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Welcome to GIS-Pro 2026 in Milwaukee! The Geospatial Professional Network is thrilled to partner with the Wisconsin Land Information Association for this event. This is where you will find the comprehensive program agenda, speaker profiles, and sponsor directory. Registration and additional conference information are located here.
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Monday, October 12
 

7:00am CDT

Coffee Break
Monday October 12, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT

Monday October 12, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Crystal Ballroom Foyer, 5th Floor

7:00am CDT

Registration
Monday October 12, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

Monday October 12, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Crystal Ballroom Foyer, 5th Floor

8:00am CDT

Behind the Curtain: Creating the New Datums and Map Projections of the Modernized NSRS
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
It is nearly upon us. NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) has redefined the entire National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). Nearly two decades in the making, preliminary versions of all components of the Modernized NSRS are available for public review and comment. The complete system will be unleashed in 2027. Every coordinate in the U.S. will change. New “horizontal” and “vertical” datums will replace the existing datums. All zones of the State Plane Coordinate System will be replaced, with many new zones added. The international foot will replace the U.S. survey foot. All coordinates will have a date (“epoch”) to account for the fact that everything is moving. This presentation gives a peek behind the curtain to show what was done by NGS and why, along with new tools. Despite its behind-the-curtain complexity, the Modernized NSRS will be easier to use, more consistent, and more accurate than anything before, to better serve the GIS, mapping, surveying, and engineering professions.

 Keywords: National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), NSRS modernization, New datums, State Plane Coordinate System, Time-dependent coordinates, Coordinate epochs, U.S. survey foot, International foot

Attendance at technical short courses is included with full conference registration and pre-registration is not required. Note that seats are available on a first-come/first-served basis. 

Speakers
avatar for Michael Dennis, PhD, PLS, PE

Michael Dennis, PhD, PLS, PE

Geodesist, NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey
Michael L. Dennis, PhD, RLS, PE is a geodesist at NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) where he manages the State Plane Coordinate System of 2022 Project. He is also involved in evaluation of data processing and survey network adjustment procedures, development of standards and... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Walker, 4th Floor

8:00am CDT

A Platter of Python Pathways Half-Day Workshop
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Whether you are just getting started with Python or looking to expand your skills in the Esri ecosystem, this workshop offers something for everyone. Through a mix of live demonstrations and hands-on coding exercises, participants will explore Python from the ground up and discover how it can be applied to real-world GIS workflows.
The session will guide attendees through core programming concepts before diving into ArcPy and ArcGIS Notebooks, two powerful tools for automating and enhancing geospatial processes. Along the way, participants will also get a taste of the ArcGIS API for Python and explore how libraries like pandas can be used to manipulate tabular data outside of the Esri environment.
No matter where you are on your Python journey, you will leave with practical experience, new techniques, and a broader perspective on the many pathways Python opens up for GIS professionals.

Keywords: Python basics, ArcPy, ArcGIS API for Python, ArcGIS Notebooks, Markdown Language


Participants must have ArcGIS Pro and access to ArcGIS Online

Cost: One full-day or one half-day workshop is included with full conference registration. The cost to add a second half-day workshop is $100 member/$125 nonmember.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Dickerson, GISP

Chris Dickerson, GISP

Land Information System Analyst, Waukesha County
Chris Dickerson is a GIS professional with degrees in Business-Management Information Systems, Urban & Regional Planning, and a GIS Certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Currently, he is an LIS Analyst at Waukesha County working to automate himself out of a job... Read More →
avatar for Jess Hoffelder, MPH.

Jess Hoffelder, MPH.

Data Analyst III, Northwestern Mutual
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Juneau, 5th Floor

8:00am CDT

GIS and the 911 Workflow Half-Day Workshop
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
This GPN Certified Workshop is aimed at the GIS professional who is currently supporting or may support their emergency communications division in the future. In a fully operational next generation 9-1-1 system, GIS is the core component in determining how a 9-1-1 call is routed to the correct public safety answering point (PSAP).

