ESRIs 25th Annual International User Conference

The Twenty-Fifth Annual ESRI International User Conference will take place at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California from 25-29 July 2005.

The conference will kick off with a keynote presentation by Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, the world-renowned chimpanzee expert, conservationist, and humanitarian. Best known for her study of chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe National Park, Dr. Goodall is recognised throughout the world for her environmental conservation efforts. In 2002, she was selected by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan as a UN Messenger of Peace. In 2003, she was named a Dame of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Dr. Goodall will offer insight into environmental threats and celebrates the people who are working for the earth's renewal.

This year's conference will feature 300 technical workshops presented by ESRI staff; a complete Exhibit Pavilion; more than 1,000 user presentations and other events. ESRI technical and development staff will lead technical workshops and present software updates on new features in the latest release of ArcGIS 9.

Attendees can experience different GIS applications through several conference events. A User Software Applications Fair will highlight users' projects in embedded desktop, Web-based, and server GIS applications. The Academic GIS Program Fair will host representatives from colleges and universities as they present the different educational options available in GIS.

The conference Map Gallery will highlight map products, posters, and multi-media projects that illustrate user community achievements. The ESRI Showcase is an arena for users to learn more about ArcGIS software, product upgrades, site licenses, training, and other information. There will be industry-specific showcases for public safety, which will include law enforcement and homeland security; and one for defence/intelligence, and health services. There will also be an exhibit showcasing the winners of the ArcWeb Services Challenge.

Specific industry events will run concurrently with the conference. The 2005 ESRI Education User Conference, July 23-26, provides a forum for members of the education community to come together and share their experiences and knowledge. The Third Annual Survey and GIS Summit, also taking place 23-26 July, bridges the gap between surveying, engineering, and GIS practitioners. The Sixth Annual ESRI Telecommunications and Location-Based
Services Summit, held on 24 July, is an opportunity to examine best practices as well as trends in technology, applications, and business models.