Hello, world of Geographic Information Systems, AKA GIS. If you’re anything like me three months ago, I didn’t know much about GIS and how various industries and sectors rely on it daily. From environmental management and public health to utilities, infrastructure, real estate development, and emergency response, GIS technology is employed across the globe, creating numerous solutions.

About four months ago, I joined 3-GIS as their Manager of Sales Operations, and just two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending The ESRI UC Conference in San Diego, CA. The ESRI UC Conference, provides a platform for GIS enthusiasts to share knowledge, learn, and explore the latest advancements in the field. As someone with little experience in GIS, I was utterly blown away by the sheer scale of this conference! This year, it welcomed over 20,000 participants, and its significance continues to grow each year alongside the expansion of GIS technology.

The conference offered a diverse range of activities, including presentations by industry leaders, technical sessions, and workshops accessible to all. In the main hall, hundreds of booths from various companies were set up, providing ample networking opportunities. I had the chance to connect with experts from various fields, potential clients for 3-GIS/SSP, and witnessed people exchanging ideas, discussing future challenges, and collaboratively working on solutions right there on the spot. What struck me the most was how inclusive the ESRI UC Conference is; it caters not only to GIS professionals but to individuals of all skill levels, from entry-level to CEOs, seeking valuable insights for the future of GIS.

The week-long experience was initially nerve-wracking, but that feeling quickly dissipated as I listened to passionate professionals discussing GIS. Seeing our VP of Marketing and Product Management, Michael Measles, present with our client Windstream on empowering the telecom enterprise with GIS or witnessing Jack Dangermond visit our booth to demo SSP Vision with Peter Batty, Chief Research Officer at SSP, left me feeling inspired and eager to learn more each day.

Overall, my first-time experience at ESRI UC was exciting and rewarding. I acquired knowledge that I know will continue to expand as I grow in my new role at 3-GIS. Despite being relatively new to the GIS world, my passion and enthusiasm to share the wonders of ESRI UC remain alive and well. With the exciting advancements in 3D mapping through drone technology, the ever-deepening integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the fascinating use of augmented reality in GIS applications, I am eagerly anticipating the next conference.

P.S. The ESRI UC Conference is not only a must-attend event, but it’s also hosted in one of the most beautiful cities in the US, San Diego, CA. During the day, you can learn at the conference, and in the evenings, you can stroll along the beach in 75-degree weather. Plus, you might even make some fantastic new friends along the way!