Magical things happen at the Esri User Conference. For one week every July, San Diego becomes an "Esri City," with banners and posters on just about every flat surface imaginable. People of all backgrounds and industries come together for one reason: their passion for GIS. I attended my first User Conference (UC) in July of 2025 and, although I didn't quite know the extent of it yet, the experience would be one that changed my life.
My Introduction to GIS
I had never heard of Esri before college. However, attending the University of Redlands, that quickly changed. It was in my very first semester that I was introduced to Esri’s GIS software and created my first map. From there, I decided to add a Spatial Analysis minor to go along with my Environmental Science major and became enamored with all the possibilities GIS offered. At the time, I thought GIS was an incredible tool for promoting conservation and sustainable practices, which it definitely is, but I didn’t really grasp just how versatile of a tool it was until I saw it in action at UC.
The University of Redlands booth in the UC expo hall.
Attending the Conference as a UC Assistant
I was hired as a temporary UC assistant shortly after graduating college. In my position, I worked with Esri’s Events Marketing team, helping users with all their conference-related questions, ranging from hotel accommodation to information about the Thursday Night Party (which was hosted at Petco Park that year). I found it fascinating to see all the preparation and planning that went into the conference. Everyone was focused on finishing the final details before the event, which, at the time I was hired, was weeks away.
One thing I noticed right away while working with Esri was that the user community was different than most. Those that would call or email with their questions were incredibly understanding and polite, and that remained true for those I met in person at the conference as well. It wasn’t uncommon for a user that called to ask about a confirmation email started telling me about the latest GIS project they were working on, or how excited they were they were to attend the conference. Through interacting with users, I started to realize how passionate people were about GIS.
Learning From Each Other at UC
Not only were users enthusiastic about the things they were working on with their own organizations, but they were also interested in learning about how other industries utilized the same tools. At UC, there are hundreds of technical sessions and presentations throughout the week where users showcase the ways they use Esri’s GIS software. The sessions range in industry and products, but they are a wonderful way to learn something new. The kickoff for UC that draws the biggest crowd is the Plenary. Done in three parts on the first day, and hosted by Jack Dangermond himself, Plenary highlights organizations who have used Esri’s GIS software in unique and innovative ways.
Esri's Map Gallery showcases hundreds of maps from Esri users.
For me, the most interesting Plenary presentation was CAL FIRE’s use of GIS to manage and respond to California wildfires. They have GIS technicians in planes that collect aerial data from active wildfires, enabling teams on the ground to make informed decisions. I was impressed with the innovative application of GIS software that has real life impacts. As someone who is passionate about the environment and conservation, that type of innovation is what I want to be a part of in my career. At UC, new ideas are formed all around you. Everyone there is eager to learn more about the capabilities of GIS and draw inspiration from each other, something I find unique to the field.
Making Connections After the Conference
In addition to presentations, there are various dinners after the main conference activities have ended that allow professionals to mingle and network in a more social setting. Called “socials,” these events are usually industry-centered, but anyone can attend them. There’s an Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) social, which hosted its 10th year anniversary in 2025, and other socials for women in GIS, forestry, sustainability, petroleum and more. I engaged in conversations with people that I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to speak to, and hearing about their work in GIS inspired me to continue building a career at Esri where I can contribute to real world change.
Turning Inspiration into a Career
Overall, my first experience at Esri’s User Conference showed me that GIS is more than just software—it is a community built on curiosity, collaboration, and purpose. From working behind the scenes to connecting with users, I saw firsthand how impactful and far‑reaching GIS can be. Being surrounded by professionals who were eager to share ideas and inspire one another made the experience especially meaningful and solidified my passion for being part of this field.
Shortly after my temporary position as a UC Assistant ended, I had the opportunity to join Esri as a full-time employee. I now work with Esri’s Customer Service team, continuing to build connections with users and internal teams. Looking back, UC was a pivotal moment that shaped both my career path and my appreciation for the capabilities of GIS, and I look forward to where my future at Esri can take me.
The globe in Building E on Esri's Redlands campus.
