By Karen Richardson, Esri writer
Many organizations that applied geographic data and technology to their business practices during the last few years survived the recent recession and even stayed profitable.
Speakers at this summer's Esri Business GIS Summit will explain how they accomplished this by using GIS during what has been termed by some as the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression.
The summit will be held July 11–12, 2010, at the San Diego Convention Center in California. Esri software users and nonusers alike are encouraged to attend.
The summit will kick off with a morning Plenary Session on Sunday, July 11, featuring two keynote speakers addressing innovative uses of business GIS: Manny Rios, senior vice president, P&C Underwriting, United Services Automobile Association (USAA), and Charles A. "Mac" McClure III, CCIM, FRICS, CRS, chairman of the board, McClure Partners.
Rios will explain how and why he has championed the use of GIS for risk management and is leading the way to greater adoption of the technology at USAA. McClure will describe how his full-service real estate brokerage and development company has used GIS to underwrite and acquire some of the country's top franchises during a period of great economic duress.
After the plenary, attendees will enjoy breakout sessions presented by members of the commercial user community. An Esri Solutions EXPO and an evening networking social will follow.
On the summit's second day, attendees will be able to tap into the larger Esri user community by participating in the Esri International User Conference plenary, included as part of the summit registration.
"Many people are thinking positively about the global economic situation," said Simon Thompson, director of global commercial marketing, Esri. "The summit this year will highlight creative leaders who have used GIS not only to survive one of the greatest recessions of our time but also to profit during it. Their understanding of how to do business in today's economy is inspiring."
Participants will have an opportunity to gain an understanding of the geography of their business and the know-how to gain a competitive edge. The sessions will be valuable across many industries including real estate, retail, logistics, economic development, manufacturing, banking, insurance, media, and transportation. Attendees from related industries, such as utilities, health care, telecommunications, and public safety, will also benefit from attending. Learn more and register.
