Clint Brown Shares 10 Cool Things about the 2007 ESRI User Conference

Written by Clint Brown, Director of Software Products, ESRI Redlands

1. Learning from users. There is an impressive array of GIS people and information professionals from all over the world that I meet every year. And you can too. Every one of them is much smarter than me, and they teach me all kinds of new things every minute of every day. Literally, hundreds of experts with case studies, lessons learned, and amazing insight about applying GIS to just about any problem you could imagine. With well over 12,000 users in attendance, you’ll find plenty of inspiring people to learn from and to share your experiences with. Plus, you have valuable knowledge to share as well. This is undoubtedly the best aspect of the user conference. This always makes my year and is the most underreported aspect of the user conference. Plus, I think that some of the best presentations at the conference are given by users and their case studies. How did they do THAT? Wow.

2. Jack Dangermond’s talk on Monday morning. Jack has keen insight and ways of getting across key ideas and visions about where GIS is headed. Write down some of Jack’s ideas and visions, store them in an envelope, and pull out the envelope five years later.

3. Monday Afternoon Keynotes. Some think that Monday is all about ESRI and miss one of the best days and most inspiring talks you’ll have in your lifetime. Keep your skepticism in check and make it to the afternoon to the special keynotes. Among the afternoon speakers will be Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize and world-renowned environmentalist and social activist. Wangari Maathai is founder of the Green Belt Movement, one of the most prominent women's civil society organizations, based in Kenya. In 2004, she became the first African woman and the first environmentalist to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in the Green Belt Movement and its impact on people and the planet.

4. Map Gallery on Monday evening. This exhibit includes thousands of map posters and exhibits illustrating the use of GIS in our global GIS community. People bring out their best work. They show how they made a difference in their local community. They share ideas and provide inspiration. Meet the authors and talk with them about their exhibit. You’ll find a number of exhibits that will compel you to meet the author to learn more. Imagine what it must be like for Jack or Dr. Roger Tomlinson, the father of GIS, to work his way through this exhibit each year and see the realization of his life’s passion.

5. Vendor exhibits. Where the coolest developments are happening, where you can find really good help and solutions to many application problems you face, and where you can grab a whole bag of the best gadgets to take home to your kids. Strolling through this area also helps you validate your excellent career choice to get into GIS.

6. Chances to meet and talk with ESRI Technical Staff. I work at a great company, and it’s great because of the people, their knowledge, and their passions. There will over a thousand of us at the conference. Each one of us has special skills, passions, and knowledge that we love to share. Find us in the product islands, in technical workshops, in the doctor’s office, in the hallways, at the bars, in the back of police cars. We thrive on this opportunity to meet with you and to learn. We also are committed to help you get to the bottom of your problems. This interaction with you really helps us respond better to what you need for us to do.
7. San Diego. Make sure to slip out before, during, or after the user conference. For example, go to the Zoo, Old Town, golfing, Point Loma, La Jolla. Take a short (but not cheap) little boat ride across the bay to Peohe’s or Il Fornaio, have a nice (but not cheap) dinner with the best view of downtown San Diego at night from across the bay. If you like really good wine, find a nice bottle at The Wine Bank, across from the Convention Center on Fifth St.

8. Seeing old friends & making new ones. For me personally, seeing old friends is very important. I started coming to the conference in 1983 where, after the 2-day conference, we attended the first training class ArcInfo 1.0. I still see my friends from back then and through the years. Friends mean a lot in a sea of thousands. Making new friends to see in future years is even better.

9. Sitting on the Convention Center steps overlooking the Bay for lunch. Days in San Diego are beautiful. Grab a quick lunch and eat it out the back of the Convention Center where you’ll have one of the best scenic views in the city.

10. Don't miss the Closing Session on Friday. There's no better way to wrap up agreat conference week than to join us for an informal question and answer period.Jack Dangermond and senior staff, including me of course, will be there to answeryour questions. Hearing from you and interacting directly with you is what UserConference is all about. Plus, Friday morning Jack will announce the Map Galleryand User Software Application winners.