GIS-Pro 2026: Full Schedule

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.

10:30am CDT

GeoSID Talk: Launching Your Career: Mapping the Transition from Student to Geospatial Professional

Tuesday October 13, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Juneau, 5th Floor

The transition from student to Geospatial professional is not often taught in the classroom. There is a large difference between submitting a map for a grade and delivering geospatial outputs to inform real-world decisions. Oftentimes, emerging geospatial professionals feel overwhelmed or experience “imposter syndrome” because academic assignments come with clear objectives and defined steps while tackling a professional project can be ambiguous. GIS is more than just making maps, and success in the field depends not just on technical ability, but also how GIS can be a tool for decision making and storytelling. As a rapidly evolving field, GIS requires continuous learning and adaptability, which can make it difficult for early career professionals to find their niche. This presentation maps my transition from student to professional, highlighting lessons learned, common challenges, and strategies for navigating the first year in the profession.

Keywords: emerging professionals, gis academics, transition to workforce, career development

Mapping the Transition from Student to Geospatial Professional
Allison Bednar, M.S., GIS Analyst, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Tampa, FL - USA

Speakers

Allison Bednar, M.S.

GIS Analyst, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Allison Bednar serves as a GIS Analyst for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. Allison supports TBRPC’s planning efforts through spatial analysis, cartography, and data visualization. She has experience with vulnerability assessments, tree canopy analyses, and urban heat studies... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Juneau, 5th Floor

The GIS Profession

10:30am CDT

Panel: Geospatial Industry Readiness: Bring the Modernized NSRS to Your Tools and Workflows

Tuesday October 13, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Juneau, 5th Floor

As the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) nears the full implementation of the modernized National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), the transition from legacy datums like NAD 83 and NAVD 88 to time-dependent, geopotential-based frames, like NATRF2022 and NAPGD2022, presents a significant shift for the GIS community. While the theoretical foundations are established, the practical success of this transition depends on the readiness of the hardware, software and workflows used by the community.

This panel session brings together leading geospatial hardware and software vendors alongside representatives from the open-source community to discuss the technical roadmap for NSRS integration. Panelists will move beyond theory to address how they are updating commercial-off-the-shelf platforms, field collection hardware, and open-source libraries to support State Plane Coordinate System of 2022, time-dependent coordinates, coordinate transformations and the elimination of the U.S. Survey Foot.

Keywords: datum, NSRS, NGS, data, government, agency

Panelists
Galen Scott, NGS Constituent Manager, NOAA's National Geodetic Survey, Silver Spring, MD - USA
Michael Dennis, NOAA's National Geodetic Survey, Silver Spring, MD - USA

Speakers

Galen Scott

NGS Constituent Manager, NOAA's National Geodetic Survey

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 →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Juneau, 5th Floor

The GIS Profession

10:30am CDT

Solution Mapping: A Collaborative Problem-Solving Technique for GIS Professionals

Tuesday October 13, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Wright C, 4th Floor

What if your team could walk into a room with a list of challenges and walk out with a prioritized set of actionable solutions - all in under an hour? Solution Mapping makes that possible. In this hands-on exercise, participants will experience Solution Mapping firsthand - a facilitated group exercise developed by the Geospatial Professional Network that blends the structured prioritization of Lean Coffee with the collaborative clustering of Affinity Mapping.

Participants will identify real problems facing their organizations, use dot voting to surface the issues that matter most, and collectively brainstorm solutions in an open, low-barrier format. Whether you're a analyst looking for fresh ways to engage stakeholders, a team lead navigating organizational change, or a practitioner who wants to bring more collaborative energy to your workplace, Solution Mapping is a technique you can take home and use immediately.

Keywords: solution, mapping, collaboration, actionable, confidence

Tim Nolan, GISP, CGCIO, LAVM, Senior IT Manager, Collin County, McKinney, TX - USA

Speakers

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 →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Wright C, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

2:00pm CDT

Driving GIS Success: Leadership, Governance, and Project Management in a Changing Workplace

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Wright A, 4th Floor

This session focuses on leadership best practices and strategies that have proven success in scaling and delivering GIS across organizations. In this modern age of hybrid and remote work, it is more important than ever to build strong relationships and operate with best practices such as those from the Project Management Institute (PMI) so that work and teams align to organizational priorities, achieve goals on time and budget, and garner executive support. Building trust, maintaining accountability, supporting staff development, and using governance, standards, and technology are all essential to sustaining GIS program consistency and reducing burnout.

