Conservation Community at Esri User Conference: Your Guide to Making the Most of It
It’s the mappiest time of the year! Esri’s User Conference (UC) is taking place July 14–18, 2025, in sunny San Diego, California. It’s the largest gathering of GIS professionals in the world making it a can’t-miss event for anyone working in or passionate about GIS in conservation.
Attending Esri’s UC is an opportunity for you to connect with conservation GIS users, learn how GIS and location intelligence supports the many facets of conservation work, connect with Esri’s Conservation team, discover innovative GIS solutions, and meet others who care about our planet as much as you do.
Here’s how to make the most of your conservation-focused UC experience.
Build Your Conservation-Focused Schedule
Planning ahead is key! Start by exploring the Conservation-Focused Agenda, where you’ll find a curated list of sessions covering everything from biodiversity mapping to landscape connectivity, climate resilience, and more. These talks and technical sessions will inspire new ideas and give you a deeper understanding of how GIS is advancing conservation globally.
Exhibit Hall: GIS for Good Showcase
Stop by the GIS for Good Showcase in the Expo Hall A and visit the Conservation Kiosk to speak directly with Esri experts and industry partners. Learn how ArcGIS tools are used in conservation efforts around the world. Here are the Esri Conservation Team members you can connect with at the kiosk:
- Ryan Lanclos, Director, Global National Government Solutions & Marketing, Esri
- Emily Swenson, Nonprofit Program Manager, Esri
- Ariana Kim, Conservation & Nonprofit Account Manager, Esri
- Lukasz Czerwinski, Nonprofit Account Manager, Esri
The Expo Hall hours are:
- Tuesday, July 15: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Wednesday, July 16: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Thursday, July 17: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
We encourage you to visit our conservation partners inside the Expo Hall such as Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS), Global Biodiversity Information Facility, and NatureServe.
GIS for Good Demo Theater
Head to the GIS for Good Demo Theater located in Expo Hall A. Join conservation thought leaders and GIS professionals who are using the geographic approach to protect our planet and preserve biodiversity through the use of GIS in conservation.
Here are a few demo theater presentations to put on your calendar:
- Tuesday, Jul 15 | 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM: Humanitarian Community Spotlight
- Wednesday, Jul 15 | 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM Biodiversity Data Spotlight
- Wednesday, Jul 15 | 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM Conservation Community Spotlight
- Thursday, Jul 15 | 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM: Citizen Engagement and Community-Led Conservation
GIS for Good Social
Join us Tuesday evening, July 15 from 6:00–9:00 PM, on the East Terrace of the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) for the GIS for Good Social. It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle, connect and relax with other conservation GIS professionals while enjoying the gorgeous San Diego view.
Conservation Special Interest Group (SIG) Meeting
Early risers, mark your calendars! The Conservation Special Interest Group (SIG) Meeting is happening Tuesday, July 15 from 7:00–8:00 AM in Ballroom 6 DE at the SDCC. Come for the updates, stay for the coffee, and be sure to register for the SIG ahead of time to secure your spot.
Join the Conservation Scavenger Hunt
Add a bit of fun to your week by participating in the Conservation Scavenger Hunt at UC!
Go to these four stops to collect exclusive conservation-themed swag:
- STOP 1: Conservation SIG. Join the Conservation Special Interest Group Tuesday, July 15th from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM (PT) in Ballroom 6 DE at SDCC. Find Ariana Kim to collect your conservation swag.
- STOP 2: Conservation Kiosk. Visit the Conservation kiosk located in the GIS for Good Showcase in Exhibit Hall A. Find a conservation team member (Emily Swenson, Ariana Kim, Ryan Lanclos, Lukasz Czerwinski) to collect your conservation swag.
- STOP 3: GIS for Good Social. Swing by the GIS for Good Social taking place Tuesday, July 15th from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (PT) located at the East Terrace in the SDCC. Find a conservation team member (Emily Swenson, Ariana Kim, Ryan Lanclos, Lukasz Czerwinski) to collect your conservation swag.
- STOP 4: Community Spotlight. Join the Conservation Community Spotlight taking place Wednesday, July 16th from 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM (PT) located at the GIS for Good Demo Expo Theater inside Exhibit Hall A. Find Lukasz Czerwinski to collect your conservation swag.
Map Gallery & Reception
The Map Gallery is a must see! It’s open from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday, July 15 – Thursday, July 17th with an opening reception on Monday, July 14th from 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM (PT) located at the Sails Pavilion inside the SDCC.
There you will meet participating map authors and special display organizations and discuss their work with them. Check out the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Inspirational display while you’re there.
Engage on Social Media
Share your conference highlights and conservation moments on X (formerly Twitter) and tag @Esri_Conserv and use hashtag #EsriUC2025. We love seeing your photos, takeaways, and stories!
Expand Your Network with Esri YPN
If you’re looking to grow your GIS network, be sure to connect with the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN):
- Visit the YPN booth in the Expo Hall.
- Attend the much anticipated YPN Social on Wednesday, July 16th from 6-9 PM at Indigo Foyer and Terrace at the Hilton.
- View the focused YPN focused agenda to learn about ways to build your professional community both during and after UC.
This year’s UC is packed with opportunities to learn, network, and get inspired by conservation success stories powered by GIS.
We can’t wait to see you in San Diego!
