GIS Manager's Group

I’m thrilled to announce that the GIS Managers Summit is now the GIS Leadership Summit! This new name reflects the event’s expanded focus and the evolving role of GIS professionals as leaders and innovators. Along with the rebranding, there are exciting changes to the event itself—new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and networking that will make this year’s summit more valuable and inspiring than ever before.

After being involved with the Esri GIS Leadership Summit for the past 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand how this event brings together the best minds in GIS. Each year has offered something new, but this year, I’m especially excited about the changes coming to the summit in San Diego on July 12, 2026.

from Matt Lewin – At this year’s GIS Manager’s Summit, I was fortunate to host a panel titled Enabling Innovation where we discussed how embracing innovation is crucial for GIS teams to stay relevant and impactful in their organizations.

from Andrew Sandifer – 

I was honored to host an inspirational panel of GIS professionals at the 2025 GIS Manager Summit in July, on a discussion about leading without a title.

from Adam Carnow –
Just over a month ago, over 450 GIS leaders from 51 countries and 54 industries got together in San Diego, California, for a day of inspiration and empowerment.  426 attendees, 11 panelists and presenters, and dozens of Esri staff gathered on July 12, 2025 for the 13th annual GIS Managers Summit, the day before Esri’s User Conference kicked into full gear.

Thanks to the over 450 people who joined us at the 2025 GIS Managers Summit!

Here is the content from the day and some additional resources...

We're counting down to the GIS Managers Summit, with previews of the content your peers will be sharing...

How can I be a leader in my organization, without and official leadership title?

We're counting down to the GIS Managers Summit, with previews of the content your peers will be sharing...

What does it mean for a manager to be a true leader, and how do I get there?

We're counting down to the GIS Managers Summit, with previews of the content your peers will be sharing...

Social Impact, Spatial Literacy and Leadership​ – three advanced topics from three thought leaders 

We're counting down to the GIS Managers Summit, with previews of the content your peers will be sharing...

How to Govern Your GIS Program 

We're counting down to the GIS Managers Summit, with previews of the content your peers will be sharing...

Strategies - how do you put yours to work?