ArcNews Winter 2003-2004 Issue -- Preparations Underway for the 24th Esri International User Conference

More than 13,000 GIS professionals will convene at the 24th Annual Esri International User Conference, August 9–13, 2004, in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center.

Every year, Esri's User Conference reflects the important work the GIS user community does to make a difference in communities around the world. The months preceding the conference are dedicated to preparing and organizing an agenda and activities to support users at all levels of expertise from many different industries and countries. The conference provides a forum for sharing experiences and learning about the most current Esri software applications.

There will be numerous opportunities for conference attendees to experience Esri's new software offerings and discover how they can be applied to meet individual needs. Knowledgeable Esri staff will lead technical workshops that explore various software products in a hands-on environment. Users will present papers that address numerous GIS applications and other topics including GIS implementation, organization, project results, and lessons learned. Events such as the Map Gallery and user software applications fair provide a forum for users to present their maps and demonstrate their applications.

Practical Information Through Sharing

The User Conference brings together analysts and consultants, experienced users and newcomers, students and teachers, and planners and visionaries, crowd at San Diego Convention Center

all sharing their real-world experiences and a wealth of practical information. Combining new ideas from diverse sources leads to creative problem solving and future plans for achieving GIS goals. As more organizations depend on GIS software to make decisions that help communities around the globe, it becomes increasingly important for the GIS user community to combine ideas and efforts.

The Exhibit Pavilion and other events that have remained popular each year will continue at the 2004 Esri International User Conference.

Preconference Seminars

Conference attendees can get their GIS ideas flowing by attending 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. Half-day and full-day workshops will cover specific topics from different areas of interest. Registration for these seminars is separate from User Conference registration.

User Paper Presentations

Users will present more than 1,000 papers that address numerous GIS applications and their real-world implementation in more than 30 industries. Moderated paper sessions comprise three or four papers that share a common theme. Individual sessions focus on one paper that is directed to a niche audience.

Technical Workshops

Knowledgeable staff from many departments at Esri lead the technical workshops that teach new techniques for using a wide range of Esri software. People who develop and support a specific software application conduct each workshop and work with users to answer their questions. These workshops take a technical approach to using and extending Esri software tools. They are among the most popular events at the User Conference.

Map Gallery

The conference Map Gallery will feature an amazing collection of maps created by Esri users from a vast array of industries from around the world. The Map Gallery reception kicks off the unveiling of the maps, which will continue to be displayed during conference week. All attendees are invited to submit posters as well as attend the Esri Map Gallery and reception.

Exhibit Pavilion

Hundreds of hardware, software, and technology companies will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate their latest technology at the Exhibit Pavilion. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and explore different solutions for their needs.

Esri Showcase

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

The conference will also feature many social events and activities for all users and members of their families. If there's only one GIS conference you can attend in 2004, 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: uc2004@esri.com).