Esri News -- ArcNews Winter 2002/2003 Issue -- 23rd Esri International User Conference--GIS Around the Globe

Esri is already gearing up for the Twenty-third Annual Esri International User Conference--the largest GIS conference in the world! More than 12,000 GIS professionals from around the world are expected to gather at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California, July 7-11, 2003.

The conference offers an excellent opportunity for Esri software users at all levels of expertise to share their real-world GIS experiences. The conference is and always will be a "users" conference where you, our users, are the reasons why we do what we do and why we spend the year preparing and organizing the agenda and activities to support you in the important work you do with GIS to make a real difference in the world.

Users will prepare and display their maps, demonstrate their applications, and present their papers covering a wide range of subjects such as implementation, organizational issues, project results, or lessons learned. Technical workshops led by Esri professionals will give attendees a close look at new software and new strategies. These workshops are mini training classes that provide many useful tips and tricks.

Practical Information Through Sharing

Analysts and consultants, trailblazers and newcomers, students and teachers, and planners and visionaries will come together at the User Conference to share their real-world experiences and a wealth of practical information, offer ideas for creative problem solving, and help each other achieve their GIS goals. GIS is alive and well in our world, and Esri appreciates your continued support of what we do for you. The User Conference gives us a chance to give something back to you.

The 2003 Esri International User Conference will include many of the programs and activities that have proven so popular over the years--the technical workshops, Exhibit Pavilion, user paper presentations, and much more. New software, faster machines, and the Internet have all worked to bring GIS people from around the world together to solve common problems like no other technology.

Preconference Seminars

Get warmed up for the User Conference! More than 2,000 people are expected to attend more than 30 preconference seminars on practical subjects the weekend prior to conference week, Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6, 2003. You may choose from several half-day or full-day workshops on specific technical topics and areas of interest. Registration for these seminars 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

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. The moderated sessions and individual presentations make up the most comprehensive collection of GIS papers in the world. Be a part of it and send in your abstract (www.esri.com/uc).

Technical Workshops

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 from the people who develop and support them. These workshops take a technical approach to using and extending Esri software tools. They are among the most popular events at the conference.

Map Gallery

The Map Gallery and evening reception will feature an amazing collection of maps created by Esri users for display during conference week. All attendees are invited to submit posters as well as to attend the Esri Map Gallery and reception.

Exhibit Pavilion

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.

Esri Showcase

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.

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. If there's only one GIS conference you can attend in 2003, this is the one for you, so make your plans to attend now. For more information, visit our Web site at www.esri.com/uc or contact User Conference information (tel.: 909-793-2853, ext. 1-1363; fax: 909-307-3128; e-mail: uc2003@esri.com).