Keywords: leadership, management, project management, executive, team building

Leading GIS Teams in a Remote World
Christian Hartnett, MSc, MBA, GISP Adjunct Professor of GIS/Vice President Practice Technology, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Austin, TX – USA

Driving GIS Success: Leveraging Executive Engagement, Governance, and KPIs
Curtis Pulford, Enterprise GIS Manager, City of Phoenix, New River, AZ – USA

Applying Project Management Principles to Geospatial Projects and Programs
Ashley Hitt, GISP, PMP, COO, Cultivate Geospatial Solutions, Indianapolis, IN - USA

Eight Ways to Identify Opportunities for GIS in Public Works
Adam Carnow, AICP, GISP, Public Works Industry Specialist, Esri, Charlotte, NC - USA

Speakers

Christian Hartnett, MSc, MBA, GISP

Vice President Practice Technology, SWCA Environmental Consultants

Christian T. Hartnett is the Director of Practice Technology at SWCA Environmental Consultants. He began working with GIS during his undergraduate studies in archaeology at the University of Texas at Austin. He went on to earn a Master's of Science in GIS and Spatial Analysis in Archaeology... Read More →

Curtis Pulford

Enterprise GIS Manager, City of Phoenix

Curtis is the Enterprise GIS Manager for City of Phoenix, the fifth-most populous city in the United States. It is also the state capital and largest city in the state at 517.9 square miles. Our metropolitan area is the 11th largest by population in the United States, with approximately... Read More →

Ashley Hitt, GISP, PMP

COO, Cultivate Geospatial Solutions LLC

Ashley Hitt helps government agencies and private firms execute successful GIS/geospatial projects and software development using PMI (Project Management Institute) principles to manage scope, schedule, and budget. She takes advantage of over 20 years of GIS experience to inform her... Read More →

Adam Carnow, AICP, GISP

Public Works Industry Specialist, Esri

Adam Carnow is the Public Works Industry Marketing Specialist at Esri. He is a keynote speaker and thought leader. He collaborates with his colleagues, Esri Partners, customers, and the public works community to lead the successful application of GIS across the public works disciplines... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Wright A, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

2:00pm CDT

GeoSID Talk: Hearts and Minds, Influencing GIS at your Organization

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Mitchell, 4th Floor

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

Speakers

Ethan McGhee

Systems Application Specialist GIS, City of San Luis Obispo

Ethan McGhee is a geospatial professional serving as a Systems Application Specialist II for the City of San Luis Obispo, focusing on GIS applications for local government. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection from Cal Poly (2021) and is pursuing a M.S. in Spatial... Read More →

Carmi Neiger, Ph.D., M.Arch.

Adjunct Professor, DePaul University

Holly Kluever

COO, dymaptic

Holly is the COO of dymaptic, an Esri Gold Partner specializing in GIS consulting, custom application development, and AI-powered geospatial solutions. She is not a trained GIS professional, but she can appreciate a well designed map and knows just enough about visualizing location... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Mitchell, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

2:00pm CDT

GeoSID Talk: Unlocking the Mutual Value of Internships: Why Intern? Why Hire?

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Juneau, 5th Floor

Why should a student pursue a GIS internship? And why should an organization invest the resources to host one? This session explores the compelling "why" behind GIS internships from three distinct viewpoints: a current intern, a former intern turned GIS technician, and a manager who champions emerging talent.

For emerging professionals, internships are crucial opportunities to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world spatial problem-solving, offering hands-on experience that classrooms simply can't replicate. For organizations, an internship program is a strategic investment. It provides a chance to inject fresh perspectives into workflows, tackle backlogged projects, and cultivate a reliable pipeline of tested GIS professionals.

