2026 Iowa NHSMTC

Schedule

The National High School Mock Trial Championship will take place in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2026. Below is a tentative schedule outlining the planned events and activities for the competition week. Please note that all details are subject to change as planning continues.

Check back regularly for updates and additional information as the event approaches.

Wednesday, May 6

  • Team & Observer Check-In/Registration: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • Scrimmage Rooms: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • NHSMTC Board Meeting: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Marriott Downtown (Waterloo Room)

Thursday, May 7

  • NHSMTC Board Meeting: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • Team & Observer Check-In/Registration: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • Scrimmage Rooms: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • Team Portraits: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Marriott Downtown (Foyer 3)

  • State Coordinator Roundtable: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • Coaches Orientation: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • Timekeeper Orientation: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • Courtroom Artist & Journalist Orientation: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • Educational Workshop: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Drake Olmsted Center

  • Pin Exchange: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Drake Stadium

  • Hospitality Suite: 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Marriott Downtown

Friday, May 8

  • Judges Orientation: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | TBD (Marriott Downtown or Surety)

  • Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Surety & Marriott Downtown

  • Round 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Polk County Historic Courthouse, Justice Center, Criminal Courthouse

  • Judges Orientation: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Surety

  • Lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Surety & Marriott Downtown

  • Round 2: 1:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Polk County Historic Courthouse, Justice Center, Criminal Courthouse

  • Judges Reception: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

  • Friday at the Fair Student Engagement Event: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | The Shop DSM

  • Hospitality Suite: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Marriott Downtown (Windows)

Saturday, May 9

  • Judges Orientation: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Surety

  • Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Surety & Marriott Downtown

  • Round 3: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Polk County Historic Courthouse, Justice Center, Criminal Courthouse

  • Judges Orientation: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Surety

  • Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Surety & Marriott Downtown

  • Round 4: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Polk County Historic Courthouse, Justice Center, Criminal Courthouse

  • Announcement of National Finalist: 4:30 PM | Polk County Historic Courthouse Balcony

  • National Championship Round: 5:00 PM – 7:45 PM | Polk County Historic Courthouse

  • Awards Celebration: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM (tentative start time of 8:00 PM) | Marriott Downtown

  • Hospitality Suite: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Marriott Downtown

Location Info

Marriott Downtown
700 Grand Ave.

Surety Hotel
206 6th Ave.

Drake Olmsted Center
2875 University Ave

Drake Stadium
2719 Forest Ave.

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
100 Locust St.

The Shop DSM
901 Cherry St.

Polk County Justice Center
222 5th Ave. #100

Polk County Historic Courthouse
500 Mulberry St.

Polk County Criminal Courthouse
110 6th Ave.