Alabama State Association of
Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting

May 26th - 29th, 2026
The Lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park

About ASAFS 2026

This year's ASAFS Meeting will be held May 26th – May 29th, 2026 at the The Lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park in Guntersville, AL.

Where

When

Tuesday – Friday
May 26th - 29th, 2026


Registration


Students Registration   Faculty Registration   Retirees Registration   Vendors Registration

Keynote Speaker

ASAFS 2026 Keynote Speaker

KeyNote Speaker

Dr. Giovanna Vidoli

Dr. Giovanna Vidoli is the Director of the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee and a Board-Certified Forensic Anthropologist. Previously, Dr. Vidoli served as a Research Professor at the Center and was Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on seven federally funded grants. Prior to joining the University of Tennessee in 2013, she served as Assistant Director for World Trade Center Operations (2004–2006) at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York. Her current research focuses on comparing different modalities of burial search, including the use of Ground Penetrating Radar. Dr. Vidoli brings extensive operational experience, academic leadership, and research innovation to the field of forensic anthropology.

The Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee (FAC) is a world-renowned leader in forensic anthropology research, training, and applied casework. Located at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, the Center is internationally recognized for advancing the scientific study of human skeletal biology in medico-legal contexts.

Founded in 1987 by pioneering forensic anthropologist Dr. William M. Bass, the Center is home to the Anthropological Research Facility—widely known as the original “Body Farm.” Through the ethical donation of human remains, researchers conduct groundbreaking studies on human decomposition, skeletal analysis, trauma interpretation, and postmortem interval estimation. This research has significantly enhanced the accuracy and reliability of forensic investigations worldwide.

With a global reputation for innovation and excellence, the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee continues to shape best practices in forensic science and remains a cornerstone institution in the advancement of forensic anthropology.

Event Schedule

ASAFS 2026 Conference Agenda

AGENDA

agenda

Event Venue

The Lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park

The Lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park

Lake Guntersville State Park rests along the banks of the Tennessee River in Northeast Alabama. Whether you are looking for a resort-style retreat or an outdoor adventure in the 6,000 acres of natural woodlands, Lake Guntersville State Park will satisfy all your needs. Among the many recreational offerings are an 18-hole championship golf course, the Screaming Eagle Zipline, a beach complex, an outdoor nature center, excellent fishing in Alabama's largest lake, 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, weekly guided hikes, and a day-use area.


When it comes to “elevated comfort and Southern hospitality,” there’s nothing else like The Lodge anywhere on the Southern Alabama Coast. We pride ourselves on providing every guest with an unparalleled experience — refined, yet warm and welcoming. The 350 room Lodge at Gulf State Park is a full-service resort with access to an array of amenities, activities and facilities.

Sponsors

Thank you for supporting us!

ASAFS 2026 Sponsorship Form   Vendor Attendee Registration Form

2026 ASAFS Sponsorship and Vendor Information

Would you like to become a sponsor for ASAFS 2026 Annual Conference? Submit your  2026 ASAFS Sponsorship application today.
Deadline to apply is April 15, 2026.

Sponsorships Include:

Platinum Sponsorship ($3,500):

  • Sponsored Event: Opening Night Event, Meritorious Service Awards Dinner, or Themed Dinner
  • Large priority signage at event (2 custom signs)
  • President's Toast and Sponsorship Acknowledgement at event
  • Website and Guidebook recognition of sponsorship
  • Sponsorship recognition of ASAFS social media
  • 25% discount on full conference registration for attendees
  • Table and chairs included

Gold Sponsorship ($2,000):

  • Sponsored Event: Lunch, Excursion, or Social Hour before Opening Dinner
  • Signage at event (1 sign)
  • Website and Guidebook recognition of sponsorship
  • Sponsorship recognition of ASAFS social media
  • 25% discount on full conference registration for attendees
  • Table and chairs included

Silver Sponsorship ($1,000):

  • Sponsored Event: Conference Break
  • Signage at event (1 sign)
  • Website and Guidebook recognition of sponsorship
  • Sponsorship recognition of ASAFS social media
  • 25% discount on full conference registration for attendees
  • Table and chairs included

Bronze Sponsorship ($500):

  • Vendor Expo Booth space only (Table and chairs included)
  • Website and Guidebook recognition of sponsorship
  • Sponsorship recognition of ASAFS social media

All sponsors will receive recognition for their contributions at the event and in our conference program.

 The Sponsorships do not include attendee registration. A separate form will be used for attendee registration.  Please click here for Vendor Attendee Registration.

Special thanks to our sponsors!

F.A.Q

ASAFS 2026 – What You Need to Know!

  • The conference will begin on Tuesday, May 26th and close on Friday, May 29th. ASAFS 2026 will be held at The Lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park in Guntersville, Alabama.

    The Vendor Booths will be open on May 27th and May 28th.

    THE LODGE AT LAKE GUNTERSVILLE STATE PARK
    1155 Lodge Dr.
    GUNTERSVILLE, AL 35976
    (800) 548-4553

  • Registration will be taking place on Tuesday, May 26th, from 1:00-4:00 PM at the hotel. If you are planning on arriving at a later date, please notify a member of the Vendor Committee of your arrival so we can ensure you receive all of your registration gear.

  • Tables may be set up on Tuesday, May 26th, from 1:00-5:00PM.

    Booths must be taken down on Thursday, May 28th, by 6:00PM. If this time conflicts with your excursion, please let us know.

    We will have volunteers around to help with any set up/take down needs.

  • Please address all packages to: The Lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park Attn: Alabama State Association for Forensic Sciences 1155 Lodge Dr. Guntersville, AL 35976

    Return packages will not be picked up from the Vendor Area. Please coordinate with Jessica Jackson, Vendor Chair, Michael Dugan, Vendor Vice Chair, or hotel staff to ensure your packages are returned.

  • The ASAFS agenda can be found on our website, ASAFS 2026 Annual Meeting, under the 2026 Annual Event. There will be scientific presentations, poster presentations, dress up nights, and our annual Fun Run!

See you in Lake Guntersville!