This technology shift will have profound impacts on local data maintenance workflows, local data access, and data fidelity. We recognize there is a sincere lack of education available aimed at the GIS professional who may not be as versed with the 9-1-1 terminology or needs. This workshop is intended to provide an overview of next generation 9-1-1, GIS’ role in such a system, the implications on local workflows, and to illustrate common pain points and sources of errors in local GIS datasets.

Learning Objectives:

Become familiar with basic next generation 9-1-1 terminology and concepts
Recognize GIS’ role in a fully operational next generation 9-1-1 system
Understand the implications on local GIS workflows to meet the demands of a next generation 9-1-1 system
Begin to understand immediate steps that can be taken in preparing GIS assets for next generation 9-1-1

Intended Audience: GIS Managers, Emergency Management and Public Safety professionals.

Cost: One full-day or one half-day workshop is included with full conference registration. The cost to add a second half-day workshop is $100 member/$125 nonmember.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Ledbetter, GISP, ENP

Jeff Ledbetter, GISP, ENP

Public Safety GIS Expert, Michael Baker International
Jeff is a GIS, public safety, addressing and GIS technology subject matter expert with nearly two decades in GIS. Since 2009 Mr. Ledbetter has been supporting GIS technology in PSAPs and Emergency Operations Centers. Mr. Ledbetter is a Public Safety GIS Expert with DATAMARK Team of... Read More →
avatar for Matt Gerike, PhD, GISP

Matt Gerike, PhD, GISP

Geospatial Program Manager, Virginia 9-1-1 & Geospatial Services
Matt Gerike is Geospatial Program Manager for 9-1-1 GIS at the Virginia Geographic Information Network where he supports localities across the commonwealth. He has managed GIS offices and projects in local government, worked with state level GIS clearinghouses and data development... Read More →
avatar for Keri Brennan, GISP, ENP

Keri Brennan, GISP, ENP

Subject Matter Expert, GeoComm
Keri Brennan, GISP, ENP is a Product Manager for Public Safety GIS Content and Mapping with GeoComm.  Keri has over 27 years of GIS experience as a consultant, trainer, and product manager with focus in providing solutions to local, state, and federal governments, especially in the... Read More →
avatar for Deb Rozeboom, ENP, PMP, GISP

Deb Rozeboom, ENP, PMP, GISP

Client Success Manager, DATAMARK Technologies
Deb Rozeboom is a public safety GIS expert with over 21 years of experience managing solutions and services for 9-1-1 and NG9-1-1 systems. She has a proven track record in project management, product management, solutions engineering, and strategic planning.  Her project experience... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Wright C, 4th Floor

8:00am CDT

A Knowledge Worker’s Guide to Visual Management Full-Day Workshop
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
“Visual Management is the application of Lean and Agile practices to build new ways of working for individuals and teams on-the-fly” (Modus Institute).

We take a system thinking approach to the complexities of new/unexplored work, (mis)understanding, decision-less meetings, interruptions, prioritization, communicating decisions and difficulty of collaboration. Through this highly interactive workshop, we will introduce the system of communications, system of meetings and the system of doing the right work at the right time. We will conduct practical exercises that focus on visualizing our work and limiting our work in progress. We will look at value stream mapping as an effective visualization and how to put those visualizations into action. There will be exercises to harvest ideas and tackle sticky problems. Ultimately, we will turn learning into action items.

Learning Outcomes:
Visualize your work
Limit your work in progress
Understand your work
Filter complexity
Turn your visualization into action

Speakers
avatar for Tim Nolan, GISP, CGCIO, LAVM

Tim Nolan, GISP, CGCIO, LAVM

Senior Applications Manager, Collin County
Tim has more than 30 years of experience as a leader, speaker, and Lean and Agile practitioner. As a Technologist with executive and hands-on experience in Information Technology (IT), Records Management, and GIS for local government/municipal technology initiatives, Tim has created... Read More →
avatar for Wendy Peloquin, GISP

Wendy Peloquin, GISP

Business Development Manager, Avineon
Wendy Peloquin, GISP, LAVM is the Director of Commercial Sales Operations at Avineon with over 18 years of industry experience. She earned a B.S. in Geography and a Certificate in GIS from UGA and a Masters degree in GIS Administration from the UWF.  Wendy is an active member of... Read More →
avatar for Brett Horr, GISP, LAVM

