In June 2007, approximately 13,000 GIS professionals will gather at the San Diego Convention Center in California. GIS users from around the world will meet June 18–22, 2007, for the largest annual GIS conference in the world. The Twenty-seventh Annual Esri International User Conference (UC) will provide both experienced and new GIS users with the tools to expand their knowledge and use the full potential of geographic information in all levels of government, business operations, and society.

"People helping people is what the conference is all about," says Jack Dangermond, Esri president. "Users with decades of GIS experience share knowledge with those who are just getting started and looking to take their capabilities to the next level. It's a special community, and users' willingness to share is what makes the Esri International User Conference so worthwhile for those who attend."

Gain New Capabilities and Expand Opportunities

The Esri UC is a unique opportunity to learn, share, and grow at the largest and most comprehensive GIS event of the year. Technical staff, analysts, application developers, decision makers, business strategists, and anyone who relies on geographic information will learn about the current direction of the technology and the latest developments for their specific needs.

Throughout the week, meetings, sessions, and presentations will form an opportune setting for attendees to network with other GIS users and gain support and insight into their own projects. Esri staff members will be on hand to help with any technical issues and demonstrate the new functionality of the latest software releases. Dozens of regional and special interest user group meetings will provide additional opportunities for users to meet with others from their industries to share insight and experiences.

Explore Applications, Actual Systems, and Best Practices

Grab a seat and give it a try. The Esri UC will give attendees the opportunity to explore a plethora of software applications. Demonstrations, workshops, and other hands-on activities at the Esri showcase will provide an ideal setting to experience the software and gain personal feedback from Esri experts, while paper presentations will give a glimpse into real-world applications from other GIS users from around the world. Paper tracks and technical sessions will provide specialized focus on technology, science and modeling, and industry with everything from application development, new technology, and system integration to business GIS and homeland security.

The 2007 conference will feature a new Benefits of GIS track, designed for managers and senior executives to discuss the value of GIS technology within government and utilities, as well as private-sector organizations. This track will explore how GIS is helping organizations realize benefits by improving collaboration and information sharing while empowering GIS analysts and information officers to deliver more valuable and beneficial services to their user communities.

Attendees can get a glimpse of fellow users' GIS projects at the Map Gallery, which will feature an inspiring collection of map products, posters, and Internet projects from around the world. Several special exhibits will highlight unique ventures that impact the globe.

Learn About New Solutions from Esri Partners

Explore the largest showcase of GIS solutions in the world at the UC Exhibit Pavilion for the latest offering of platforms, services, data, and more. Esri business partners will demonstrate their latest solutions and provide the opportunity to discuss users' projects and ideas.

Concurrent Events

The Esri Education User Conference (EdUC) and the Esri Survey & Engineering GIS Summit are concurrent events on June 16–19, 2007, in San Diego. The EdUC is for educators and administrators to share information on geographic learning and the use of GIS in classrooms, museums and libraries, community outreach, and other learning environments. The Survey & Engineering GIS Summit will bring together surveyors, engineers, and GIS professionals to explore solutions on integrating survey, engineering design, and GIS technology. There will also be the first meeting of the Public Works Special Interest Group (see "Public Works SIG Launching").

Make Connections, Develop Working Relationships, and Enjoy San Diego

The Esri UC takes full advantage of its surroundings by offering the perfect setting to enjoy the scenery and build working relationships. There are a variety of events for users and their families. A GIS Kids Camp enables everyone to learn about technology with sessions for elementary, junior high, and high school students. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the 5K Fun Run/Walk and the tennis tournament, and other social events, such as the Thursday Night Celebration and Family Night, will bring everyone together.

More Information

For more information about the Esri International User Conference and concurrent events, visit www.esri.com/uc; call 909-793-2853, extension 1-1363; or e-mail ucregis@esri.com.