship. This reflects a broader shift from episodic field campaigns toward persistent, instrumented observing networks.
SourceSpace weather and heliophysics bridge research and operational forecasting
AGU26 sessions span solar-wind forcing, satellite drag, and space-weather model validation, while space agencies use the meeting to update the community on mission status. The programme connects heliophysics research directly to operational concerns for satellite operators and space agencies.
SourceLatest updates from across the market.
AGU25 closes with more than 20,000 registrants and nearly 1,900 unique scholarly sessions
ReadAGU26 confirms San Francisco return with theme 'Where Science Connects'
ReadSenators introduce bill to extend Earth MRI mapping funding through 2031
ReadARPA-E commits $45 million to unconventional oil-recovery research
ReadCritical raw materials and early-stage exploration funding dominate MINEX Europe 2026
ReadThe circuit moves through Europe in spring, North America in summer, Asia in late summer, and returns to North America in December. AGU26 is the December anchor of a year-round sequence that begins with EGU in Vienna, passes through Goldschmidt, IMAGE, and AOGS, and culminates in San Francisco. Exhibitors and science teams typically use EGU to reach the European research base, Goldschmidt for geochemistry specialists, IMAGE for applied geoscience and energy, AOGS for the Asia-Pacific community, and AGU for the largest global assembly.
EGU General Assembly 2026 (EGU26)
Vienna, Austria
Hybrid format, on-site in Vienna and online. Covers all disciplines of Earth, planetary, and space sciences.
websiteGoldschmidt 2026
Montréal, Canada
Organised by the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry. Hybrid format with online participation.
websiteAOGS 2026 (Asia Oceania Geosciences Society 23rd Annual Meeting)
Fukuoka, Japan
Held at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre. Covers diverse geoscience disciplines with a strong regional participation base.
websiteIMAGE 2026 (International Meeting for Applied Geoscience and Energy)
Houston, United States
Sixth annual edition, held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Organised by AAPG, SEG, and SEPM.
websiteAGU26 Annual Meeting
San Francisco, United States
Held at the Moscone Center under the theme 'Where Science Connects.' 25,000+ attendees from 100+ countries expected.
websiteEGU General Assembly 2027 (EGU27)
Vienna, Austria
Hybrid event at the Austria Center Vienna and online. Session proposal deadline was 23 September 2026; abstract deadline 12 January 2027.
websiteJpGU Meeting 2027
Chiba, Japan
Held at Makuhari Messe in hybrid format. Six-day meeting covering Earth and planetary sciences.
websiteGoldschmidt 2027
Paris, France
Session and workshop proposal calls were open in September 2026. Dates confirmed by the European Association of Geochemistry.
websiteSpring Europe window
EGU in Vienna is the dominant spring event for the European research base. EGU26 runs 3–8 May 2026; EGU27 is confirmed for 4–9 April 2027.
Summer North America and Asia window
Goldschmidt (Montréal, 12–17 July) and AOGS (Fukuoka, 2–7 August) overlap in late July–early August, while IMAGE (Houston, 17–20 August) closes the summer applied-geoscience season.
December global anchor
AGU26 is the single largest global gathering and the circuit's December anchor. It draws attendees from every other regional meeting and sets the agenda for the following year.
Following-year Asia-Pacific and Europe window
JpGU (Chiba, 23–28 May 2027) and Goldschmidt (Paris, 11–16 July 2027) carry the circuit into the next cycle, bridging the gap between EGU27 and AGU27.
Dates are taken from organiser websites and official meeting pages where available. EGU26 and EGU27 dates are from egu26.eu and egu.eu; Goldschmidt 2026 and 2027 dates are from conf.goldschmidt.info and eag.org; IMAGE 2026 dates are from seg.org; AOGS 2026 dates are from asiaoceania.org; JpGU 2027 dates are from jpgu.org; AGU26 dates are from agu.org. Attendees should verify final schedules against organiser sites, as some programmes remain provisional.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
San Francisco International Airport
Primary gateway with the broadest nonstop routes, including international service. BART connects SFO to Powell Street station in about 28–36 minutes for roughly $11.80.
~14 miles (23 km)
to venue
20–40 minutes
by car
Oakland International Airport
Strong alternative, especially for travelers from the East Bay. The route crosses the Bay Bridge, which can add congestion. BART via Coliseum station reaches downtown San Francisco in about 44 minutes for roughly $13.45.
