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2026 Conference
Conference Theme
Evidence & Encounters – Two Paths to Exploring the Unexplained
The Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) invites you to join us in Westminster, Colorado—nestled between Denver and Boulder—for our 44th Annual Conference. This year’s theme, Evidence & Encounters, explores two complementary approaches to frontier science:
- Evidence – grounded in empirical data, rigorous analysis, and theoretical insight
- Encounters – based on personal experiences that challenge conventional scientific paradigms
Together, these tracks aim to deepen our understanding of anomalous phenomena, their cross-disciplinary relevance, and their potential real-world impact.
Preliminary Conference Schedule
Wednesday, June 17
5 PM - 7 PM Conference Registration
Preregistered attendees pick up registration packet
On-site, walk-in registrations
Welcome Reception: hors d'oeuvres, cash bar
Thursday, June 18
9 AM - 5 PM Presentations
Opening Keynote
We are excited to announce that the Conference will start on Jun 18, 2026 with the Keynote Talk by Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris.
How Psychedelics Work: Illuminating the Hidden Mind.
There's no agreed upon definition of "psychedelic" yet its etymology suggests that it is principally an adjective for describing altered states characterized by increased access to the mind's ordinarily hidden content. This talk offers a model for how this occurs, centered on the "entropic brain principle" (EBP)— that the entropy of spontaneous brain activity encodes the depth or richness of experiential content. It explains how the EBP relates to the impact of psychedelics on the mind-and-brain's basic predictive mode of operation, decreasing the influence of encoded assumptions, a phenomenon referred to as "Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics" or "REBUS". Finally, I'll discuss how both EBP and REBUS can shed light on the nature of mental illness as well as how psychedelics can be used to treat it.
Friday, June 19
9 AM - 5 PM Presentations
Friday, June 19
7 PM - 10 PM Poster Session. hors d'oeuvres, cash bar
Saturday, June 20
9 AM - 5 PM Presentations
7 PM - 9 PM Banquet (separate registration required)
The banquet will feature a buffet and include Vegan and Gluten-free options.
Sunday, June 21
9 AM - 12 PM Mark Anthony Workshop (separate registration required)
Registration Rates
| Registration Type | By May 15 | After May 15 |
|---|---|---|
| SSE Member | $375 | $425 |
| SSE Student Member | $99 | $125 |
| Non-member | $465 | $515 |
| Single Day, SSE Member | $140 | $155 |
| Single Day, Non-member | $170 | $190 |
| Saturday Evening Banquet | $95 | $95 |
| Sunday Workshop | $60 | $60 |
You must be a current member of SSE and logged into the website to receive the member rates. | Member Login |
| Not yet a member? Join as an Associate Member for $85 and save! | Join SSE as Associate Member |
| After you join, you may then register at the SSE Member rate. | Register Now |
SSE Conference Hotel
Denver Marriott Westminster
Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from both Denver and Boulder, Denver Marriott Westminster offers a calm and elevated stay with easy access to city energy and mountain adventure. More information
SSE has reserved a block of rooms at special conference rates starting at $179 per night. This rate is available until May 21, 2026 or until our block is sold out, so reserve now!
You may also reserve by calling 720-887-1177, select the option for reservations and booking into the SSE Conference 2026 Attendee Room Block.
Transportation
The Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest airport and served by a variety of airlines.
Info on transport from DEN to Westminster here
Why Participate?
The SSE fosters bold inquiry, spirited debate, and hands-on investigation of scientific controversies in an era of accelerating technological innovation. This conference brings together scholars, researchers, practitioners, experiencers, and curious minds to examine how empirical data and lived experiences shape scientific understanding.
Want to Present?
The Call for Abstracts is open until February 20, 2026.
Important Dates
- Abstract Submission Deadline: February 20, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: March 23, 2026
- Confirmation Deadline: April 6, 2026
- Early Registration Deadline: May 15, 2026
- Hotel Reservation Deadline for SSE Rates: May 21, 2026
Questions?
Contact Program Chair:
Daching Piao
Email: conference@scientificexploration.org
Subject line: Questions on SSE-2026 Abstract Submission