Join us as we unpack the mutual benefits of these programs. Whether you are looking to launch your career or build your team's capacity, you will leave with actionable strategies to maximize the experience.
Keywords: Intern, Internship, Manage, Leadership, Career, Experience

Why Intern? Why Hire? Unlocking the Mutual Value of GIS Internships
Adam Ratliff, GIS Tech II, City of Las Cruces, Las Cruces, NM - USA
Liz Parrish, MBA, GISP, Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B, Dallas, TX - USA
Ron Burns, GISP-E, GIS Data Steward Intern, Aurora Water, CO - USA

Speakers

Adam Ratliff

GIS Tech II, City of Las Cruces

Adam Ratliff is a GIS Tech II with Las Cruces Utilities, where he helps provide accurate and accessible spatial data to support city operations and planning. His work focuses on maintaining reliable geospatial information, improving data workflows, and supporting teams that rely on... Read More →

Liz Parrish, MBA, GISP

Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B

Liz Parrish is the Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights for H-E-B. She has earned multiple industry certifications and is a 2x Esri SAG award winner. Liz is passionate about enabling organizations and individuals in achieving success through well-curated geospatial strategies... Read More →

Ron Burns, GISP-E

Data Steward Intern, Aurora Water

My name is Ron Burns, and I am an emerging GISP focused on applied mapping analytics, public service, and community work. I serve as a GIS Data Steward Intern with the City of Aurora Water Department, supporting asset intake workflows, raw water flow mode

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Juneau, 5th Floor

The GIS Profession

4:00pm CDT

Collaborative GIS for Transparent, Data-Driven Government

Tuesday October 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Wright B, 4th Floor

These presentations highlight how government GIS supports transparency, data-driven decision-making, and cross-agency coordination. From open data hubs that reduce information requests, to parcel-level market modeling that improves tax equity, to integrated right-of-way systems that connect assets and operations, each demonstrates how modern GIS enables more collaborative, efficient, and trusted public sector outcomes.
Keywords: Government GIS, Transparency, Access
The Modern GIS Hub: Transparency, Trust, and Fewer FOIA Requests
Crystal Williams, GIS Director, McLean County GIS Consortium, Bloomington, IL – USA

Mapping the Market: Using GIS and Augmented Intelligence to Define Market Areas in Philadelphia’s Mass Appraisal
Bindi Shakya, MSc., Mass Appraisal Modeler I, City of Philadelphia, PA – USA

Managing the Right-of-Way as a Shared System: Connecting GIS, Assets, and Activity
Matt Harman, MBA., Sr. Vice President, AtomAI Solutions, Inc., Saratoga Springs, UT - USA

Speakers

Crystal Williams

GIS Director, McLean County GIS Consortium

Crystal Williams is the GIS Director for McLean County GIS Consortium in Illinois and a FOIA officer who supports countywide transparency and public access to information. She leads regional geospatial strategy, multi‑agency collaboration, and the development of public‑facing... Read More →

Bindi Shakya, MSc.

Mass Appraisal Modeler I, City of Philadelphia

Bindi Shakya has over six years of experience working as a Mass Appraisal Modeler/Analyst with the Office of Property Assessment for the City of Philadelphia. She is part of the Mass Appraisal and Analysis Unit, which is focused on creating and maintaining regression models to estimate... Read More →

Matt Harman, MBA

Sr. Vice President, AtomAI Solutions, Inc.

Matt Harman is a longtime leader in public sector technology with more than 20 years of experience in GIS, enterprise asset management, right-of-way coordination, permitting, and organization change. He works with public agencies to modernize infrastructure operations, improve decision-making... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Wright B, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

4:00pm CDT

From Field to Front Office: Streamlining GIS Workflows, Upgrades, and Access Across the Organization

Tuesday October 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Wright C, 4th Floor

This session explores how to strengthen GIS operations across an organization by connecting efficient field data collection, strategic system management, and accessible geospatial resources. Attendees will learn how an organization leveraged ArcGIS Field Maps for accurate, rules-driven workflows, best practices around planning and executing Esri upgrades and migrations while minimizing risk and downtime, and how an internal centralized geospatial storefront can improve data access, collaboration, and user engagement. Together, these approaches demonstrate how to build scalable, resilient GIS programs that deliver greater organizational value.

