GIS-Pro 2026

Getting GIS adopted isn’t just about building great maps - it’s about navigating people, culture, and communication. This GeoSID session brings together three complementary perspectives on what it really takes to make GIS stick within an organization.

First, learn practical, field-tested strategies for gaining organizational buy-in, breaking through resistance, and demonstrating the real value of GIS in everyday workflows. Next, dive into the often-overlooked world of organizational dynamics: understanding the motivations, relationships, and politics that shape how (and whether) GIS initiatives succeed. Finally, discover how to translate your technical work into compelling, human-centered stories that resonate with non-technical audiences and decision-makers.

Together, these talks highlight a critical truth: successful GIS implementation requires more than technical expertise - it demands empathy, strategy, and strong communication.

Keywords: GIS Management, Organizational Change, Buy-In

How to get your organization to buy into GIS: tips and tricks
Ethan McGhee, Systems Application Specialist GIS, City of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA - USA

GIS vs. the Organization
Carmi Neiger, Ph.D., M.Arch., Lecturer, DePaul University, Glenview, IL – USA

​Maps Don't Speak for Themselves: Storytelling for GIS Professionals
Holly Kluever, COO, dymaptic, Norwalk, IA - USA