The 64th annual Geospatial Professional Network (GPN) GIS Pro Conference brought hundreds of GIS professionals from across the United States and abroad to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 12–15, 2026.
This year’s conference was held in collaboration with the Wisconsin Land Information Association (WLIA), bringing the geospatial community together for four days of learning, professional development, networking, and collaboration.
Learning and Professional Development at GIS Pro
GIS Pro began with a day of workshops covering a variety of topics and continued with two keynote addresses and more than 30 sessions, including panels and lightning talks.
One of my biggest takeaways from this year’s conference was the focus on professional development. Beyond learning about technology and GIS applications, attendees had opportunities to strengthen their skills, learn from their peers, make new connections, and explore how they can grow professionally.
As we have for decades, Esri was proud to support GPN and participate throughout the conference.
Esri at GIS Pro 2026
Esri brought a dedicated team of experts from across the company and country to Milwaukee. Throughout the conference, attendees connected with the team at the Esri booth to learn about technology and trends, explore innovative GIS applications, and see live software demonstrations.
The Esri team included Adam Carnow, Addison Scufsa, Brent Jones, Elizabeth Greaves, Jarod Fox, Logan Stevens, Marcus Seepersad, Melita Kennedy, Sarah Oliver, and Sergio Gutierrez.
The conference also continued the tradition of the Esri User Group Meeting, giving attendees another opportunity to connect with the Esri team and their peers.
Hands-On Learning with Esri
The Esri Hands-On Learning Lab gave conference attendees access to self-paced training sessions featuring recorded presentations and interactive exercises. Sarah Oliver, an Esri Senior Instructor, was available to answer questions as participants built their skills through hands-on learning across GIS and ArcGIS topics.
[Image: Attendees participating in the Esri Hands-On Learning Lab]
Esri Presenters Share Their Expertise
Esri representatives participated in several sessions throughout GIS Pro.
Melita Kennedy participated in Geospatial Industry Readiness: Bring the Modernized NSRS to Your Tools and Workflows
I participated in Driving GIS Success: Leadership, Governance, and Project Management in a Changing Workplace.
Esri Young Professional Network (YPN) Advisory Board members Logan Stevens and Marcus Seepersad led the Esri Lunch & Learn: Fuel Your Future with YPN, which included Building Your Brand as a GIS Professional and GIS trivia. They also participated in Building Winning GIS Teams: From Individual Growth to Scalable Impact.
These sessions reflected one of the conference’s prominent themes: helping GIS professionals develop their skills, careers, and teams.
A Time of Transition at GPN
This year’s conference was also personally meaningful as I completed my term on the GPN Board of Directors.
Congratulations to incoming President-Elect Sid Pandey and Directors Trisha Brush, Alex Harper, and Janine Latham.
The conference also marked the annual GPN presidential transition. Thank you to Wendy Peloquin for her service as President during the past year, and congratulations to Tim Nolan as he takes over as the new President.
Serving on the GPN Board has provided an opportunity to contribute to an organization and professional community that have so much to offer GIS professionals through education, networking, and career development.
Thank You, Milwaukee
I first got a preview of Milwaukee in April during our GPN Board Meeting, and it was great to return to Brew City and experience GIS Pro with the broader geospatial community.
Thank you to everyone at GPN and the Wisconsin Land Information Association, including the staff, leadership, and volunteers, as well as the GIS Pro sponsors, exhibitors, presenters, and attendees, for making the 64th GIS Pro Conference possible.
GIS Pro once again demonstrated the value of bringing GIS professionals together to learn, expand their networks, develop professionally, and strengthen the geospatial community.
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