Keywords: Data collection, administration, best practices, administration, collaboration, ROI

Inside the Rock County Employee Geospatial Storefront
Jennifer Borlick, Geospatial Services Administrator, Rock County, Janesville, WI – USA

Preparing for Esri Upgrades and Migrations
Wendy Peloquin, GISP, LAVM, Director of Commercial Sales Operations, Avineon, Jacksonville, FL - USA

Building Smarter Field Workflows with ArcGIS Field Maps
Jessica Lott, Director of Technical Solutions, dymaptic, Paducah, KY - USA

Speakers

Jennifer Borlick

Geospatial Services Administrator, Rock County

Jennifer Borlick is the Geospatial Services Administrator for Rock County (Wisconsin) in the Planning, Economic and Community Development Agency. She represents the department on the Land Records Committee and the Rock County Land Information Council, where she also serves as Cha... Read More →

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 →

Jessica Lott

Director of Technical Solutions, dymaptic

Jessica Lott is the Director of Technical Solutions at dymaptic, where she leads a skilled team of developers and works closely with clients to design and architect GIS solutions that align with their goals. With over 13 years of experience in GIS, software development, and automation... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Wright C, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

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4:00pm CDT

GeoSID: Building from the Ground Up: Real Stories from GIS Small Business Owners

Tuesday October 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Wright A, 4th Floor

Starting a GIS consulting business can feel like stepping into the unknown: equal parts exciting, unpredictable, and, at times, downright intimidating. In this session, three small business owners will share their personal journeys of building GIS consulting firms from the ground up. Through candid stories, they’ll highlight the real-world challenges they’ve faced, the lessons learned along the way, and the practical strategies that helped them navigate everything from landing clients to managing growth.

Following the presentations, a moderated panel discussion will dive deeper into what it truly takes to start, run, and sustain a GIS consulting practice. The conversation will explore not only the technical and operational aspects of entrepreneurship, but also the less visible side - uncertainty, risk, and fear.

Attendees can expect an honest, grounded discussion about how fear shows up in entrepreneurship and how to work through it without letting it stall progress. Panelists will share practical approaches for building confidence, maintaining momentum, and creating a business that is both sustainable and personally fulfilling. Whether you’re considering going out on your own or looking to grow an existing firm, this session offers real insights from those actively navigating the path.

Keywords: small business, consulting, entrepreneurship, career growth, leadership

Panelists
Judy Colby-George, GISP, Owner/Principal, VIEWSHED, Yarmouth, ME - USA
Other panelists - TBD

Speakers

Judy Colby-George, GISP

Owner/Principal, VIEWSHED

Judy is the owner of Viewshed, a Landscape Architecture, GIS, and Planning firm. She has worked with all levels of governments, regional planning agencies, and various private clients for over 30 years. Judy has extensive experience with public participation GIS and working with... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Wright A, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

4:00pm CDT

The GIS Career Lifecycle: Growing and Evolving Your Career Journey and Evolution

Tuesday October 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Juneau, 5th Floor

This session explores the GIS career journey from early professional uncertainty through mid-career transitions and career advancement, highlighting both expected and unexpected paths along the way. Attendees will learn how to move from academic GIS work into real-world practice, navigate ambiguity, and build confidence beyond foundational technical GIS skills. The discussion also covers diverse career paths beyond traditional analyst roles, including opportunities in leadership, project management, operations, and product-focused work, emphasizing the importance of communication, curiosity, and relationship-building. Finally, the session addresses the “missing middle” of mid-career professionals which is often a key point defining the choice to pursue deeper technical or business centric focuses. This session offers strategies for finding direction, mentorship, and growth opportunities while deciding between technical specialization and leadership pathways.

Keywords: career, growth, learning, leadership, management, mentorship
Stuck in the Middle: Navigating the Mid-Career GIS Identity Crisis
Christina Brunsvold, MS, GISP, Lead GIS Administrator/Project Manager, CAL FIRE, Sacramento, CA - USA

Beyond the Map: Career Paths GIS Doesn’t Talk About
Johnny Harley, GISP, GIS Analyst, TREKK Design Group, Fairway KS - USA
Brianna Zumhof, Partner Strategy Manager for Government, Eagleview, San Diego, CA – USA

Mapping the Transition from Student to Geospatial Professional
Allison Bednar, GIS Analyst, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Tampa, FL - USA

Speakers

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 →

Johnny Harley, GISP

GIS Analyst, TREKK Design Group

Johnny Harley, is a GIS Analyst for TREKK Design Group in Kansas City, MO. I have worked in utilities for 7 years and was previously a GIS Analyst for Black & McDonald. Johnny graduated from Northwest Missouri State with a BS in Geography and an MS in GIS. He specializes in mobile... Read More →

Brianna Zumhof, MA

Partner Strategy Manager, Eagleview

Brianna Zumhof is the Partner Strategy Manager for Government at Eagleview, based in San Diego. She previously worked as a GIS Specialist at a civil engineering firm and has worked in both the public and private sectors. She holds a master’s degree in Geography from the University... Read More →

Allison Bednar, M.S.

