ISAM 2026
International Symposium on Academic Makerspaces (ISAM) 2026 — Conference Overview
The International Symposium on Academic Makerspaces (ISAM) 2026 will be held October 11-13, 2026, at Rice University in Houston, Texas. This year’s conference is proudly hosted by the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK) and the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, marking the first time ISAM will take place in Houston. Sessions and events will be held across multiple venues on and near the Rice campus.
ISAM is the premier global gathering for the academic makerspace community. Over three days, more than 300 faculty, staff, students, researchers, and industry partners convene to share knowledge, showcase best practices, and explore new ideas that deepen the student learning experience and support long-term alumni success. Attendees span a broad range of roles—including university leadership, makerspace managers, educational researchers, student advocates, policymakers, and industry innovators—reflecting the interdisciplinary reach and impact of academic makerspaces.
Located in the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant and diverse cities, Rice University offers an inspiring backdrop for this year’s symposium. The campus sits amid Houston’s renowned Museum District, steps away from Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, and the Texas Medical Center—the largest medical center in the world. This dynamic setting enriches opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and hands-on exploration throughout the conference.
ISAM 2026 invites the global makerspace community to join us in Houston for three days of learning, sharing, and building the future of design education and experiential learning together.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Early Registration by August 6th - $700
Regular Registration after August 6th - $900
Student Registration by August 6th - $200
Student Registration after August 6th - $300
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 15th
Extra Workshops
ISAM 101 - Makerspace Tour and Operational Strategies - $275
ISAM 102 - Hands-on Prototyping and Pedagogy - $275
Key Conference Dates/Times
October 11, 2026 - Daytime - ISAM Workshops (these are add-ons for an additional fee) 9 am-5:00 pm
October 11, 2026 - Evening - Keynote Speaker, Opening Reception, Poster Session 5 pm-7 pm
October 12, 2026 - Daytime - Conference Program Starts 9 am-5 pm
October 12, 2026 - Evening - Networking Dinner 6 pm
October 13, 2026 - Daytime - Conference Program Continues/Ends 5 pm
Academic makerspaces meaningfully transform student learning across a wide range of disciplines—including engineering, science, mathematics, medicine, design, architecture, entrepreneurship, the arts, and the humanities. These spaces foster hands-on exploration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supportive peer communities that extend well beyond the walls of the makerspace.
As the field continues to grow rapidly, it is essential to convene practitioners and leaders to exchange resources, develop shared frameworks, and accelerate the infusion of makerspaces throughout higher education. Founded in 2016, ISAM serves as the central platform for gathering and disseminating knowledge that helps institutions:
BUILD and strengthen student maker communities
INSPIRE beginner and advanced users alike
ENSURE a culture of safe, inclusive, responsible making
MAXIMIZE educational, social, and professional impact
DEVELOP effective practices for staffing, training, programming, and operations
SELECT appropriate technologies, tools, and equipment to meet institutional goals
ISAM 2026 will continue this mission by offering:
Short courses focused on foundational and emerging makerspace practices
Invited talks from leaders shaping the future of design education and innovation
Technical papers and poster sessions sharing cutting-edge research and implementations
Community discussions addressing challenges, trends, and promising new directions
Networking and community-building events designed to strengthen global connections
Industry exhibits showcasing current and future technologies that support makerspaces
ISAM is a collaborative effort of the Higher Education Makerspace Initiative (HEMI). Learn more at hemi-makers.org.
Pre-Conference WORKSHOPS?
Interested in the extra pre-conference workshops? Click below for more info.
Important Dates
Key Preliminary Dates
January 8, 2026 - Early Registration Opens
January 20, 2026 - Call for Papers and Posters Opens
March 15, 2026 - Abstract Deadline (optional screening)
May 30, 2026 - Full Paper & Poster Submission Deadline EXTENDED
July 10, 2026 - Presenter Acceptance Notifications Sent EXTENDED
August 6, 2026 - Early Registration Closes EXTENDED
August 6, 2026 - Revised Paper/Poster/Demo Deadline EXTENDED
August 15, 2026 - Paper author registration deadline
August 15, 2026 - Presenter Upload Portal Opens
September 15, 2026 - Regular Registration Closes
September 30, 2026 - Final Presentation Upload Deadline
Key Conference Dates/Times
October 11, 2026 - Daytime - ISAM Workshops (these are add-ons for an additional fee) 9 am-5:00 pm
October 11, 2026 - Evening - Keynote Speaker, Opening Reception, Poster Session 5 pm-7 pm
October 12, 2026 - Daytime - Conference Program Starts 9 am-5 pm
October 12, 2026 - Evening - Networking Dinner 6 pm
October 13, 2026 - Daytime - Conference Program Continues/Ends 5 pm
Our Sponsors
We are grateful to our sponsors who are making this conference possible.
Location
Rice University
6100 Main Street
Houston, Texas
United States, 77005
Dates
Registration period:
January 5, 2026 - 1:40 AM CST - September 10, 2026 - 9:00 PM CDT
Submission period:
January 19, 2026 - 12:00 AM CST - October 11, 2026 - 11:59 PM CDT
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact isam2026@rice.edu