~20 miles (32 km)
to venue
30–45 minutes
by car
San Jose Mineta International Airport
Workable if combining AGU with South Bay meetings or if itinerary routes through San Jose. A private transfer or rideshare is often more practical than multi-leg public transit with luggage.
~45 miles (72 km)
to venue
45–60 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 199–249 / night
Official AGU26 housing block rates start as low as $199/night at properties 0.3–1.8 miles from Moscone Center. Examples include Hotel Bijou, The Mosser Hotel, and YOTEL San Francisco. Prices are estimates based on the official housing block and market data for December 2026.
USD 250–299 / night
Most official housing block properties cluster between $249 and $295/night. Examples include Axiom Hotel, Beacon Grand, and Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa. Rates are estimates from the official AGU26 housing portal.
USD 300–500 / night
Premium and luxury properties such as The Westin St. Francis, Fairmont San Francisco, and Palace Hotel typically range $300–$500/night during December convention weeks. Prices are market estimates; official housing block rates may be lower for some properties.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
BART
Two stations within two blocks of Moscone Center; ~30 minutes from SFO. Fast and reliable for airport transfers.
Muni Metro
Light rail stop directly across from the venue. Visitor Passport covers Muni buses, rail, and cable cars.
Caltrain
Frequent service from Peninsula and South Bay; station is a few minutes' walk from Moscone Center.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Surge pricing common during convention peak hours. Pickup and drop-off at designated zones near the venue.
Taxi
Metered fares; flat-rate options may be available. Taxis stage at official venue loading zones.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 Temporary Business Visitor | Citizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who are attending AGU26 for scientific, educational, or professional purposes. B-1 status covers attending conferences and conventions, but does not permit gainful employment in the United States. | $185.00 | Varies by U.S. embassy or consulate; interview wait times range from days to 12+ months depending on the post. After approval, passport return typically takes about one week. | |
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (e.g., most EU states, UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea) traveling to the United States for business or tourism for 90 days or less. | $40.27 | Usually within 72 hours; some cases may take longer. | |
| B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (combined) | Travelers who may need both business (B-1) and tourism/pleasure (B-2) activities during the same trip, or whose purpose of visit is not strictly limited to business. | $185.00 | Same as B-1 visa; varies by consular post. |
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries do not require a visa for business visits of 90 days or less but must obtain an approved ESTA before travel. VWP-eligible travelers who do not qualify for ESTA (e.g., due to prior travel to restricted countries) must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. AGU's annual meeting is open to all with related interests; an invitation letter is available to assist with visa applications, but it does not guarantee visa approval or entry.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations accept ATA Carnets for goods temporarily entered under the Customs Convention on the Temporary Importation of Professional Equipment and the International Convention to Facilitate the Importation of Commercial Samples and Advertising Material. This covers professional equipment, commercial samples, and goods for exhibitions or trade shows. The carnet must be presented to a CBP officer for entry and re-export validation.
Official visa pageWeather
December is San Francisco's rainiest month, with average rainfall around 100–110 mm spread across roughly 10–12 days. Daytime highs typically reach 55–58°F (13–14°C) and overnight lows drop to 45–48°F (7–9°C). Snow is essentially unheard of. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and an umbrella.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The Moscone Center sits in SoMa, easily reached by BART and Muni. Powell Street station (BART/Muni) serves Moscone West, while Montgomery Street station serves Moscone North and South. Both are a 5–10 minute walk from the venue. SFO connects to Powell Street via BART in under 40 minutes; OAK requires a transfer at Coliseum. Caltrain's 4th & King station is about a 15-minute walk from Moscone. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are plentiful, though surge pricing is common during large conventions. More than 20,000 hotel rooms are within walking distance of the venue.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping is expected and substantial
Tip 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for bar service, and $2–5 per bag for hotel bellhops. Many San Francisco restaurants add a 4–6% surcharge for employee health coverage on top of the 8.625% sales tax; read the receipt carefully before adding a tip.
Layers are essential
San Francisco's microclimates mean the temperature can shift dramatically between neighborhoods. A warm, foggy morning in SoMa can turn chilly and windy near Fisherman's Wharf. Always carry a light jacket or fleece.
