A Space to Share, Learn, and Connect
The annual Cold Case Symposium brings together families, experts, and investigators to raise awareness, share insights, and advocate for resolution in unsolved cases. We believe every voice matters—and that no case should go forgotten.
Elevating Awareness Around Cold Cases
This unique event creates a platform where victims' families, forensic experts, law enforcement, advocates, and the public can come together to share stories, resources, and tools that help bring attention to cold cases and ultimately seek justice for the victims.
This year's symposium will take place on October 16-17, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona, and will be co-hosted by Purdue University’s Department of Entomology, Arizona State University, and Project: Cold Case.
families
Families impacted by unsolved cases have accessed resources, tools, and hope through our programming.
experts
Experts, students, and professionals from across the country unite in pursuit of justice each year.
students
Students have gained hands-on forensic experience through immersive sessions and expert mentorship.
sponsors
Sponsors return annually, citing the event’s unique reach, heartfelt mission, and meaningful impact.
Event Highlights
2022
Glendale Arizona
The first Cold Case Symposium was held in 2022, bringing together a powerful mix of families, advocates, students, and forensic experts for a day of storytelling, education, and action. Speakers included David Robinson II and Kelsi German, as well as insights from advocates like Sarah Turney and Ryan Backmann. Through emotional testimony and student-led casework, the event underscored the urgency of cold case investigations and sparked new academic and community engagement.
2023
West Lafayette, Indiana
Hosted at Purdue University, the 2023 Cold Case Symposium featured a full day of panels and presentations from advocates, law enforcement professionals, forensic scientists, and student researchers. Sessions included Project Light the Way, and The Missed Foundation, along with insights from the Bronx Cold Case Squad and the Florida Institute of Forensic Anthropology. The event fostered cross-disciplinary dialogue and continued to grow the national conversation around cold cases.
2024
Jacksonville, Florida
Held at the University of North Florida, the 2024 Cold Case Symposium expanded its national reach with two days of powerful programming. The event emphasized cross-sector collaboration and continued to elevate the voices of families impacted by long-term unresolved cases. Featuring keynote sessions from Anne Marie Schubert and the Black and Missing Foundation, survivor-led panels, and presentations from leading forensic experts and organizations like the Mississippi Repository for Missing and Unidentified Persons.
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We Want to Hear From You
Whether you're a survivor, student, professional, or sponsor, we’d love to connect. Reach out to learn more or discuss how you can make an impact.
For inquiries and to discuss sponsorship packages, please contact Ryan Backmann (ryanb@projectcoldcase.org) or Krystal Hans (hans3@purdue.edu).
