10 Tips for Those Not Attending the ESRI User Conference

The keys to having a successful career rely heavily around networking and staying up on technology. In the GIS industry there is no better opportunity to accomplish this than at the ESRI International User Conference. GIS professionals from all across the world come to San Diego, CA for the ultimate GIS conference experience. You can have the opportunity to meet people from every industry imaginable that use GIS. Hear them present their work and see their map presentations. Learn from the best of the best. In addition to this fabulous exposure, hear from ESRI on the latest and greatest in GIS technology. Learn how to better apply this technology and what to expect for the future.

Because of the economy, the pure lack of funding, and several other reasons; many GIS users are unable to attend this conference.  Although you may not be able to attend, you can still benefit in many ways.  Here are ten excellent things you can do without leaving your office.

1. Watch the plenary session online.

2. Follow the Twitter action

• Search for the #ESRIUC tag
• Follow those on this Twitter List from GISUser.com

3. Browse Flickr for User Conference pictures

4. Listen to the VerySpatial live podcast from the User Conference and follow up podcasts from throughout the week.

5. Follow the ESRI Insider Blog

6. Follow all of the geospatial/gis blogs at the GIS Forum Community Mashup

7. Read through the official ESRI International User Conference Agenda Digital Magazine (PDF)

• Find Special Interest Groups
• Follow up with presenters for topics of interest
• Find out what you are really missing

8. Watch videos on youtube – esritv

9. Visit the ESRI Resource Centers

10. Mark your calendar for next year’s conference

• July 12-16, 2010
• Insert into budget and begin fund raising efforts