Brett Horr, GISP, LAVM

Corporate GIS Manager, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Brett is the Corporate GIS Manager for Terracon Consulting Engineers and has worked in the GIS field for over 2 decades. His duties include the management of GIS analysis, geohazard mapping, web and mobile mapping projects, & company GIS support. Brett is also a retired police officer... Read More →
avatar for Christina Brunsvold, MS, GISP

Christina Brunsvold, MS, GISP

Lead GIS Administrator & Project Manager, CAL FIRE
Christina is the Lead GIS Administrator and Project Manager for CAL FIRE. She leads the team within Information Technology who manages and maintains the geospatial infrastructure that is critical to CAL FIRE's mission and used by countless CAL FIRE employees, allied agencies, and... Read More →
avatar for Ryan Norton, GISP

Ryan Norton, GISP

GIS Specialist, Town of Foxborough, MA
Ryan Norton is the GIS Specialist for the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts and is heavily involved in URISA, serving as the incoming chair of the Membership Committee as well as the current President of the New England Chapter. He is excited and looking forward to welcome everyone... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Mitchell, 4th Floor

8:00am CDT

Beyond Address Assignment: Building a Modern Address Management Program Full-Day Workshop
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Addresses are a vital data set for all local governments, and are increasingly needed for regional and state functions as well. Managing the addressing life cycles from assignment to maintenance, and serving address data to multiple departments and agencies with different user needs and requirements make addressing a complex task. This workshop will focus on understanding your addressing system, the workflows for address assignment and maintenance, and the development of standard-compliant address repositories that provide the structure and flexibility needed to meet addressing needs throughout your organization.

Target audience: Anyone who assigns or maintains address information, address users, geodatabase administrators, NG-911 administrators, and others interested in how to make your address data work better.

Cost: One full-day or one half-day workshop is included with full conference registration. The cost to add a second half-day workshop is $100 member/$125 nonmember.

Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Wright A, 4th Floor

8:00am CDT

Cartography and Map Design Boot Camp: Theory and Best Practice Fundamentals Full-Day Workshop
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Merely using tools of the trade does not make a person an effective mechanic, surgeon….or cartographer. An effective, successful map portrays a place, delivers a message, or reveals a pattern with representational accuracy and visual clarity. The test of accuracy and clarity is how well the audience perceives the map and understands its intended purpose. This workshop is designed to help mapmakers achieve that result and to enable anyone involved in the mapmaking process to understand how that happens.
This is a one-day survey of a subject that can take years to master. Even for someone who has been making maps for years, mastery can erode as new data, new techniques, and new technologies bring fresh design challenges and potential. The good news is that full mastery of this broad subject is not required to make good and successful maps. At least some knowledge about, or a better understanding of, the individual topics that we will cover in this workshop can help us all make successful maps and take on new cartographic design challenges.
 
1. Why make a map
2. Essentials of map theory
3. Cartographic Process – Connecting the map client with the map user via the cartographer
4. Map Element Fundamentals
5. Map Data Best Practices
6. Essential Map Design
7. Map Production
8. Reading the Map – Map evaluation

Cost: One full-day or one half-day workshop is included with full conference registration. The cost to add a second half-day workshop is $100 member/$125 nonmember.
Speakers
avatar for Greg Babinski, MA, GISP, EthicalGEO Fellow

Greg Babinski, MA, GISP, EthicalGEO Fellow

GIS Management Consultant, GIS Management Consulting Services LLC
Greg Babinski is a GIS management consultant and founder of GIS Management Consulting Services LLC and the GIS Management Academy™, located in Edmonds, Washington. Between 1998 and 2021 he served as GIS Manager, GIS Finance Manager, and GIS Marketing & Business Development Manager... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Wright B, 4th Floor

10:00am CDT

Coffee Break
Monday October 12, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT

Monday October 12, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT
Crystal Ballroom Foyer, 5th Floor

10:00am CDT

The Design Layer: Color, Space, and Story for Better Maps and Charts
Monday October 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Learn how to think and create visuals like a graphic designer. This workshop goes beyond visualization basics to explore the deliberate choices that make maps and charts not just correct but compelling. In this technical short course, you'll learn practical techniques for using color intentionally, balancing space to guide the reader's eye, and structuring visuals to tell a clear story. The techniques you'll learn in this course can be applied across maps, charts, dashboards, and more.