GIS Analyst, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Tuesday October 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Juneau, 5th Floor

The GIS Profession

10:30am CDT

GeoSID Talk: Utility Network Journeys: Vendor Migrations, In-House Implementations, and Lessons from the Field

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Mitchell, 4th Floor

As utilities continue transitioning from ArcFM and ArcMap models to the ArcGIS Utility Network (UN), organizations are navigating different paths depending on resources, infrastructure, and operational needs. This session brings together three perspectives from municipal and utility organizations that are actively implementing or operating within the UN. Representatives from Wisconsin's City of De Pere, Kaukauna Utilities, and WPPI Energy will present their respective journeys - from vendor-led migrations to internally managed implementations. The City of De Pere will share their experience working with Avineon to migrate sanitary, stormwater, and water data to the UN. WPPI Energy will discuss their work supporting smaller electric utilities by transitioning using migration software. Kaukauna Utilities will provide the perspective of a mature UN implementation, highlighting five years of operational use for electric, along with internal migrations for water and communications.

Kristen Vincent, GISP, GIS Manager, City of De Pere, De Pere, WI
Kayla Coonen, Operational Technology Specialist, Kaukauna Utilities, WI
Tyler Caulum, GIS Manager, WPPI Energy, Sun Prairie, WI

Speakers

Kristen Vincent, GISP

GIS Manager, City of De Peres

Kristen Vincent is the GIS Manager for the City of De Pere. She has been with the City for 7 years in various GIS roles, coming into her current position in 2023 where she oversees the City’s GIS Division and Drone Program. Kristen is active in the geospatial industry as a certified... Read More →

Tyler Caulum

GIS Manager, WPPI Energy

Tyler Caulum has worked in GIS for 15 years. For the last two years, he has been the GIS Manager at WPPI Energy. Prior to that he has worked as both a contractor and for municipal government.

Kayla Coonen

Operational Technology Specialist, Kaukauna Utilities

Kayla Coonen is an Operational Technology Specialist at Kaukauna Utilities (KU), where she has spent the past five years supporting GIS and other digital tools across electric, water, and fiber utilities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from UW-Eau Claire and a master’s... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Mitchell, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

10:30am CDT

Panel: Data Governance and Time: Do you have a roads layer from 2000?

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Walker, 4th Floor

The panelists in this session will discuss how organizations handle the volume of GIS data and applications that need to be created, maintained and archived over time. The panel brings together map librarians and GIS professionals to discuss concerns, best practices, and possible futures for organizing, documenting, and preserving spatial data for ongoing use.

Keywords: Data Governance, Libraries & Archives, Historical GIS

Panelists
Matt Gerike, PhD, GISP, Virginia 9-1-1 & Geospatial Services, North Chesterfield, VA - USA
Other panelists - TBD

Speakers

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 →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Walker, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

10:30am CDT

Panel: Putting Yourself on the Map: Building a GIS Portfolio That Tells Your Story

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Juneau, 5th Floor

This panel discussion will explore practical approaches to building a compelling web-based portfolio that reflects both technical and non-technical GIS roles. Panelists will share real examples of portfolios they have developed in preparation for this session, highlighting how content and storytelling can vary depending on experience and career goals.

Keywords: Professional development, GIS Portfolio, Young professionals

Panelists
Brianna Zumhof, MA., Partner Strategy Manager, Eagleview, San Diego, CA - USA
Tito Ramirez, Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B, Austin, TX - USA
Olga Tambazidis, Demographer, Los Angeles Unified School District
Madeline Tripp, GIS & Public Engagement Specialist, VIEWSHED

Speakers

Brianna Zumhof, MA

Partner Strategy Manager, Eagleview

Olga Tambazidis

Demographer, Los Angeles Unified School District

Olga Tambazidis is a GIS Technician II with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, where she uses spatial analysis and data visualization to enhance the visual interpretation of data and supporting decision-making to improve countywide health equity. With six years of... Read More →

Tito Ramirez

Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B

Rodrigo "Tito" Ramirez Jr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights for H-E-B, the #1 grocer in the US based out of Texas. I serve as the vice-chair of the vanguard cabinet and have been in the industry for 6 years now.

