ForestSAT 2028: Request for Proposals

Interested in hosting the 12th ForestSAT conference in 2028?

Deadline extended to January 23, 2026

ForestSAT has become the premier international forum for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders advancing forest observation and analysis through cutting-edge technologies. As we look ahead to 2028, the ForestSAT Board invites proposals to host and organize the 12th ForestSAT conference—an opportunity to shape the next chapter of this globally respected event.

In keeping with ForestSAT’s commitment to geographical rotation, we are currently seeking hosts from outside North America.

Since its inception in 2002, ForestSAT has convened every 2–3 years, bringing together a vibrant community dedicated to innovation and impact. ForestSAT 2024 was hosted by Scion in New Zealand, and ForestSAT 2026 will take place in Gainesville, Florida, USA, hosted by the University of Florida from May 4–8, 2026.

With planning for ForestSAT 2026 well underway, we now turn our attention to 2028. We welcome proposals from institutions and organizations ready to lead a collaborative, inclusive, and technically outstanding conference that reflects the spirit and ambition of ForestSAT.

Dates, venues, and approximate attendance (in parentheses) for past conferences include:

  • 2024 in Rotorua, New Zealand

    326 in person

  • 2022 in Berlin, Germany

    360 in person, 103 virtual

  • 2018 in Maryland, USA

    475 in person

  • 2016 in Santiago, Chile

    300 in person

  • 2014 in Riva del Garda, Italy

    360 in person

  • 2012 in Corvaliis, Oregon USA

    275 in person

  • 2010 in Lugo, Spain

    200 in person

  • 2007 in Montpellier, France

    120 in person

  • 2005 in Borås, Sweden

    100 in person

  • 2002 in Edinburgh, Scotland

    200 in person

Past events have featured a rich mix of keynote speakers, invited and contributed paper sessions, poster presentations, and field tours that showcase local forest landscapes and innovations. Prospective hosts are encouraged to shape the scientific program to reflect regional strengths, emerging themes, and community interests. This may include:

  • Sessions conducted in the local language (with translation support encouraged)

  • Dedicated tracks for students, early-career researchers, or novel research collectives

  • Topical panels exploring indigenous knowledge, local forest issues, or cross-sector collaboration

In keeping with tradition, ForestSAT conferences often lead to one or more journal special issues or sections featuring selected papers. ForestSAT 2012 and 2014, for example, secured special issues in Remote Sensing of Environment and the European Journal of Remote Sensing. Host committees may also propose regionally relevant journals, including those accepting contributions in the local language. 

ForestSAT values inclusivity, innovation, and relevance - creative additions to the program are welcome.

If you are interested in hosting ForestSAT2028, we encourage you to submit a proposal (up to 4 pages) that addresses the items described below.

Proposals must be submitted by January 23, 2026.

All questions and submissions should be directed to forestsat@forestsat.com.

Please include in your proposal:

• A brief statement regarding why you want to host ForestSAT 2028.

• Approximate date of the conference. In the past, ForestSAT has been held between September and November. This is normally the best compromise between academic activities and other conferences, but dates are negotiable.

• Potential venue, including city, conference site and available lodging accommodation.

• Description of local culture and tourist attractions in the vicinity of the conference site.

• Distance and transportation to the nearest commercial airport.

• Suggestions for possible field trips of interest to natural resource professionals.

Once a potential host is identified, the ForestSAT board may be able to assist with the next steps in conference planning such as:

• Suggesting mechanisms for developing local support including members of organizing committee, administrative support, and local participation in the symposium.

• Establishing a budget. 

• Creating timelines, including deadlines for abstract submission, registration, accommodation, and manuscript submission. 

• Identifying potential financial contributors and/or underwriters.

• Developing program structure, including types of presentations and conference length.

• Advertising the symposium internationally (supplying mailing and distribution lists, accessing existing ForestSAT social media platforms).

• Providing seed money to assist with early activities such as website development and hosting.

Conditions for acceptance include:

• Communicating with the ForestSAT board throughout planning and organization to ensure continuity of the conference style, as well as a guarantee of success. 

• Must be willing to sign a Conference Host Agreement with ForestSAT. This includes contractual obligations as hosts (including financial obligations) and lays out the responsibilities of the host and ForestSAT. An example of the hosting contract is available here. Please note that exact terms of the hosting contract may change through discussion between ForestSAT and the selected host.

• It would be helpful if proposing teams have attended a previous ForestSAT conference or plan to attend ForestSAT 2026 in Gainesville, Florida, USA. 

Please contact us with any questions you might have at forestsat@forestsat.com.

2028 RFP Committee

Chair: Joanne White, Canadian Forest Service, Canada

Costanza Borghi, University of Florence, Italy

Ross Hill, Bournemouth University, UK

Ron McRoberts, University of Minnesota, USA

Lars Waser, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Switzerland

Michael Watt, Scion, New Zealand

Operations Manager: Maureen Duane, Univ. of Washington, USA