Keywords: data visualization, cartography, dashboard, storymap, presentations

Attendance at technical short courses is included with full conference registration and pre-registration is not required. Note that seats are available on a first-come/first-served basis. 
Speakers
avatar for Jami Dennis, GISP

Jami Dennis, GISP

Geospatial Analytics and Visualization Consultant, Geodetic Analysis, LLC
Jami Dennis is a geospatial analytics consultant with thirty years of experience in GIS, socio-economic research, and data visualization. She has worked in both state and regional government and is the author of GIS for Dummies, 2nd Edition.

She is passionate about helping others... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Walker, 4th Floor

12:00pm CDT

Lunch on your own
Monday October 12, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Multiple options within a short walk. Consider the 3rd Street Market Hall - voted the #2 Food Hall in the US!
Monday October 12, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

A Gentle Introduction to Spatial Statistics in ArcGIS Pro
Monday October 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Does the word “statistics” scare you? It doesn't have to. This short course is about how spatial statistics help you see patterns: Are things are clustered, spread out, or related to what’s around them, and if that relationship matters. ArcGIS Pro’s Spatial Statistics toolbox contains tools for analyzing spatial distributions, patterns, processes, and relationships. A classic question spatial statistics can answer is: "Is the pattern I'm seeing on this map a real trend, or is it just happening by chance?" While anyone can look at a map and see "clusters" of points, humans are naturally biased to find patterns even when they aren't there. Spatial statistics can prove if those patterns are statistically significant, that is, are they meaningful or not. This course is about understanding what spatial stats can tell us, not the math behind them. We’ll examine use cases and begin to learn to interpret the results of the spatial statistics. No previous statistics background is required.
 Keywords: Spatial analysis, Spatial statistics

Attendance at technical short courses is included with full conference registration and pre-registration is not required. Note that seats are available on a first-come/first-served basis. 
Speakers
avatar for ​Carmi Neiger, Ph.D., M.Arch.

​Carmi Neiger, Ph.D., M.Arch.

Adjunct Professor, DePaul University

Monday October 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Wright C, 4th Floor

1:00pm CDT

The Data After: Ensuring Your GIS Department Survives the Storm
Monday October 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
What happens when your GIS systems go down? In this session, Carley walks through the real-world consequences of losing geospatial capabilities when they’re needed most, from failed emergency response to critical decision-making gaps. Using real scenarios and lessons learned, she challenges GIS professionals to rethink their role as essential infrastructure, not just support services. Attendees will be guided through a practical framework for building a Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan tailored specifically for GIS departments. The session breaks down key components such as identifying mission-critical functions, mapping system dependencies, assessing risk, and preparing staff and resources to operate under disruption. Through structured examples, worksheets, and actionable strategies, participants will leave with a clear path to strengthening resilience in their own organizations, and ensuring their GIS programs can continue to function when everything else is failing.

Keywords: Continuity, COOP, Emergency, Resiliency, Strategy, Planning, Risk

Attendance at technical short courses is included with full conference registration and pre-registration is not required. Note that seats are available on a first-come/first-served basis. 
Speakers
avatar for Carley Fitzgerald, GISP, FAEM

Carley Fitzgerald, GISP, FAEM

GIS Manager, Highlands County
Carley is a passionate geospatial leader serving as the GIS Manager for Highlands County Florida. She is dual certified as a GISP and FAEM (Florida Associate Emergency Manager). Since taking on her current role, she has transformed the County's GIS program from an underutilized tool... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Walker, 4th Floor

1:00pm CDT

Strategies for Leveling Up Your Success Half-Day Workshop
Monday October 12, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
A successful GIS professional must navigate a wide range of environments and communities throughout th eir career. Achieving long-term success requires ongoing self-assessment—recognizing your strengths, identifying areas for growth, and leveraging both to enhance your impact. In this interactive workshop, participants will engage in hands-on activities to assess and strengthen their individual skill sets. We’ll explore how personal strengths contribute to group dynamics and how to align individual goals with collective success. You’ll learn practical strategies for identifying your core competencies and applying them in professional settings.