Madeline Tripp

GIS & Public Engagement Specialist, VIEWSHED

Madeline is a GIS & Public Engagement Specialist with VIEWSHED in Yarmouth, Maine. Her work involves collaborating with municipalities to develop online maps and interactive tools that make data approachable and facilitate decision-making. Madeline has a B.S. in Geography with a certificate... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Juneau, 5th Floor

The GIS Profession

1:30pm CDT

Building Winning GIS Teams: From Individual Growth to Scalable Impact

Wednesday October 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Juneau, 5th Floor

High-performing GIS programs aren’t just built on technology, they’re built on people, strategy, and the ability to scale impact beyond the core team. This session brings together three perspectives on what it takes to create and sustain successful GIS teams in today’s evolving landscape.

We’ll start at the individual level, exploring how participation in professional communities like the Esri Young Professionals Network and the Geospatial Professional Network helps emerging professionals build skills, expand networks, and accelerate career growth. From there, we shift to the manager’s perspective, introducing a “Moneyball”-inspired approach to assembling and developing a high-performing GIS team by recognizing talent, maximizing strengths, and making strategic people decisions. Finally, we’ll see how these principles come together in practice, with a real-world example of scaling GIS impact across hundreds of events by empowering non-GIS staff with self-service mapping tools.

Together, these presentations tell a cohesive story: when individuals grow, teams strengthen and when teams are designed well, their impact can scale far beyond their size.

Keywords: Professional Development, Networking, Mentoring, Team, Growth, Building to Scale

Turning Community Participation into Career Momentum
Logan Stevens, ArcGIS Enterprise Release Engineer/Esri YPN Advisory Board Member, Esri, Charlotte, NC - USA
Marcus Seepersad, Brand Marketing Specialist, Esri, Redlands, CA - USA

A GIS Manager's Team Development - the Moneyball Approach
Greg Babinski, MA, GISP, EthicalGEO Fellow, GIS Management Consultant, GIS Management Consulting Services LLC, Edmonds, WA – USA

Scaling Event Maps Without Scaling the GIS Team
Nathan Holman, Geospatial Solutions Administrator, American Cancer Society, Decatur, GA - USA

Speakers

Logan Stevens

ArcGIS Enterprise Release Engineer, Esri

Marcus Seepersad

Brand Marketing Specialist, Esri

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 →

Nathan Holman

Geospatial Solutions Administrator, American Cancer Society

Wednesday October 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Juneau, 5th Floor

The GIS Profession

1:30pm CDT

Driving Effective Data Governance at the Enterprise Level

Wednesday October 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Wright B, 4th Floor

In order to drive effective data governance, policy must balance breadth and specificity, move quickly to prevent impending critical operations, and ensure that organization is protected from both a security and trust perspective. Attend this session to learn how to build data governance and cybersecurity frameworks that start small and can effectively navigate legacy systems and existing policies.

Keywords: Leadership, Data, Governance, Enterprise, Cybersecurity

Mapping Power and Responsibility: Governance and Ethical Risk in GIS-Based
Abdulkader Murad, Ph.D., Professor, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Khuloud Ali, Dr., Assistant Professor, IMAGINE Studios

Enterprise and Data Governance
Wendy Peloquin, GISP, LAVM, Director of Commercial Sales Operations, Avineon, Jacksonville, FL - USA

Securing the Map: A Director's Framework for GIS Cybersecurity in Government
John Nolte, GISP, Director of Enterprise IT, Denver Water, Denver, CO - USA

Speakers

Abdulkader Murad, Ph.D.