Public transit etiquette
Use a Clipper card (physical or via app) for BART, Muni, and Caltrain. Stand to the right on escalators, let passengers exit before boarding, and keep noise low on transit. BART requires fares to be loaded before entering the platform.
Pedestrian-friendly but hilly
Downtown San Francisco is walkable, but steep hills are common outside SoMa. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if walking to Union Square, Chinatown, or the Embarcadero. Jaywalking is common but technically illegal; use crosswalks in busy tourist areas.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: SFO
SFO offers the widest range of nonstop international and domestic routes. OAK is a viable alternative, especially for East Bay travelers, but adds Bay Bridge crossing time. Book flights early: December is peak holiday travel season, and AGU26 draws 25,000+ attendees. Pre-book ground transportation two to eight weeks ahead to avoid surge pricing.
Visa requirements depend on nationality. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may travel visa-free with an approved ESTA for stays up to 90 days. All other foreign nationals generally need a B-1 business visitor visa (or a combined B-1/B-2 visa) to attend AGU26.
Processing: Consular interview wait times vary widely by location (from days to more than a year). After approval, passport return usually takes about one week. ESTA decisions are typically available within 72 hours.
AGU provides a justification/invitation letter for registered attendees to support visa applications and requests for expedited appointments. Receiving a letter does not guarantee visa issuance. On-site registration payments must be by credit card; AGU does not accept cash during AGU26.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: SFO is ~14 miles (23 km) from Moscone Center; 20–40 minutes by car. BART connects SFO to Powell St in ~30 minutes for ~$10.30.
Hotel → venue: Downtown Atlanta and convention-center hotels are typically within walking distance or a short ride-hail/MARTA trip to the venue.
Ride-hail: Uber/Lyft from SFO to Moscone averages $32–$52; short rides within SoMa $8–$15. Surge pricing during peak convention hours.
Public transit: BART, Muni Metro, and Caltrain provide frequent service. Muni single ride $2.85; 1-day Visitor Passport $15.
Parking: Moscone Center has no on-site parking. Moscone Center Garage (255 3rd St) offers 732 spaces at $4–$5/hour, $18 early bird, $29–$35 for 12–24 hours. Fifth & Mission Garage (833 Mission St) has 2,585 spaces at $5–$6/hour, $38–$44 for 12–24 hours.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December
Temperature: 45–58°F (7–14°C)
Seasonality: December is the rainiest month, with roughly 100–110 mm of rain spread over 10–12 days. Expect cool, damp conditions with occasional sunny breaks.
Packing: Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, warm layers (fleece or sweater), comfortable walking shoes, and an indoor/outdoor adaptable wardrobe. Evenings are chilly, especially near the waterfront.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 2026-12-08
Tuesday, 8 December combines a full 10:00 a.m:30 p.m. exhibit-hall window with the official AGU26 Welcome Reception and section-based networking. It offers more exhibit time than Monday or Thursday while adding a major networking opportunity on the same day.
Register and reserve housing — Planning guidance. AGU's early registration deadline was 5 November 2026, attendee rates increase on 6 November, and the AGU hotel-block deadline is 19 November. Book immediately if attending.
Confirm travel authorization and visa needs — Planning guidance. Entry requirements are nationality-dependent; if a U.S. visitor visa is required, use the U.S. Department of State process and allow more time than the event-prep window.
Build a first-pass agenda in the AGU26 online program — The official online program is live. Prioritize scientific sessions, exhibit-hall time, ticketed events and networking rather than trying to cover the full 25,000+ attendee meeting.
Create a target list of sessions, exhibitors and people — Planning guidance. Define 3-5 outcomes, shortlist the highest-value sessions and exhibitors, and identify people to meet before arriving.
Pre-book focused meetings — Planning guidance. The AGU26 planner lists reservable lounges and pods in Moscone South Hall D and meeting rooms in the Moscone North Lobby; use these when available rather than relying on chance encounters.
Install or refresh the AGU26 Events app and confirm schedule changes — The official meeting app is intended for program search, schedule building, alerts, posters, recorded content and networking. Recheck rooms and times shortly before travel.
