From very modest origins, the Esri International User Conference has grown to what it is today—the largest annual gathering of GIS professionals in the world.

In 1981, Esri held its first user conference at the Montessori School in Redlands, California. Eighteen people sat in a circle and talked with each other about their GIS projects. The meeting was so useful that it was decided to hold another meeting the following year. A few more people came, and the circle got bigger. It's been growing ever since.

In 1987, the User Conference moved to Palm Springs, California, to accommodate the growing number of attendees. By 1997, the conference had to again relocate to a larger venue offering more meeting space and hotel rooms, and ever since, the Esri International User Conference has been held at the Convention Center in San Diego, California.

Now, 25 years later, the circle covers the globe. But even at today's scale, its purpose is the same-GIS users helping each other solve problems, find answers, and make a difference.

Esri will host its Twenty-fifth Annual Esri International User Conference July 25–29, 2005, at the Convention Center in San Diego, California. With more than 13,000 GIS professionals from around the world expected, new and experienced GIS users will discover a community of dedicated, creative, and caring people eager to share ideas, experiences, and practical ways they and their organizations use the technology.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned chimpanzee expert, conservationist, and humanitarian, will be the keynote speaker on Monday, July 25. Best known for her study of chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe National Park, Goodall is recognized throughout the world for her environmental conservation efforts (see "Dr. Jane Goodall to Present Keynote Address at Esri User Conference").

Share Experiences and Expand Your GIS Skills

New and experienced users alike can be part of the knowledge sharing process. They can help their organizations achieve goals through the cross organizational relationships that result from attending the most important GIS meeting of the year. The Esri International User Conference unites organizations and users from around the world, providing a forum for meeting other GIS professionals; attending important technology briefings; and obtaining new learning experiences, tips, and inspiration.

Preconference Seminars

More than 2,000 people are expected to attend more than 30 preconference seminars the weekend prior to conference week, Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, 2005. Half-day and full-day seminars on specific technical topics and areas of interest will be led by subject experts who will take users through application development, modeling, analysis, system administration, and much more. Registration is separate from User Conference registration. Sign up for one or more seminars by visiting www.esri.com/uc. The registration deadline is June 3, 2005.

User Paper Presentations and Technical Workshops

More than 1,000 papers will be presented by users from around the world, covering topics from design and implementation of projects to lessons learned. Paper sessions will 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, will provide an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques for using a wide range of Esri software. Extra sessions will be provided Friday morning before the closing session to give attendees a chance to catch a workshop missed during the week.

Esri Showcase and Exhibit Pavilion

Product developers in the showcase will demonstrate the latest software and provide assistance with technical support, application development, and educational services. Esri staff will be on hand at the Doctor's Office in the Esri Showcase to answer technical questions.

Esri Business Partners, including hardware vendors, application developers, software value-added resellers, service providers, and data publishers, and other GIS-related companies will display technology solutions at the Exhibit Pavilion.

Map Gallery and Reception

The Map Gallery and evening reception will feature an amazing collection of map products, posters, and Internet projects created by Esri users, which will be displayed during conference week. All attendees are invited to submit posters (deadline is June 10, 2005), as well as 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. This conference is for all levels of GIS users from around the world. To view the guidelines for attending or to register, visit www.esri.com/uc and click on the Register link. You may also register at ucregis@esri.com.

For further information, contact the Esri User Conference registration staff (tel.: 909-793-2853, ext. 1-1363; fax: 909-307-3128; e-mail: uc@esri.com).