Professor, King Abdulaziz University

Abdulkader A. Murad is a Fallow at the Charted Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, FCInstCES, and a member of URISA. Currently, he is a Professor of GIS at King AbdulAziz University, Previous to this, he was is the GIS Advisor for the Vice President for projects in king AbdulAziz... Read More →

Khuloud Ali, PhD

Assistant Professor, IMAGINE Studios

Dr. Khuloud Ali is the co-founder of IMAGINE Studios (Intelligent Modeling for Architecture & Green Interactive Net-Zero Engineering Lab, Architecture Studio Delivering Applied Research, Design, Drafting, Simulation, and Visualization; ROR: 051dks184) and currently leads its Research... Read More →

Wendy Peloquin, GISP

Business Development Manager, Avineon

John Nolte, GISP

Director of Enterprise IT, Denver Water

John M. Nolte, GISP is the GIS Manager of Denver Water's Administrative Services GIS. He has been in the industry for nearly 30 years and has worked in various positions. He is a board member of URISA International and an instructor for the GIS Leadership Academy. He lives in Denver... Read More →

Wednesday October 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Wright B, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

8:30am CDT

Bridging the GIS Skills Gap for a Future Ready Workforce: What You Know and What You Don’t

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Wright B, 4th Floor

Formal programs can only teach so much, and curriculum often lags behind the fast-paced technological evolution, resulting in Geospatial graduates and early career professionals struggling to “catch up” with industry knowledge and skills that weren’t perhaps explicitly part of a degree program. This session explores some of the knowledge gaps in foundational IT and Data architecture knowledge, as well as what modern GeoAI means for how data is analyzed, workflows are designed, and results interpreted and integrated back into GIS for visual insights.

This session examines the skills GIS professionals which span beyond those GIS taught in traditional programs. Some key foundation concepts which are crucial but may be underdeveloped include IT infrastructure fundamentals, Networking fundamentals, Database Design, and, if an Esri ArcGIS shop, the ArcGIS architecture foundations. Also, as AI continues to evolve, it is imperative that GIS students and professionals are aware of and implementing GeoAI tools, analyses, and capabilities.

Keywords: Leadership, Professional, career, development, IT skills, GeoAI

Oregon State Geomatics: A Novel Approach for Building Soft & Hard Skills for the Classroom and Workplace
Brett Murphy, Professional Land Surveyor (PLS), Instructor of Geoamtics, Oregon State University, Albany, OR – USA

GeoAI Is Here. Are We Teaching It Right?
David Cook, GISP, Teaching Faculty/Professor of Practice/Chief Innovation Office/Co-Founder, Univ of MD/Wake Forest University/Cornerstone Defense/The Training Data Project, Washington, DC - USA

The Hidden Skills Gap in GIS. Foundational IT Knowledge Everyone Should Know
Christina Brunsvold, MS, GISP, Lead GIS Administrator/Project Manager, CAL FIRE, Sacramento, CA – USA
Liz Parrish, MBA, GISP, Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B, Dallas, TX - USA

Speakers

Brett Murphy, PLS

Instructor of Geoamtics, Oregon State University

Brett Murphy is an instructor of Geomatic at Oregon State University. He received a Bachelors of Science in GIS & Remote Sensing from Southern Illinois University, holds a Private Pilot's license, and is a Professional Land Surveyor in Oregon. After several seasons working as a wildland... Read More →

Dave Cook, GISP

Professor/Chief Innovation Officer, University of Maryland/Wake Forest University

Dave Cook is a technology leader with over 30 years of experience in data, analytics, and AI. He supports AI/ML programs across the U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense, and teaches AI at the University of Maryland and Wake Forest University. He serves as Chief Innovation... Read More →

Christina Brunsvold, MS, GISP

Lead GIS Administrator & Project Manager, CAL FIRE

Liz Parrish, MBA, GISP

Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Wright B, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

8:30am CDT

GeoSID Talk: Stop Explaining Projections at Parties: Let AI Translate Your GIS for Normal Humans

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Mitchell, 4th Floor

GIS pros can explain topology, linear referencing, and geoprocessing models for hours. Decision-makers usually want the two-minute version and preferably without a map algebra detour. This session explores how AI can act as a translator between technical GIS staff and leadership by turning dense, highly technical analysis into clear, concise, decision-ready documentation. Think of it as giving your GIS workflow a public information officer with infinite patience and fewer acronyms.

Keywords: GIS, Leadership, Communication, AI, Professional

Speakers

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 →

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Mitchell, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

8:30am CDT

Navigating GIS Certification: What’s New, What It’s Worth, and What to Expect in Obtaining a GISP

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Wright C, 4th Floor

This session offers a well-rounded look at various GISP certifications through updates to the GISCI certification program, industry perspective, and firsthand experience. Attendees will hear the latest from the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), including new programs, initiatives, and opportunities to engage with the GISP® and GISP-E® pathways, as well as how GISCI continues to advance professional standards in the geospatial field.

