More than 1,200 participants attended the annual Esri Worldwide Business Partner Conference February 12-15, 2005, in Palm Springs, California. Attendees had the opportunity to learn the latest developments in Esri technology through preconference seminars, the plenary session, and breakout sessions.

The Esri Developer Network (EDN) was introduced during the plenary session (see cover story). This new subscription-based program provides software developers with the resources needed to build solutions on Esri technology. In addition, Jack Dangermond shared his vision for the future of Esri and GIS, and senior product managers gave updates on Esri desktop, server, and mobile/embedded GIS.

Other conference highlights included

• The presentation of awards to more than 35 partner organizations in recognition of their contributions to the GIS industry. Visit www.esri.com/partners for a complete list of award winners.
• A GIS Solutions EXPO in which more than 55 partners demonstrated their latest solutions and services to other Esri Business Partners, international distributors, and staff.
• A showcase area where Esri staff demonstrated Esri's latest products and answered attendees' questions.
• Interaction with Esri's industry managers to collaborate on potential business development opportunities in each of the industries Esri serves.

Esri Business Partners found the conference to be a valuable experience. "The Esri Business Partner Conference," said Greg Rieck of Advance Fiber Optics, Inc., "is the one must-attend event to learn how to grow and develop your specialized niche for success in today's GIS competitive environment." Added James Starnes from Group 1 Software, "The conference has been very beneficial to us in terms of return on investment."

The 2006 Esri Worldwide Business Partner Conference will take place March 18-21 in Palm Springs, California. To learn more about the Business Partner Program, visit www.esri.com/partners.