Deadwood, South Dakota — The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), hosted by the South Dakota Society of Professional Land Surveyors, will gather in the Black Hills of South Dakota October 18–20, 2026, for a special America 250th Celebration followed by the NSPS Fall Business Meeting.
The event will bring together professional surveyors, NSPS leaders, young surveyors, state representatives, invited public officials, and guests from across the country for a day focused on the history, significance, and future of surveying in the United States.
Activities begin Sunday, October 18, with registration and an opening social at The Lodge at Deadwood.
The main celebration will take place Monday, October 19, beginning with a visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Planned activities include welcome remarks from invited state and federal dignitaries, the dedication of a commemorative marker, and presentations addressing the history of Mount Rushmore, surveying, and the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System.
Following lunch at Mount Rushmore, attendees may choose between two afternoon programs. One group will travel to the Crazy Horse Memorial for presentations on the memorial, carving, surveying, and monitoring, along with opportunities to explore interpretive exhibits. A second group will visit the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead for presentations on the site’s history, current research, and surveying, as well as a tour of the facility’s first underground level and hoist room.
The gathering will also recognize the broad national reach of the surveying profession. NSPS officers and national directors representing all 50 states are expected to participate, along with members of the NSPS Young Surveyors Network and surveying professionals from South Dakota and across the nation.
The program concludes Tuesday, October 20, with NSPS regional, committee, Young Surveyors Network, and Board meetings at The Lodge at Deadwood.
Registration for the America 250th Celebration is $200 per person and includes the welcome social, breakfast, lunch, admission fees, and bus transportation for Monday’s activities. Monday’s program is limited to 250 participants.
The Lodge at Deadwood will serve as the event headquarters. Rapid City Regional Airport is the closest airport, with shuttle service available by advance reservation.
Online registration is available through October 14, 2026. Additional event, lodging, and meeting information is available through the National Society of Professional Surveyors.