The session also explores the broader question of certification value in today’s GIS industry, using survey results to examine trends in adoption, perceived benefits, and how certifications are viewed by employers and professionals over time. Finally, a personal account of earning the GISP certification provides practical insight into the requirements, preparation strategies, and challenges of the process, helping attendees better understand whether certification is the right step for their own career path.

Keywords: GIS, leadership, GISP, certification, professional development, education

Certification: Is it worth the effort?
Tripp Corbin, GISP, MCP, Senior GIS Professional, Consultant /Instructor, Cultivate Geospatial Solutions LLC, Dacula, GA - USA

A Personal Experience With Obtaining GISP Certification
Ryan Norton, GISP, GIS Specialist, Town of Foxborough, Foxboro, MA - USA

An Update on the GISCI: What’s Happening and What’s New
Tony Spicci, CGMP GISP, Executive Director, GIS Certification Institute, Columbia, MO - USA

Speakers

Tripp Corbin, MCP, GISP

Senior GIS Professional/Consultant/Instructor, Cultivate Geospatial Solutions LLC

Tripp is a Senior GIS Professional, Consultant and Instructor for Cultivate Geospatial. With over 28 years of experience, he is a recognized industry expert and leader. Tripp holds multiple GIS and IT certifications including the GISP, severl Esri technical certifications, and more... Read More →

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 →

Tony Spicci, CGMP GISP

Executive Director, GIS Certification Institute

Tony currently serves as the Executive Director of the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI). He began this career after a 30-year career with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Tony is an active member of the MGISAC, NSGIC, MoGNB, and a past member of the National Geospatial... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Wright C, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

8:30am CDT

Reciprocal Mentorship for Emerging GIS Technologies and Workforce Readiness

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Wright A, 4th Floor

As emerging technologies such as GeoAI, automation, and drone-based workflows continue to reshape the geospatial field, the way professionals learn and share knowledge is evolving. This 90-minute interactive session explores reciprocal mentorship as a practical approach to bridging skill gaps and supporting workforce readiness across career levels.

Designed for geospatial professionals at all stages, this session highlights how early-career professionals and experienced practitioners can exchange knowledge to adapt to rapidly changing technical demands. Insights from a pre-session survey will be incorporated to reflect current perspectives on mentorship, emerging technologies, and workforce skill needs. Participants will also gain perspective from real-world experiences that connect technical innovation with professional growth.

The session will include guided discussion and interactive activities where participants identify their own technical strengths and gaps, explore opportunities for knowledge exchange, and outline simple mentorship strategies applicable within their organizations or networks.

Attendees will leave with practical ideas to strengthen collaboration, support technology adoption, and foster continuous learning within the geospatial workforce.

Learning Objectives:
Understand how reciprocal mentorship supports knowledge exchange across career levels.
Identify emerging GIS technologies and associated workforce skill needs.
Develop practical strategies to apply mentorship for workforce readiness.

Reciprocal Mentorship for Emerging GIS Technologies and Workforce Readiness
Jordan Landrum, GIS Specialist, Montgomery Country Parks
Olamiposi Caleb Fagunloye, GIS Analyst, Atlanta Regional Commission
Mathew Ugwuanyi, GIS Analyst, Orange County Government Florida

Speakers

Jordan Landrum

GIS Specialist, Montgomery Country Parks

Olamiposi Caleb Fagunloye

GIS Analyst, Atlanta Regional Commission

Olamiposi Caleb Fagunloye is a researcher, and environmental advocate with a deep passion for using geospatial technology to drive impactful solutions in sustainability, transportation, and infrastructure. With hands-on experience across sectors—from humanitarian mapping and environmental... Read More →

Mathew Chidera Ugwuanyi

GIS Analyst, Orange County Government Florida

Mathew Ugwuanyi is a GIS Analyst with the Orange County Public Works Department in Florida, where he supports a variety of geospatial projects across departments. His expertise lies in applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing to address public health challenges... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Wright A, 4th Floor

The GIS Profession

10:30am CDT

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10:30am CDT

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