23rd Esri International User Conference Spotlights Our Global Community

From July 7-11, 2003, Esri will host its Twenty-third Annual Esri International User Conference at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. With more than 12,000 GIS professionals from around the world expected, this will be the largest gathering of GIS professionals ever assembled.

GIS Use Is Growing

More than ever, GIS technology is relevant in our places of work, our neighborhoods, and our global community. Not only do we use GIS as practitioners, but we've come to expect Businesses, governments, libraries, schools, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and other organizations that touch our lives to apply spatial information to deliver services, ensure our safety, manage infrastructure, and preserve natural and man-made environments.

Collaboration within the GIS community continues to be the foundation for improvements in projects, procedures, and knowledge sharing at local, regional, national, and international levels. Recent efforts in the areas of preparedness and planning have prompted organizations to examine capabilities for real-time data access, backup strategies, mobile deployment, infrastructure protection, and system support. Improvements in planning and practices go a long way to support interdepartmental and interagency coordination and GIS readiness.

You can be part of the knowledge-sharing process and help ensure that your organization is plugged in to the team-building and cross-organizational relationships that can give you the richness, security, and communication you need for your project goals. Regardless of your GIS experience--e.g., whether you are a new user looking to meet other GIS professionals in your region, an experienced group of users coming for technology briefings, or simply on the lookout for tips and inspiration--the Esri International User Conference is the single most important GIS meeting of the year.

The 2003 Esri International User Conference will include many of the programs and activities that have proven to be so popular over the years--the technical workshops, Exhibit Pavilion, user paper presentations, and much more.

Preconference Seminars

More than 2,000 people are expected to attend more than 30 preconference seminars on practical subjects the weekend prior to conference week, Saturday afternoon and Sunday, July 5-6, 2003. Choose from several half-day or full-day workshops on specific technical topics and areas of interest. Registration is separate from User Conference registration. Sign up for one or more seminars by visiting our Web site (www.esri.com/uc). The registration deadline is May 9, 2003.

User Paper Presentations and Technical Workshops

More than 1,000 papers will be presented by users from around the world. Paper sessions address more than 30 industries and countless applications of GIS in real-world situations.

Technical workshops, led by knowledgeable staff from many departments at Esri, provide an excellent opportunity for you to learn new techniques for using a wide range of Esri software.

Esri Showcase and Exhibit Pavilion

Esri staff will be on hand at the Esri Showcase to answer your technical questions; demonstrate the latest software; and provide assistance with technical support, application development, and educational services.

The Exhibit Pavilion--a complete trade show with hundreds of hardware, software, and technology companies--will be expanded to be even bigger and better this year.

Map Gallery and Reception

The Map Gallery and evening reception will feature an amazing collection of maps created by Esri users for display during conference week. This year's Map Gallery will feature several special exhibits of maps from prominent organizations, including the National Geographic Society. All attendees are invited to submit posters as well as to attend the Esri Map Gallery and reception.

And More

In addition, there will be many social events, local tours, a GIS Kids Camp with sessions for elementary and junior high school students, and sports activities. Esri software users, this conference is for you! To view the guidelines to attend, please go to www.esri.com/uc2003 and click on the tab marked "registration." For further information, contact the Esri User Conference registration staff (tel.: 909-793-2853, ext. 1-1363; fax: 909-307-3128; e-mail: uc2003@esri.com).