Prepare for arrival and badge pickup — First-time attendees can use the official meeting on Sunday, 6 December, from 6:00-6:45 p.m. in Moscone South, Room 106, and pick up badges early. Others should confirm their own registration and arrival instructions.
Lock the day-one success plan — Planning guidance. Put the top sessions, exhibit meetings and one networking objective into a single schedule, with buffer time between Moscone locations.
Recommended: arrive, verify room changes in the AGU26 online planner and lock the day's three most important outcomes
Moscone CenterRecommended: attend the highest-priority scientific session in your field
Moscone Center confirm room in the AGU26 online plannerPriority exhibit-hall sweep: scheduled demos first, then adjacent suppliers
AGU26 Exhibit HallRecommended: hold a focused follow-up meeting in a reservable meeting space
Moscone South Hall D pod/lounge or Moscone North Lobby meeting room, subject to availabilityRecommended: lunch plus one pre-booked one-to-one conversation
SoMa/Yerba Buena near Moscone CenterRecommended: return to a high-priority science or cross-disciplinary session
Moscone Center confirm room in the AGU26 online plannerFinal Tuesday exhibit-hall meetings and same-day note capture
AGU26 Exhibit HallJoin the official AGU26 Welcome Reception and use section spaces for targeted introductions
AGU26 Welcome Reception confirm location in the online plannerYerba Buena Gardens
Public Gardens and Cultural District
Within one block of Moscone Center
Recommendation, not AGU-affiliated: an easy outdoor reset between meeting blocks or a low-friction place for an informal walk-and-talk.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Modern and Contemporary Art Museum
151 Third Street in the SoMa/Yerba Buena district near Moscone Center
Recommendation, not AGU-affiliated: a strong post-session cultural stop when you have a longer break or free evening.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Contemporary Arts Center
Within one block of Moscone Center at 701 Mission Street
Recommendation, not AGU-affiliated: useful for a short cultural detour without adding meaningful travel time.
AGU26 Section Lounges
Official informal networking space
AGU's current section guidance says lounges will be available throughout the week in Moscone West, Level 2 for meeting colleagues and informal conversations.
AGU26 Meeting Pods
Official reservable casual meeting space
The official online program lists small open pods in Moscone South Hall D for casual meetings; reserve through the meeting planner when available.
AGU26 Meeting Rooms
Official reservable private meeting space
The official online program lists small private meeting rooms in the Moscone North Lobby for focused conversations; reserve through the meeting planner when available.
AGU26 Welcome Reception
Official reception
Tuesday, 8 December. AGU section guidance says spaces will be devoted to each section, making it a strong setting for discipline-specific introductions.
Budget
AGU26 pricing is published as turnkey booth packages, not per-square-metre raw space or shell-scheme rates. The standard booth is a 10 ft x 10 ft unit (approx. 9.29 sqm) at $3,650 USD. Government/non-profit rate is $2,700 USD for one booth; additional booths are charged at the standard rate. Academic Showcase is $2,800 USD for one booth; additional booths at the standard rate.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth_package
exhibitor · Standard Booth 10 ft x 10 ft
USD 3650 / per 10 ft x 10 ft booth
booth_package
exhibitor · Government / Non-Profit Rate 10 ft x 10 ft
USD 2700 / one eligible 10 ft x 10 ft booth; additional booths at standard rate
booth_package
exhibitor · Academic Showcase 10 ft x 10 ft
USD 2800 / one eligible 10 ft x 10 ft booth; additional booths at standard rate
booth_corner_fee
exhibitor · Exposed corner
USD 150 / per exposed corner
lodging_planning_proxy
both · GSA FY2027 San Francisco lodging rate
USD 279 / per room night, excluding taxes
meals_and_incidentals_planning_proxy
both · GSA FY2027 San Francisco M&IE rate
USD 92 / per person per day
visitor_visa_application
both · U.S. B visitor visa application fee, if required
USD 185 / per applicant
attendee_registration
visitor · AGU26 attendee registration
—
exhibitor_baseline_planning_floor
exhibitor · One Standard Booth plus five GSA lodging nights and five M&IE days
USD 5505 / planning baseline before airfare, hotel taxes and booth add-ons
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth_package | exhibitor | Standard Booth 10 ft x 10 ft | USD 3650 / per 10 ft x 10 ft booth | official | 2026-11-06 |
