News Xploration Tech Symposium: A Personal Reflection on Eleven Years of Innovation and Collaboration

When we launched the very first Xploration Technology Symposium (XTS) more than a decade ago, our ambition was clear: create a forum where the brightest minds in geoscience, mineral exploration, and emerging technology could come together, share ideas, and inspire each other.

Today, as we prepare for the 2026 edition, I can confidently say that XTS has grown into far more than an annual gathering. It has become a community - a living network of thinkers, innovators, pragmatic do-ers, and future-shapers who return each year not simply to listen, but to engage.

Building a Network: Growing Reach, Growing Influence 

One of the greatest privileges of driving this symposium has been watching the XTS network expand organically. What began as a small but passionate group has evolved into a diverse, global community.

Every year I see familiar faces greet each other like old friends - some who first met at XTS and now collaborate professionally. And every year, new voices join the conversation, bringing fresh ideas, new technologies, and different perspectives.

Early on, I set myself a personal KPI: try—really try—not to repeat speakers. It forced us to actively seek new thinking, new companies, and new research to bring to the stage. And while this challenge kept XTS dynamic and forward-looking, recent years have also shown us the power of continuity. Some of our returning speakers have been on incredible journeys, and checking in on their progress has become not only insightful, but deeply rewarding.

I will admit: trying not to include too many IMDEX leaders or our Leading Partners is becoming increasingly difficult. With the calibre of organisations joining the IMDEX family - Earth Science Analytics, Devico, Datarock, Krux Analytics - it’s hard not to want to share their expertise with the world.

That’s why I’m thrilled that Dimitrios Oikonomou, CTO of Earth Science Analytics, will be taking the stage this year. His session on cloud-based AI workflows and the lessons mining can borrow from oil and gas promises to be a highlight - especially as our sector continues its digital transformation.

Healthy competition, too, has an important place at XTS. Some of the best sessions are those where leaders from historically competing companies sit side by side and openly discuss technology pathways. Our 2026 panel on Core Scanning Technologies is a perfect example, featuring Cassandra Clough (Agnico Eagle Mines) and Sam Russell (Rio Tinto Exploration).  Healthy competition, respectfully delivered, is one of the things I love most about this industry - and XTS gives it a stage.

XTS’s reach continues to expand as well. Strategically positioned just ahead of the AME Roundup Conference, the symposium has become a global gathering point. Last year, we welcomed attendees from 60+ companies, with one in four travelling from outside Canada. That global participation enriches every conversation we have.

The Power of Partnership

XTS could not exist without the unwavering support of our sponsors. Many have stood by us year after year - a testament not just to the event, but to the shared belief that collaboration accelerates progress.

For 2026, I’m proud to welcome Tripoint Geological Services as our Premium Partner for the third consecutive year. They - and every one of our partners - play a vital role in elevating the experience for our attendees.

We are also grateful for the continued support of:
Geospectra |  VRIFY Technology Inc | CoreLift | SGS | Mira Geoscience | Malvern Panalytical

These organisations are shaping the future of our industry, and IMDEX is honoured to stand alongside them. The individuals within these companies - who champion, advocate, and connect with us - will be at the event this year, so please do take the opportunity to meet them and learn about the work they’re doing.

What's new for 2026?

For 2026, we’ve refined the XTS experience to create even more meaningful interaction. Our United Nations–style round room - set up specifically for panel-style discussions and audience participation—remains one of the most distinctive features of the event, encouraging direct dialogue and interaction. This isn’t a conference where you sit back and listen; it’s a space designed for engagement. Based on feedback from previous years, we’ve introduced short panel discussions following each session. Bringing all session speakers back on stage for three lively panels creates opportunities for deeper conversations and richer insights.

We’re also introducing an Oral Poster Session to close the day - four quick, creative lightning talks designed to inform, entertain, and spark lively conversation. I’m especially looking forward to Birgitte Martini’s talk, “Hey Chat: What’s a geologist? Adventures in LLMs, bots and the Machine Mind.” It perfectly captures the curiosity and playfulness that define XTS.

And though I could list reasons we’re excited about every speaker this year, one to watch is Uwa Airhiavbere from Microsoft. Yes, Uwa now sits on the IMDEX Board, but I promise we didn’t have to twist his arm to get him on stage, he’s been a previous XTS supporter. He brings a rare global perspective on AI across energy and resources, and his insights into the commercial and operational impacts of AI are always a highlight.

Why XTS matters

At its heart, XTS has always been about connection - connecting ideas, disciplines, and people who might not otherwise share a room.

It’s where technical rigour meets curiosity.
Where industry veterans meet early-career innovators.
Where competitors sit shoulder to shoulder and debate emerging technology.

And most importantly, it’s where conversations start that continue long after the symposium ends - informing strategies, sparking collaborations, and inspiring new thinking across the global exploration industry.

As we look ahead to the 2026 symposium, I’m immensely proud of what this community has built. XTS isn’t just a one-day event; it’s a catalyst for progress in an industry that is undergoing rapid transformation.

I hope you’ll join us - for the conversations, the connections, the learning, and the energy that this incredible community brings each year.

See you at XTS 2026.

Learn more about XTS 2026 here.