Iowa Division of the IAI upcoming events

2026 Iowa IAI Educational Conference and Business Meeting (2 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

2026 IOWA IAI FALL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

FFA ENRICHMENT CENTER, ANKENY, IOWA

NOVEMBER 2ND-4TH, 2026

This 2.5 day conference is beneficial for those who are in the forensic science field and/or have the responsibility of crime scene processing, forensic examination or criminal investigation as part of their job duties. Professors and students of criminal justice, forensic science or a related field are also welcome.

CONFERENCE FLYER

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Business Meeting on Day 2 is open to active members for the year of 2026 only

Lectures & Presentations:

Lessons From Cold Cases: Preserving Today's Evidence for Tomorrow's Investigations (Chad Lovig, Iowa Cold Case Unit)
Unidentified Human Remains Project (James McMillan, Iowa Cold Case Unit)
Important Updates from DCI Crime Laboratory Footwear/Tire and Trace Units
Basic Testifying Preparation Techniques for Crime Scene Investigators and Officers (Meggan Guns, Polk County Attorney's Office)
Crime Scene Strategy for Federal Cases (SA Christian and SA Jenkins, ATF)
Footwear & Tire Track Impression Comparison-Updates (Steve Tvrdik, DCI Crime Laboratory)
Blunt and Sharp Force Trauma (Dr. Allison Hade, IOSME)
Defect Now What? A Basic Approach to Documenting Defects within a Shooting Scene (Cassie Salter, CBPD)
Aquatic Death Investigations (Dr. Sarah Mormino, The Forensic Diver LLC)

Case Studies:

Case Study: Pulse Nightclub Terror Attack, Orlando, FL (Undersheriff Hopper, Seminole County Sheriff's Office)
Case Study: The Staged Suicide of Danielle Dolan, Sioux City IA (Sioux City PD and Dr. Heather Garvin, Des Moines University)
Case Study: The Asante Walker Investigation: Catching a Serial Rapist in Eastern Iowa

Workshops:

Capturing the Details: Processing & Photographing Reflective Surfaces
Beyond DSLR: Exploring Mirrorless Cameras (2 sessions!)
Expert Witness Testifying: Preparation for the Certified Examiner
Building a Forensically Sound 3D Laser Scanning Workflow (all types of scanner users welcome!)

Registration Options:

$125.00 – Active Member Registration (includes 1-year membership to the Iowa IAI for the year of 2027). This option should be chosen if you are an active member of the Iowa IAI for the year of 2026 or attended the 2026 Iowa IAI Basic Crime Scene School and would like to attend all three days of the conference.

$175.00- Non-Member Registration (includes 1-year membership to the Iowa IAI for the year of 2027). This option should be chosen if you are not an active member of the Iowa IAI for the year of 2026 and would like to attend all three days of the conference.

$65.00 – Lifetime Member

$45.00 – Students
(must provide proof of current enrollment in forensic or criminal justice courses)

1-Day Registration Available (must register separately for each day if you'd like to attend 2 separate days):

$100.00 - Day 1
$100.00- Day 2
$75.00- Day 3

HOTEL INFORMATION:
Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny
1515 SW Main Street Ankeny
Iowa, USA, 50023
Room Reservations Here by October 1st to get special Iowa IAI rate.

Workshop: Building a Forensically Sound 3D Laser Scanning Workflow (2 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

2026 Iowa IAI Conference Workshop:

Building a Sustainable & Forensically Sound 3D Laser Scanning Program: Standards, Competence, and Admissibility in 3D Forensic Mapping

Instructor: Jamie Selves, Collision & Crime Forensic Solutions

November 2nd, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

This workshop will assist in teaching both new and experienced users how to build a scanning workflow for different types of scenarios that are common to crimes scene documentation. No matter the type of scanner you're using, this workshop will give you tips and tricks to make smooth sailing of every scene you scan, and give you information about how to prepare yourself for 3D Scanning court testimony.

Class limit of 20.

All Iowa IAI Workshop dates, times and topics are subject to change.

Workshop: Capturing the Details: Documentation and Processing Techniques for Evidence on Reflective Surfaces (2 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 15:05:00 GMT

2026 Iowa IAI Conference Workshop

Capturing the Details: Documentation and Processing Techniques for Evidence on Reflective and Semi-Reflective Surfaces

November 2nd, 2026 from 10:05 AM to 12:00 PM

Instructor: Hadley Kava, Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office

This workshop provides a practical, hands-on introduction to processing reflective and semi‑reflective surfaces for forensic evidence recovery. Participants will learn how to identify and approach challenging surfaces such as glass, metal, polished plastics, and glossy painted materials. The session will cover the selection and proper use of specialized forensic tools and techniques for developing fingerprints and collecting potential DNA without compromising evidence integrity. In addition, the workshop will emphasize thorough documentation practices, guiding participants through effective forensic photography techniques that minimize glare, capture detail, and preserve evidentiary value. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with practical skills and confidence to process a wide range of reflective surfaces in real-world crime scene and laboratory environments.

Required Equipment:

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Micro/Macro Lens (fixed length lens)
Tripod and adapter
Flashlight or External Flash/Cord
Remote Shutter
Alternate Light Sources & Camera Filters *not required, but helpful if you want to use your own equipment during the workshop*

Workshop: Expert Witness Testimony: Preparation for the Certified Examiner (2 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

2026 Iowa IAI Conference Workshop

Expert Witness Testimony: Preparation for the Certified Examiner

November 2nd, 2026, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Instructor: Meggan Guns, Polk County Attorney's Office

Polk County Prosecutor Meggan Gunn will share practical strategies for presenting forensic findings and crime scene evidence in court. Topics include testimony preparation, communicating complex forensic concepts to juries, and avoiding common courtroom pitfalls-all for the expert witness.

This workshop is focused on certified examiners and crime scene investigators.

Workshop: Beyond DSLR-Exploring Mirrorless Cameras (2 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

2026 Iowa IAI Conference Workshop

Beyond DSLR: Exploring Mirrorless Cameras

Session 1: November 2nd from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Session 2: November 2nd from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Instructor: David Rice, Sony

DSLR cameras have been our go-to choice in the field for years, but are slowly being disused and are becoming harder to come by. When purchasing new cameras, many agencies are making the switch to mirrorless. But it's hard to decide to pull the trigger on a decision so important when you haven't had the opportunity to really see what a mirrorless can do in comparison to your DSLR camera. This workshop will give a basic, hands-on experience for using a mirrorless camera to photograph a mock scene, evidence, a trajectory laser and blood chemical application so you can have an idea of what you really need when it's time to make the switch.

Required Equipment:

SD Card

Workshop: Beyond DSLR-Exploring Mirrorless Cameras (2 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

2026 Iowa IAI Conference Workshop

Beyond DSLR: Exploring Mirrorless Cameras

Session 1: November 2nd from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Session 2: November 2nd from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Instructor: David Rice, Sony

Required Equipment:

SD Card