This from our friend Joseph Kerski, the Esri EDU evangelist! Joseph is a staple at esriuc and EDUC and shares some tips on how to get the most out of the events. Educators and first time attendees will find these very useful!
From Joseph… Having attended the Esri GIS Education Conference and the International User Conference for many years as an Esri employee and also in my previous role as Geographer at the USGS, I have compiled a list of tips to get the most out of both events.
- First, attend the EdUC plenary sessions—these help you get to know people in the community and to learn about new partnerships, software, curriculum, and resources.
- Second, take advantage of the hands-on workshops. It is rare to have these at a conference with computer labs fully staffed and stocked, and they are taught by really knowledgeable folks.
- Third, attend the many paper and poster sessions offered.
- Fourth, talk with colleagues in the foyer and in the expo for some fantastic networking opportunities.
- Fifth, don’t miss the Monday plenary day at the UC. It is my favorite day of all – especially in the afternoon when the students are up on stage. Then, the map gallery and the academic program fair that follow the plenary are absolutely one-of-a-kind—the largest map gallery on the planet.
- Sixth, at the UC, as an attendee, for years I spent most of my time in the large halls in the technical workshops. I still try to attend at least one technical workshop as an employee each year.
- Seventh, the exhibit hall is enormous and fascinating, and I recommend repeated visits to it, as it is too much to take in at any single visit.
- Eighth, linger at the Spatial Outlet, a combination bookstore and GIS Stuff Mart!
The EdUC and UC are inspiring and humbling events. One truly gets an unmistakable sense that GIS is truly making a positive difference in our communities and in our world.
For more on this See – Change the World: The Esri GIS Education Conference (by @josephkerski)
