We know it takes a lot of time and resources to attend a conference. So for that reason, I created a sneak peek to justify your attendance at the 2023 Esri Health and Human Services GIS Conference, taking place May 2-3, 2023, at the Chicago Hilton.
Five excellent reasons to join us in the windy city:
- Amazing speakers
- Helpful business partners
- One-on-one advice
- Technical workshops
- Networking and camaraderie
1. Amazing Speakers
I have no doubt that our wonderful speakers will teach, inspire, and maybe even entertain you with their presentations.
Dr. Sheila Lakshmi Steinberg, Professor of GIS, Social and Environmental Sciences and Dr. Dania Baba, Assistant Professor of Healthcare and Business Administration, UMass Global
In a presentation entitled, “Using GIS to Build Community Trust in Healthcare Facility Planning.” Drs. Steinberg and Baba will explain how GIS can provide a framework that guides healthcare administrators in planning a new healthcare facility including: identifying the needs of populations, allocating the right resources, providing equitable access to healthcare, and monitoring key metrics and information. The spatial perspective offers a great way to inform important strategic planning decisions.
Michelle Campbell, Director of the Center for Data Modernization and Informatics, Washington State Department of Health
Being strategic is something that the Washington State Department of Health does very well. Michelle Campbell will share the state’s digital transformation story in her talk, “Applying GIS as a Data Systems Modernization Tool.” They went from siloed data and teams to sharing and collaboration with web-based GIS empowering their workforce and expanding community engagement.
Ben Weston, MD, MPH, FAEMS, Chief Health Policy Advisor, Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management
Having modern data systems, like Washington State, helps health organizations address modern problems which are often complex and multi-factorial. In “Mapping Health: Leveraging GIS in a Disparate Time,” Dr. Weston will use the pre, during, and post pandemic frames as a landscape for understanding the importance of data transparency and dissemination. He’ll share the work of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin related to mapping for understanding, targeting, and addressing health disparities in a community.
Callie Lambert, Data Analytics Manager, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Speaking of disparities, access to sexual and reproductive health care is a true crisis in many places across America. Callie and Planned Parenthood are committed to data-informed decision making when strategizing on how to provide care to those in need. She’ll tell us more about how they do that in, “Leveraging GIS to Monitor Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care.”
Well, that’s just the start of it. This year’s speakers are sure to enhance your spatial thinking!
2. Helpful Business Partners
Esri doesn’t work alone. Our global business partner network helps unlock the full potential of GIS through their innovations, products, and service offerings. They can help you do more with GIS.
One of the biggest trends we’ve been seeing lately is the use of indoor GIS in the health care sector. There are many reasons to have a digital twin of your facilities – safety and security, indoor navigation, facility management and more. This topic is so important that we’ve asked one of our business partners to present on the plenary stage.
Mo Haidar, Founder, IBKS
Integrated Building Knowledge Solutions or IBKS is a 2-year-old company with 22 team members and they’re on fire! Mo, their founder, has a long career as an architect involved in design and construction of health care facilities. Their GIS specialty focus is ArcGIS Indoors. In this plenary presentation, Mo will talk about work they’ve done and what’s possible. Learn more about space management, remote work engagement and collaboration optimization, de-fragmenting the facility organization, and offering indoor analyses that provides new insights. Mo is also going to exhibit at the conference, so you’ll have a chance to chat and see a detailed demonstration in this growing area of interest.
Meeting and working with Esri business partners helps extend the value of your GIS. The health conference is a great place to do that.
3. One-on-one advice
I personally love listening to all the speakers and learning from business partners. It tends to spark my imagination and a plethora of possibilities begin to swirl around in my head. But the question always remains for me – how do I apply these ideas to my specific work? Well don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our Esri Professional Services staff with health expertise will be on site to schedule individual meetings to answer your questions, provide advice, and help you plan your roadmap to GIS success. All you must do is check in at the doctor’s office. Meeting with our health advisors usually requires a subscription or maintenance plan but at this event you will have direct complimentary access.
4. Technical Workshops
Many of you are dedicated to advancing your technical skills. Well, the conference is a perfect place to do that. Esri led technical workshop sessions will cover the latest in: spatial data science, network adequacy, mobile applications, ArcGIS solutions, ArcGIS Pro, free data resources, and special sessions on engaging stakeholders and supporting nonprofit organizations. That alone should justify your attendance!
5. Networking and Camaraderie
Coming together is fun – I won’t deny it. There’s no harm in enjoying yourself. In fact, there is great value in meeting other professionals and expanding your GIS community. This is a community that helps one another so that we can all do our best work. You’ll meet new people, reconnect with colleagues you already know, and have a good time. We know people are still working remotely and often starved for a bit of face-to-face interaction. Let’s feed that need together. We’ll make sure you have lots of opportunities to connect.
So, there you have it – 5 excellent reasons to join us at the 2023 Esri Health and Human Services GIS Conference. Please visit the event website if you are ready to register.
See you in a few months!
