Monday's general session was a discussion of the latest Esri innovations by president Jack Dangermond and senior Esri staff, followed by presentations by industry leaders. Keynote speakers included Don Hinman, executive vice president and senior principal for Allant Professional Services; Richard E. Stier, executive manager of Strategic Network Planning, Dealer Network Development, General Motors; and John Stavrakas, PE, director of Engineering, New England Region, KeySpan Energy.

Breakout sessions on Tuesday were led by business professionals who count on GIS for their day-to-day operations. Sessions focusing on insurance, banking, marketing analysis, site location, GIS management, and enterprise integration included such organizations as Apex Office Supply, BostonCoach, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Attendees came away from the conference with an understanding of the importance of GIS in business. Today, organizations can not only easily see data in a geographic context, they can also update and manage assets in real time, as well as provide location-based services to users. Companies find using GIS technology allows them to make faster and more informed business decisions based on this integrated view. This geographic data can be used across an entire organization, in the field, and on the Internet. The possibilities are endless.

Esri's software and technology take advantage of the continuing advances of information technology by making geographic data available over integrated systems for use in every aspect of an organization. Whether a small or large organization, GIS is emerging as a successful way to manage business by transforming the way organizations look after their assets, serve their customers, make decisions, and communicate.