Exploring the Future of GIS at the 2025 Esri User Conference
Attending the 2025 Esri User Conference in San Diego was an experience I’ll never forget. As a student and GIS enthusiast, it was exciting to join thousands of professionals, researchers, and fellow learners all passionate about geospatial technology. Over the course of the week, I gained insights into how GIS is transforming industries, connected with inspiring people, and saw firsthand what the future of GIS looks like.
Day 1: Eye-Opening Innovation at the Plenary Session
The conference kicked off with an incredible Plenary Session that set the tone for the entire week. One of the standout presentations for me was how San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is using digital twins to track operations across their entire airport—everything from gate availability to maintenance issues. Seeing GIS applied at that scale was a powerful reminder of its real-world impact.
Another memorable moment was learning how firefighters are using GIS to map wildfires in real time. With just a few clicks, they can outline fire perimeters and make faster, more informed decisions about how to deploy resources. These stories made me reflect on how GIS is not just about maps—it’s about saving lives, improving operations, and driving smarter decisions.
Industry Insights: Workshops and SIGs
Throughout the week, I attended a variety of workshops and Special Interest Group (SIG) sessions that deepened my understanding of GIS applications across different fields.
At the Logistics SIG, I heard from industry leaders about how the modern supply chain is being transformed with location intelligence. From route optimization to warehouse siting, GIS and big data are playing a central role in streamlining global logistics.
Building on the topic of big data, I attended a session led by AWS, where they spoke about their tight partnership with Esri. It was fascinating to hear how AWS services are being integrated directly with ArcGIS, making it easier than ever to manage and analyze massive datasets in the cloud.
Another highlight was the deep learning workshop, where I learned about Esri’s generalized pretrained models. These models, adapted from natural language processing (NLP), are now being applied to image detection tasks in geospatial workflows. The combination of GeoAI and ArcGIS tools is making it possible to build end-to-end AI-powered geospatial systems.
GIS in Retail and Real Estate
I also explored how GIS is being used in commercial real estate to aid in site selection. One example that stood out was how restaurants can use Esri tools to analyze variables like customer demographics, competitor proximity, and traffic patterns to find the perfect spot for a new location.
In the Retail SIG, I saw how companies are using GIS to track customer behavior and tailor marketing efforts to specific regions. For instance, one retail chain shifts its back-to-school advertising timeline depending on when local schools start—something only possible with location-based insights.
Networking and Career Inspiration
The Esri Expo was an amazing opportunity to talk directly with companies using Esri products. I had some great one-on-one conversations with GIS developers and vendors whose tools I’ve used in internships and personal projects. It was so rewarding to get feedback, ask questions, and gain insights into the tools I use every day.
The Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) was another highlight. I stopped by the booth to connect with Rosemary Boone and Logan Stevens, and later attended the YPN Social, where I had the incredible chance to meet Jack Dangermond himself. That night was filled with inspiring conversations, delicious food, and the kind of energy that makes you excited for what’s next.
A Memorable Farewell
The conference wrapped up with an unforgettable closing celebration at Petco Park. We had the entire stadium to ourselves, complete with games, food, music, and a chance to celebrate with all the new friends and colleagues we met throughout the week.
From cutting-edge technology to inspiring conversations, my week at the Esri UC was nothing short of transformational. I left San Diego more motivated than ever to keep learning, building, and exploring the world through GIS.
Thank you to Esri and the amazing community for such a welcoming and inspiring experience!