We will also dive into the evolving definition of success in the GIS field and discuss how to build meaningful connections across professional networks, including workplaces, societies, and cross-disciplinary teams. Finally, we’ll examine mentorship as a two-way street, emphasizing how both giving and receiving guidance can accelerate professional growth.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your trajectory, this workshop will provide actionable tools to help you grow as a GIS professional—and as a valued member of the broader geospatial community.

Cost: One full-day or one half-day workshop is included with full conference registration. The cost to add a second half-day workshop is $100 member/$125 nonmember.
Speakers
avatar for Sid Pandey

Sid Pandey

GIS Senior Consultant, Deloitte
Sid is a Manager within Deloitte's Location Intelligence Practice. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Geospatial Professional Network (GPN) and is a past chair of the GPN's Vanguard Cabinet. He also sits on the Alumni Board for the Penn State College of Earth and... Read More →
avatar for Sheila L. Steinberg, PhD

Sheila L. Steinberg, PhD

Director/Professor of Geography, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

Monday October 12, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Juneau, 5th Floor

3:00pm CDT

Coffee Break
Monday October 12, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Monday October 12, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Crystal Ballroom Foyer, 5th Floor

3:00pm CDT

Drone Mapping Best Practices through AI-Based Feature Extraction
Monday October 12, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
In this session, best practices to plan photogrammetry and LiDAR missions for sUAS mapping will be discussed. This includes flight planning including site research, mission planning, and field procedure. This technical short course will also include an overview of the differences in processing LiDAR data versus photogrammetry processing and will conclude with AI-based feature extraction and other techniques to create a map including surfaces and contour lines.

Keyworks: sUAS, drone, mapping, survey, AI, point cloud, orthoimage, dem, tin, contour, LiDAR, photogrammetry, sensor, GNSS, GPS
 
Luis Rojas, Civil Engineer, Part-107 sUAS pilot, Regional Sales Director, Carlson Software, Dubuque, IA


Attendance at technical short courses is included with full conference registration and pre-registration is not required. Note that seats are available on a first-come/first-served basis. 
Speakers
avatar for Luis Rojas, Part-107 sUAS pilot

Luis Rojas, Part-107 sUAS pilot

Regional Sales Director, Carlson Software
Luis Rojas is a Civil Engineer who has been in the land development industry for over 25 years, where he has
supported, trained, and helped adopt mobile, desktop, and field solutions for hundreds of organizations and users in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AECO) industry around the world. Some of the applications that he has implemented include Carlson, Civil 3D, Revit... Read More →
Monday October 12, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Walker, 4th Floor

3:00pm CDT

Strengthening NG9-1-1 Readiness Through GIS Dataset Synchronization Using ArcGIS Pro
Monday October 12, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Accurate synchronization between GIS datasets and legacy 9-1-1 databases is essential for a successful NG9-1-1 environment. Aligning Address Points, Road Centerlines, MSAG, and ALI supports precise call routing and reduces errors that impact emergency response.


Keywords: NG9-1-1 Data Synchronization ArcGIS Pro Geoprocessing Workflows

Attendance at technical short courses is included with full conference registration and pre-registration is not required. Note that seats are available on a first-come/first-served basis. 
Speakers
BN

Becky Nordine, GISP

GIS Solutions Engineer, GeoComm
Monday October 12, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Wright C, 4th Floor

5:15pm CDT

Speed Networking
Monday October 12, 2026 5:15pm - 6:00pm CDT
Join this fast-paced networking session designed to spark conversations and build connections. Rotate through a series of brief introductions with fellow attendees and leave with new contacts, fresh ideas, and expanded opportunities.

Monday October 12, 2026 5:15pm - 6:00pm CDT
Crystal Ballroom Foyer, 5th Floor

6:00pm CDT

Esri User Group Meeting
Monday October 12, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT

Monday October 12, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Regency Ballroom, 5th Floor

7:00pm CDT

Young Professional Networking
Monday October 12, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Monday October 12, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
TBA
 
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