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Abu Dhabi, Auckland to Host Upcoming Regional User Conferences

Two World-Class Cities in Different Hemispheres

The Esri Asia Pacific User Conference (APUC) (November 5-7) in Auckland, New Zealand, and the Esri Middle East and Africa User Conference (MEAUC) (December 10-12) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, are expected to draw thousands of GIS users and distributors from their home regions and worldwide.

Each will offer three days of networking, education, and skill building, as well as preconference workshops and EXPOs showcasing the latest in ArcGIS and geospatial solutions from regional and global companies, according to Jack Dangermond, Esri's founder and president.

The Auckland skyline (photo courtesy of SKYCITY).

The Auckland skyline (photo courtesy of SKYCITY).

"The regional UCs are truly invaluable resources, and I encourage all users to consider attending—especially those who were unable to attend the Esri International User Conference this year," Dangermond says.

Esri Down Under in November

This year's APUC will be hosted by Eagle Technology Group, Ltd., Esri's official distributor for New Zealand, at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre.

This is the first time New Zealand has hosted the Esri APUC, according to Gary Langford, CEO of Eagle Technology Group, who terms New Zealand a leader in the adoption and application of GIS technology, as well as a stunningly beautiful setting for the conference.

"The Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing economic region in the world, with its own unique character and challenges," says Langford. "Esri APUC is a must-attend event for GIS professionals to learn of the power of the latest release from Esri, ArcGIS 10.1. I believe that this new technology will empower attendees to positively impact their own communities, both environmentally and economically."

Eagle marketing and communications manager Sarah MacDonald explains that the region has seen an increase in natural disasters, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and floods, along with the destruction of habitats in many communities. Parts of the region are also very highly populated.

"Key themes in the conference will be how spatial technology is being used to manage disasters and to redesign sustainable and more livable cities," MacDonald says.

Incorporating the 16th Annual New Zealand Esri User Group Conference, "Esri APUC is expected to be the largest gathering of GIS professionals and Partners ever to be held in this part of the world," MacDonald says.

The New Zealand Esri User Group is an independent group with a membership representing more than 300 organizations. "It's a strong and active community whose participation in this conference is highly valued for their input into the content that speaks directly to the needs of the community," she says.

Full Agenda Planned—The APUC, says MacDonald, is focused on enabling Esri users to get the most from their experience. Preconference workshops, one-on-one technical sessions, and training advice will complement numerous networking and social events.

Jack Dangermond also will be on hand to deliver his vision for Esri and GIS at the Plenary Session.

Social Media Gaining Ground—While the Asia-Pacific region has a broad geographic reach and some language barriers, Eagle foresees a future increasingly better connected through social media—by understanding and identifying common problems, and by a mutual desire to make a difference through understanding our world.

MacDonald notes, "At Esri APUC, we will be hosting an ArcGIS Online competition to be judged by peers. This is an opportunity for everyone from the region to learn about the latest technology from Esri and to display their work and tell their story."

APUC attendees should especially enjoy the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre, a massive, centrally located business and entertainment complex, which many visitors consider a destination in its own right. SKYCITY is home to more than 20 quality restaurants, bars, and cafés; two first-class hotels; a world-class casino; and Auckland's iconic landmark, the Sky Tower.

For more information on APUC, visit esri.com/apuc.

The Abu Dhabi skyline (photo by Fotolia).

The Abu Dhabi skyline (photo by Fotolia).

Major December Conference in Abu Dhabi

Make plans to connect and collaborate with ArcGIS users December 10-12 at the 2012 Esri MEAUC in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

"Esri is fully engaged in organizing the MEAUC with full sponsorship and coordination from the Abu Dhabi government," says Hossam Sayed, senior solutions engineer, based in Esri's Dubai office.

According to Sayed, the event is expected to attract more than 1,000 geospatial technology users to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for two days of preconference seminars, three days of technical workshops, industry track presentations, networking, and a GIS Solutions EXPO for showcasing new products and solving vexing problems.

"This event is for all users, students, distributors, and Partners—anybody who is interested in doing business in the Middle East and Africa," he says. The conference will allow attendees to hone a fine competitive edge with a close—possibly first—look at ArcGIS 10.1 capabilities, and how to extend their GIS through cloud and mobile applications.

They'll learn about best practices in their region at user presentation sessions and how to increase return on their software investments by gaining new skills at technical workshops, the Learning Lab, and interactive software islands. What's more, a Map Gallery and special exhibits will demonstrate ArcGIS in action, while Lightning Talks will facilitate getting many new ideas in a short time.

Esri founder and president Jack Dangermond will greet and inspire attendees at the Plenary Session on Monday, December 10, along with Esri corporate technical evangelist John Calkins. Also on hand will be several Esri staff specialists from Esri headquarters in Redlands, California, in addition to Esri staff from the Dubai regional office.

Not only will users learn firsthand about the latest advances in Esri technology and strengthen their GIS knowledge and skills, but they will also connect with Esri Partners, product engineers, and GIS professionals—both regional and global—and explore GIS topics in a variety of specialty tracks, as well as learn how to maximize their current GIS investments.

All Esri technology users from the Middle East and Africa are encouraged to attend.

For more information on the MEAUC or to register, visit esri.com/events/meauc.

 
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