| booth_package | exhibitor | Government / Non-Profit Rate 10 ft x 10 ft | USD 2700 / one eligible 10 ft x 10 ft booth; additional booths at standard rate | official | 2026-11-06 |
| booth_package | exhibitor | Academic Showcase 10 ft x 10 ft | USD 2800 / one eligible 10 ft x 10 ft booth; additional booths at standard rate | official | 2026-11-06 |
| booth_corner_fee | exhibitor | Exposed corner | USD 150 / per exposed corner | official | 2026-11-06 |
| lodging_planning_proxy | both | GSA FY2027 San Francisco lodging rate | USD 279 / per room night, excluding taxes | official | 2026-11-06 |
| meals_and_incidentals_planning_proxy | both | GSA FY2027 San Francisco M&IE rate | USD 92 / per person per day | official | 2026-11-06 |
| visitor_visa_application | both | U.S. B visitor visa application fee, if required | USD 185 / per applicant | official | 2026-11-06 |
| attendee_registration | visitor | AGU26 attendee registration | — | unknown | 2026-11-06 |
| exhibitor_baseline_planning_floor | exhibitor | One Standard Booth plus five GSA lodging nights and five M&IE days | USD 5505 / planning baseline before airfare, hotel taxes and booth add-ons | estimate | 2026-11-06 |
Decision
Answer eight AGU26-specific questions on audience fit, objective, economics, readiness, travel and follow-through. Higher scores indicate the most defensible path.
QUESTION 1 OF 8
How closely does AGU26's Earth and space science audience match the people you need to reach?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Choose Visit when audience fit is strong and you can identify specific sessions, exhibitors or people to meet, but booth economics or operational readiness is not yet proven.
Best for
Researchers, scientists, technical buyers, university or government teams, recruiters and solution scouts who need targeted science, supplier discovery and meetings without operating a booth.
Timeline
Start immediately. AGU's hotel-block deadline is 19 November 2026, and the meeting runs 7-11 December.
Risks
Attendee registration rates increased on 6 November, and the official housing-block deadline is 19 November.
The 25,000+ attendee scale can dilute value if sessions, exhibitors and meetings are not prioritized in advance.
Registration tier, airfare and nationality-dependent visa costs are not fully priced in this model.
exhibit
Choose Exhibit when AGU's audience is a core market, a handful of qualified opportunities can justify the spend, and the team can pre-book meetings, run demos and follow up within 24 hours.
Best for
Organizations selling instrumentation, research technology, publishing, scientific data/services or other solutions used by the Earth and space science community, plus eligible research and education organizations.
Min. budget
$5,505.00
Timeline
Start immediately. With the meeting beginning 7 December, exhibit only if staffing, demo assets, travel, target accounts and service-kit logistics can be finalized now.
Risks
The $5,505 figure is a planning floor built from one $3,650 Standard Booth, five GSA lodging-rate nights and five M&IE days; it excludes airfare, hotel taxes, booth add-ons and unverified service-kit charges.
Public sources reviewed did not verify current AGU26 freight, electrical/AV or insurance charges, so total booth cost can exceed the planning floor.
Thursday exhibit hours end at 1:00 p.m.; high-value meetings should be concentrated on Tuesday and Wednesday.
skip
Choose Skip when neither a focused visit nor a booth has a clear conversion path, or when the remaining preparation window would force rushed execution.
Best for
Teams with weak Earth and space science audience fit, no measurable 2026 objective, no realistic travel or booth budget, or insufficient time to prepare.
Timeline
No event preparation required; reassess when buyer fit, budget or measurable meeting objectives improve.
Risks
Skipping removes in-person access to a 25,000+ attendee, 100+ country Earth and space science community.
You may miss supplier, research, recruiting and partnership signals that are easier to validate face-to-face.
Book with
Maritz Housing Service
AGU identifies Maritz as its housing service provider for the official meeting hotel block in the supplied AGU26 source context.
Current-edition Stage 4 source context identifies Maritz as the AGU26 housing service provider; use the official AGU housing page rather than third-party hotel solicitations.
Recommended providers
Official AGU26 housing block: 44 properties, discounted rates from $199/night; book by 19 November 2026.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Trust footer
28
References
11
Publishers
0
Date checked
American Geophysical Union
Climate and Cryosphere (CliC)
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