September 28-30, 2026

PALMER EVENTS CENTER - AUSTIN, TX

Bringing response
back to basics

What is
Gulf Response Alliance?

Effective response starts with strong fundamentals. The inaugural 2026 Gulf Response Alliance event builds on decades of Gulf spill response experience while capturing the energy and skills of new responders. The GRA brings together industry, institutional, community and regulatory leaders for three days of hands-on training and coordination. This year’s focus is Back to Basics: Reinforcing the capabilities and partnerships that responders rely on. 

What is Gulf Response Alliance

Why Attend?

connect

Connect

Build and renew a strong network of dependable partners for spill prevention and response. GRA 2026 offers multiple opportunities for cross-sector engagement across the response community.
Learn

Learn

Gain insights grounded in real-world response experience from seasoned practitioners. Sessions will focus on core principles and current practices informed by field-tested tools and methods.

Align

Align

Effective response relies on shared expectations, communication, and coordination. Our goal is to provide a platform for organizations to align around common approaches across the response community.

Executive Committee

Jesse Gilbert GRA

Jesse Gilbert

President and CEO
Oceans and Wildlife Institute

Marty Bienvenu, LOSCO

Marty Bienvenu

Louisiana department of conservation and energy
Oil spill coordinator’s office

Jennifer Vela, OWI

Jennifer Vela

Oceans and Wildlife Institute

Michael Drieu photo

Michael Drieu

Steering Committee Chairman
Gulf Response Alliance

D’Anne Stites, Texas General Land Office

D’Anne Stites

Texas General Land Office

Agenda

Find the times for badge pickup, keynotes, sessions, expo experiences, and more.

12:00 - 17:00

Exhibitors move-in

08:00 - 09:00

Opening General Session

Welcome Remarks, Keynote Address

09:00 - 16:00

Exhibit Hall Open

9:00 - 11:00

Onsite Demonstrations

11:00 - 12:00

Government Updates

12:00 - 13:00

Lunch

Food Trucks Available at Palmer

13:00 - 16:00

Workshops

14:30 - 15:00

Coffee Break

14:30 - 16:00

Onsite Demonstrations

16:30 - 18:00

On Water Demonstrations

18:00 - 21:00

Hula Hut Networking Event

08:00 - 16:00

Exhibit Hall Open

08:00 - 12:00

Workshops

10:00 - 10:30

Coffee Break

12:00 - 13:00

Lunch

Food Trucks Available at Palmer

13:00 - 16:00

Workshops

14:00 - 18:00

Exhibitor Move-Out

19:00 - 22:00

Awards & Celebration

22:00

Event Concludes

Secure Your Spot

September 28-30, 2026 – Palmer Events Center – Austin, TX

TIER A1

Full Attendee Registration

TIER A2 BEST VALUE

Group Attendee Registration

TIER A3

Government Attendee Registration

Registration Cancellation Policy

Cancellation requests received 60 days or more prior to the event start date.

Cancellation requests received 30–59 days prior to the event.

Cancellation requests received less than 30 days prior to the event. Registrations may be transferred to another individual at no cost up to 7 days before the event. Only valid for the 2026 Gulf Response Alliance event.

If the event is postponed or canceled due to circumstances beyond control (weather, government action, etc.), registration fees may be transferred to a future event or refunded at the discretion of GRA.

Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?

September 28-30, 2026

PALMER EVENTS CENTER - AUSTIN, TX

Co-Hosted By

GRA co-hosted by oceans wildlife institute
GRA co-hosted by Texas General Land Office
C&E Logo - Seal Logo - Full Color - LOSCO
Logo SCAA