What is WRC?
The AIChE Western Region Conference is a yearly gathering of students from colleges and universities across the Western United States to foster community and engagement within the world of chemical engineering. This event provides opportunities for students from different AIChE chapters to network and compete with each other. In addition, there will be several competition events that provide exposure for students looking to demonstrate their research and technical ability to attending professors and industry professionals.
AIChE at UCSB is excited to announce we will be hosting the 2026 WRC at our campus in sunny Santa Barbara, California from April 24th to 25th. Please see the agenda below for competition and event details.
Secure Your Spot Today!
Early Bird Discount: $80
- Ends Feb. 15th
Advance Order Discount: $100
- Ends March 31st
Standard Price: $120
Competition Specific Registration Forms
Hotel Accommodations
As hotel reservations in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area will fill up quickly, we recommend that attendees plan their travel accommodations 1-2 months in advance.
Several local hotels have blocked off rooms to provide accommodations for students traveling to Santa Barbara for WRC ’26. The details provided below are based on room block agreements set up to ensure housing availability for attendees, and AIChE @ UCSB does not profit off any bookings made using these agreements. We encourage you to pursue alternate pricing options if you are able to find lower rates.
Motel 6 – 3505 State St., Santa Barbara, CA
The rates available for guests booking under the group name “AIChE @ UCSB” are shown in the table below. You will be expected to provide a valid credit card at the time of booking, and the cardholder will be responsible for additional no-show or damage charges.
The deadline to secure room reservations is April 10, 2026. The last day to make any modifications or cancellations is three days prior to the arrival date. Any rooms not cancelled by the end of business on April 21, 2026 will be subject to a no show charge of the first night room and tax.
To book, please contact 1-800-544-4866.
Best Western Plus, South Coast Inn – 5620 Calle Real, Goleta, CA
South Coast Inn is reserving 15 double queen bed rooms for WRC attendees arriving Friday, April 24th and checking out Sunday, April 26th. Check-in starts at 3pm and check-out is at noon.
A hot breakfast buffet is available on Monday-Friday from 7-9 AM and and Saturday-Sunday 7-10 AM. All rooms include refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron with board, flat screen TV and electronic safe.
Rooms are $189, with a tax of 14.195%, per room per night. You will be responsible for any additional no-show or damage charges.
The deadline to secure room reservations is March 24, 2026. Any rooms not cancelled by the end of business on this day will be subject to a no show charge.
To book using the Group ID “AIChE”, please contact (805)-967-3200 or proceed to book online here: click for link