Inside GIS Pro in the Rockies 2025

Esri’s support for the Geospatial Professional Network (GPN, fka URISA) and their 63^rd annual conference, GIS Pro in the Rockies in Denver, Colorado October 6-9 was in full force. A team of Esri staff joined several hundred fellow geospatial professionals from across the US and abroad for four days of conference sessions, workshops, networking, and fun.

The range and value of content available at the conference was impressive with sessions on AI, coding, conservation, climate, data collection, analysis, and visualization, career development, public service, and leadership and management. Other events included lightning talks, keynotes, a mapathon, a volunteer forum, and a social.

As we have for decades, Esri was proud to serve as a sponsor and exhibitor. Our team contributed in many ways, including:

• Delivering seven sessions, a workshop, and a user group meeting
• Hosting a lunch and learn and the hands-on learning lab
• Donating to the silent auction supporting GISCorps

I would like to acknowledge the contributions of all that helped make GIS Pro in the Rockies a success, GPN staff, leadership, and volunteers, as well as the sponsors, exhibitors, presenters, and attendees.

As a member of the GPN Board of Directors and Conference Committee, I also participated in Board and committee meetings during the conference. I congratulate those recently elected to GPN leadership positions including Tim Nolan as President-Elect, and Board members Liz Parrish, Sara Thompson, and Kara Utter. Huge thanks to those moving on from their leadership positions, Tom Fisher, Matt Gerike, Josiah Burkett, and Sid Pandey. John Nolte did an excellent job as President, and I am excited to see what Wendy Peloquin has planned as she succeeds John.

If you are not a member of GPN, I would recommend you give membership and/or attending GIS Pro consideration. This is a diverse group of dedicated GIS professionals with lots to offer including education, networking, and career development.

We are already looking forward to the next GIS Pro conference, scheduled for October 12–15, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We hope to see you there! If you have an exceptional story to share with the GIS community, consider submitting a proposal to present. Learn more about next year’s conference here.

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Adam Carnow

Adam Carnow is the Public Works Industry Marketing Specialist at Esri, the global market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He is a keynote speaker and thought leader. He collaborates with his colleagues, Esri Partners, customers, and the public works community to lead the successful application of GIS across the public works disciplines. Mr. Carnow has over 30 years of experience as a GIS practitioner in the public and private sectors, as well as academia. During his 16-year career at Esri he has previously served as a Local Government Account Manager and a Community Evangelist. Prior to joining Esri, he practiced as a GIS consultant and planner in the AEC industry. He has taught undergraduate and graduate GIS courses at the University of South Florida. He holds a BA in Geography, and a MA in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida and has achieved certification as an Urban Planner (AICP) and GIS Professional (GISP). He is a member of the APWA Technology Committee and Industry Advisory Council. He is a member of the Geospatial Professional Network (fka URISA) Board of Directors and a graduate of, and instructor for, the URISA GIS Leadership Academy.

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