Map Out Your Experience: Get the Most Out of the Esri Education Summit and UC 2025
Both the Education Summit and the Esri User Conference (UC) are just around the corner in San Diego California. We want to give you an overview of what to expect so you can plan ahead and make the most of these exciting events.
My name is Jocelyn Torres, and I’m currently an intern here at Esri, working with the Industry Solutions Education team. This will be my second year attending the UC Conference in San Diego and it’s easily one of my favorite events of the year!
In this blog post you will learn about how to get the most out of attending both the Education Summit and Esri UC.
So, let’s dive in.
Esri Education Summit
The weekend before Esri UC kicks off, our team hosts the Esri Education Summit. This year it takes place July 12-15 with sessions, workshops, hands-on learning labs, and socials geared towards educators, researchers, and administrators spanning k-12 and higher education. If you’re attending, here’s what you can look forward to.
Plenary
We are excited to announce keynote speakers for the 2025 Esri Education Summit! The Plenary takes place on Saturday, July 12 from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (PT).
The featured Plenary speakers you can look forward to hear from are:
- Dr. Bob Kolvoord - Interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at James Madison University and a professor in the School of Integrated Sciences
- Aaron Addison - Executive director of the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC).
- Stephanie Feger - Program director for Career Education and Workforce Development at Coast Community College District
Hands-On Learning through Sessions & Workshops
Browse the detailed agenda to learn how your peers are incorporating GIS into their programs and curriculum through user presentations.
Attend a workshop to get hands-on experience using the latest ArcGIS technology and get tips and resources on using it in your own classroom or university campus. Attend a special interest group meeting to dive into focused topics like imagery, remote sensing, and AI.
Stop by the Hands-On Learning Lab July 12-13 from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM to learn ArcGIS at your own pace and get personalized demos.
Start building your Esri Education Summit schedule.
Networking Opportunities
The Welcome Social happens on Saturday, July 12 from 5-7 PM and Education Social on Sunday, July 13 from 5-7 PM where attendees have the opportunity to connect and network with each other to exchange experiences, ideas and build their professional network.
Esri User Conference
The Esri User Conference takes place this year July 14-18 at the San Diego Convention Center. Here's what you can look forward to when attending.
Esri Events App
First, I always recommend downloading the Esri Events app on your phone. It makes managing your schedule, checking event times, and discovering all the exciting opportunities at the conference so much easier.
Link for IOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/esri-events/id620435017
Link for Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.isitedesign.esri.checkin
Find Sessions & Workshops in the Detailed Agenda
Each year, a detailed agenda is released well in advance, giving attendees time to map out their schedules and highlight sessions they don’t want to miss. Search through user presentations, technical sessions, demo theater presentations, special interest group meetings, and more and add it to your schedule.
To make things even easier, Esri team members go above and beyond by creating industry-specific flyers for a wide range of departments and sectors.
To help you find your way to sessions and events relevant to Education, refer to this focused agenda.
Plenary
One must-attend event for all attendees is the Plenary Session, held on the first day of the conference. The Plenary kicks off at 8:30 AM, with additional segments offered at 10:45 AM and 2:00 PM for those arriving later in the day. This signature event draws a crowd of over 18,000 attendees and features an inspiring keynote from none other than Jack Dangermond himself. It's an unforgettable kickoff to the week and sets the tone for the entire conference.
One of the highlights of the User Conference: last year’s Plenary Session, which drew over 21,000 attendees
Academic GIS Program Fair
Make time to attend the Academic GIS Fair, which highlights the innovative work being done in the academic community. This takes place Monday, July 14 from 3:30 –5 PM where there are multiple colleges and universities exhibiting where you can learn about their GIS programs for both graduate and undergraduate students. Be sure to visit their booths and pick up some swag.
Map Gallery
This is followed by the revealing of the Map Gallery, an impressive exhibit showcasing maps and projects created by Esri staff, students, and educators alike. It's a fantastic way to see how GIS is being applied across disciplines and around the world.
Expo Hall
Visiting the Expo Hall is a must-have. There are a multitude of exhibitors where you can learn more about Esri products, services capabilities, partners, and solutions. It’s open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Halls A–D on the lower level from July 15th –17th.
While exploring the kiosks, make sure to stop by the Education booth where we will have kiosks focused on Smart Campus Operations, and GIS Education.
If you’re a student or educator wanting to learn how to build your network and advance your GIS career, visit the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) booth.
Need Help?
Throughout the conference you’ll find plenty of kiosk groups staffed by both student assistants and Esri team members who are ready to help with any questions you might have, whether it’s directions or when the next session starts. Just look for the friendly faces wearing red lanyards! Additionally, there’s an information desk located in the Expo Hall where you can get answers and assistance throughout the day.
Have Fun
If you find it challenging to unwind amid the busy social schedule, don’t worry! Esri offers a variety of extracurricular activities designed to help you relax and recharge. Last year featured daily options like a 5K run and yoga sessions, and this year, morning yoga will be available every day to help you start energized and ready for the day ahead.
There will also be a 5K fun run/walk for anyone who wants to participate. And as always, the UC conference will wrap up with a grand finale! This year’s closing party will be held at Petco Park on Thursday, July 17th, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Here, you can look forward to connecting and socializing with amazing individuals, enjoy delicious food, and explore a popular spot loved by our San Diego community, you won’t want to miss it!
Document your activities on your social media accounts and be sure to tag Esri and use the official hashtag #EsriUC25
2024 Student Assistants at the Expo Hall
Closing
Start planning now. Explore the agenda and prepare for your week, I guarantee you’ll find something that sparks your interest. And most importantly, don’t forget to network! There are countless opportunities to connect and ask questions.
