That’s a wrap on another GIS Managers Summit!
That’s a wrap on another GIS Managers Summit!
from @AdamCarnow
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.
Our presenters and panelists also came from many backgrounds and parts of the globe – we would like to acknowledge them for their leadership, and for taking the time to share their experiences: Eric Abrams, James Alberque, Trisha Brush, Véronique Couttee-Jenkins, Erin Fashoway, Louis Hill, Gary Maguire, Liz Parrish, Cierra Scriven, and Scott Weisman.
This summit is the culmination of all of the community of GIS Managers and other GIS leaders, sharing experiences, resources, and tools to help each other run successful GIS programs in their organizations, and the impact shows!
Throughout a full day of activities, professionals networked, brainstormed, listened and asked questions that hit on topics like strategy, governance, leadership, innovation, empathy, and thriving.
Like every year, there were many inspiring activities and unique insights, starting with a welcome from Jack Dangermond, President of Esri, a focused brainstorming activity, an introduction to the Path to Geospatial Excellence, lots of resources and tools shared, Q&A with experts, ending with the GIS Managers Social in the evening overlooking San Diego Bay. There were definitely some unique highlights from this year that are worth sharing:
@DeeptiKochhar and @HamidYunus, from Esri, narrated a journey through the twists and turns of driving the streets of a city – like running a GIS program – all the neighborhoods, considerations, and how to use the Path to Geospatial Excellence Framework to help navigate the journey.
The framework was a big star in the day – it was center stage in this particular story, was used to guide us throughout the day, and we tested out a new tool to evaluate your organization within the framework, see averages in the GIS world and in specific industries.
Over 60 people did a quick assessment of their GIS program during the summit, using the Geospatial Framework Self-Assessment tool. In the following days, during the Expo at the User Conference, the tool and resulting dashboard were shared and hundreds more added their assessments (we’ll be sharing more about this tool later).
As panelist and presenters from around the GIS world shared their experiences at the summit, the impact of the day grew:
- In a panel on innovation, GIS leaders talked about strategies and approaches they use to ensure innovation in their organizations and the impact it has on recruitment and retainment.
- An attendee from last year shared how she discovered the power of Esri’s Request Management Solution, connected with Esri’s Solutions team at the summit, and used the solution to cultivate her GIS program as someone would cultivate a garden.
- In a presentation and panel on social impact, a group talked about the need for leaders to consider social impact in their organizations and GIS work, and one presented on how she uses tools to measure and communicate social ROI.
- Panel groups discussed, shared valuable approaches and advice on transitioning from a manager to a leader, leading without a title, and thriving through adversity – all emerging and powerful topics for successful GIS leaders.
- A presenter all the way from the other side of the globe talked about how to operationalize and sustain your GIS strategy, and shared tools he has used to do this for decades.
There were plenty of opportunities to network at breaks and lunch, and throughout all of these great presentations and panels, attendees submitted and up-voted questions. At the end of the day, the panelists and presenters got on stage one more time for a focused Q&A session to answer the top voted questions directly from attendees.
Reflecting on it now, I’m still impressed at all that we achieved in one day, and the momentum we are carrying a month later!
I want to thank everyone – Esri and conference staff, panelists and presenters, attendees, and sponsors for your time and dedication to this great event. It was an inspirational and impactful summit…
...and it’s not over!
The summit will be back soon, and in the meantime
- Each group will be sharing recaps of their presentations and panels
- For those questions not answered on-stage, we will continue to address questions directly
- We will share more about the framework, the Geospatial Framework Self-Assessment tool and how you can use it
- We will share other tools and resources shared throughout the day, and more resources to help GIS leaders continue to shape our world.
Stay connected with us, right here in the GIS Manager Group, as we share more and continue our work together!
