Key Executives to Discuss How to Gain the Geographic Advantage
 Business professionals gather at the Esri Business Summit to learn about GIS. |
Executives from four Fortune 500 companies will describe the value and benefits of using GIS in their businesses when they speak at the Esri Business GIS Summit, being held April 27-30, 2008, at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois.
This one-of-a-kind forum will bring together business thought leaders and professionals to talk about the use of GIS in their industries. They will share best practices, ideas, and tools for applying business GIS solutions to increase revenue and operational efficiency as well as enhance communication and knowledge sharing.
During the Plenary Session, attendees will hear how they can use business-focused GIS solutions to gain a competitive edge, drive business innovation, and increase return on investment (ROI).
Keynote speakers will include Dave Miller, director of health care and GIS planning and research at Walgreen Co.; Patrick Alesi, senior vice president and comanager of business continuity at Lehman Brothers; Jay Zhang, senior manager of marketing analysis at JPMorgan Chase & Co.; and Dusty Clevenger, senior manager of strategic planning and business development at Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM).
Miller will explore retail GIS and the huge questions that relate to "where": Where are my current locations? Where is the market potential? Where should I go next? His presentation will offer attendees a rare look inside one of the largest retailers in the country. Alesi will discuss integrating GIS as part of business continuity and disaster response planning.
Zhang will talk about how the data available to banks today, together with GIS tools, can greatly improve marketing results, accurately model and manage risk, and effectively expand the branch network to ensure long-term success.
Clevenger will review GIS growth at ADM from a single ArcGIS Desktop license just three years ago to a skilled GIS staff today. The staff conducts spatial analysis and develops server applications at all levels of the corporation. He will also discuss key milestones and explain why GIS has been successful at ADM. Those reasons include fitting the technology into the business, quantifying business value, and building and maintaining momentum.
"We are very excited about the quality and diverse expertise of this year's keynote speakers," says Simon Thompson, commercial business industry solutions manager for Esri. "Their experience, knowledge, and real-world application of GIS and spatial analysis provide valuable insight and intuitive ideas that business professionals can bring back to their organizations and gain immediate benefit."
With three days of inspiring sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, the Esri Business GIS Summit gives attendees direct access to the latest products and services developed specifically for the commercial user community. To find out more about the keynote speakers for this year's summit or to view the agenda, visit Business GIS Summit.
