2026 Iowa NHSMTC

Schedule

Thank you for joining us! Below is the NHSMTC schedule outlining the planned events and activities for the competition week.

Note that pre-ordered meals will be distributed and available to eat at the The Kirkwood Event Venue (400 Walnut St.) Breakfast is available before Rounds 1 and 3. Lunch is available before Rounds 2 and 4.

Wednesday, May 6

  • Team & Observer Check-In/Registration
    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Marriott Downtown (Windows on 7th)

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

  • NHSMTC Board Meeting (Board Only)
    4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Marriott Downtown (Waterloo Room)

 

Thursday, May 7

  • NHSMTC Board Meeting (Board Only)
    7:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Marriott Downtown

  • Team & Observer Check-In/Registration
    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Marriott Downtown (Windows on 7th)

  • Scrimmage Rooms
    8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • Team Portraits
    10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Marriott Downtown (Foyer 2)

  • State Coordinator Roundtable
    11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Marriott Downtown

  • NHSMTC Business Meeting
    12:30 PM – 2:00 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 (All-Access Pass Required)
    6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Drake Stadium

  • Hospitality Suite (Invite Only)
    8:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Marriott Downtown

 

Friday, May 8

  • Judges Orientation
    7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Surety Hotel (includes judge’s breakfast)

  • 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 Hotel (includes judge’s lunch)

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

  • Judges Reception (Invite Only)
    6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

  • Friday at the Fair Student Engagement Event (All-Access Pass Required)
    6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | The Shop DSM

  • Hospitality Suite (Invite Only)
    8:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Marriott Downtown (Windows on 7th)

 

Saturday, May 9

  • Judges Orientation
    7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Surety Hotel (includes judge’s breakfast)

  • 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 Hotel (included judge’s lunch)

  • 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 (All-Access Pass Required)
    8:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM ) | Marriott Downtown

Following the Awards Celebration Program, a student dance will take place at the Marriott.

  • Hospitality Suite (Invite Only)
    9:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Marriott Downtown

WATCH CHAMPIONSHIP

Meeting ID: 160 797 2691
Passcode: 763144

VIEW OFFICIAL PROGRAM

Credentials

All individuals attending the competition must be registered and visibly display their NHSMTC credentials at all times. Entry into any event requires wearing the official lanyard and the appropriate color-coded name badge, or a valid All-Access Pass.

Credential Types:

Participant (Blue): Official team members, teachers/coaches, artists, journalists, and additional coaches. This badge functions as an all-access credential.

Observer (Gray): Observers are admitted to all mock trial rounds (no special events included).

Judge (Red): Official competition judges.

Volunteer (Black): Des Moines 2026 volunteers.

Staff (Green): ISBA staff and NHSMTC board members.

All-Access Pass (Yellow): Issued to individuals who have purchased the pass. Includes access to all mock trial rounds and special events. An All-Access Pass can be purchased in person at the tournament registration desk at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott.
SOLD OUT

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.

Photographs and video recordings will be taken during the 2026 National High School Mock Trial Championship by the ISBA, NHSMTC, and Catch Des Moines for educational and promotional purposes, including print, television, and online media. Thank you for your prior consent to participate in these recordings.