It's almost that time of year. As we get ready for the User Conference, we want to help first-time attendees prepare, so we're looking for those who have been to UC before to offer tips, advice and share other helpful knowledge to help first-timers make the most out of their experience.
So, let us know... what should first-time attendees do to prepare and have a successful UC? What should they do during and after the event to maximize learning and networking? What strategies work for you? What do you wish you did differently at your first or last UC?
Your tips will be shared here on GeoNet in the User Conference group, as well as in other pre-UC communications going out over the next couple months. Post your tips below and thanks for sharing and spreading the word!
See what others have previously shared each year below.
One Map Gallery drink, eh? I guess not everyone is buying AGOL credits..
Very long list....
If you made it thru that whole list...congrats. I probably could come up with many more suggestions, but that's all for now. Main thing.....have fun and enjoy all things GIS!
Thanks for sharing rastrauch! These are great tips coming from an Esri UC Pro!
It's a great week and being prepared yet flexible will help you take advantage of all that is offered.
Hello UC Veterans - UC Newbie here. These tips are great! Few practical questions I figured this group could help answer:
See you at the UC!
Hi Devin,
The Plenary starts at 8:30 and you will always be able to find a seat in there (even if you are a little late). You'll see tons of people standing around by the walls and doors but they don't want seats. You just have to move more towards the stage and squeeze in a little - you'll be ok in that manner.
1. Don't be too afraid about packet pick-up. Esri has done a wonderful job of making this a very fast process. Here is a not-so-good pic I took last year of the packet pick-up area:
They herd you into different corrals based on last name (I think) and it goes really quick. If you are in there by 8:00 you should really be fine (though, the earlier the better).
2. I believe there is a luggage storage area at the convention center somewhere. I'm sure someone can answer that.
3. Not sure on buses.
4. Balboa wrist bands are usually available starting late on Wednesday, but I would suggest getting the wrist band on Thursday since it cannot come off and is not transferable (like seriously, don't fight this, haha). But do it early in the day on Thursday since this line can get a little long.
5. My favorite is the Balboa Park outing.
To add to Adrians.
1. As Adrian mentioned, the pick up is pretty fast these days. Have your registration info and ID out to speed it up. Don't forget to grab the goody bag (assuming they still have a bag to hand out). I tend to get to the convention center early (7:30-8)....better chance to get a coffee/water/tea on the first day, but there is quite a long time to linger with the crowd waiting for the doors to open, so it you don't need coffee and don't mind being towards the back of the plenary, you can go later. Don't worry about getting a good view...there are many large screens that show the stage live...sometimes easier to see that then the actual stage.
2. yes, they usually have luggage storage at the convention center..there is a small charge. It is right in the main open area at the front of the convention center so you should be able to see it. I believe it is open every day since people come and go each day.
3. I know you can pick up bus schedules there, not sure about passes. You can ge trolley tickets right across the street in the machines. If you can, depending on your hotel location, I recommend the "trolley" commuter train. Scheduling is convenient M-F (less often on weekends) and run late. They are clean and safe. Tickets are honor system in that you don't give it to anyone, but they do random checks so make sure you have one. They are relatively cheap and you can get multi-day passes. https://sdmts.com/schedules-real-time/maps-and-routes for info buses, trolley, etc.
4. personally I get the wrist band on Wednesday. I hate standing in lines and I don't even notice the wrist band after a few minutes.
5. the Thursday night part is always great (not always at Balboa Park, but that does seem to be the norm most years now). I like the wednesday night dev meetup....but it is almost getting too crowded now. These is some type of user group meeting almost every night. Check with your regional user group, if you have one, as the may have invites.
As for the favorite learning opportunity (which is always fun), it somewhat depends on your GIS level and workflow. The tech sessions are great and are at all levels. But if you have a specific question or are more focused, I like the showcase floor since it allows you to talk to esri staff one-on-one about your particular issues, there are smaller/shorter/more-specific demo theater presentations, a place to test the software, and many booths to visit to see the latest 3rd party innovations.
Hi Devin,
1. The following is a list of the locations, dates, and timeframes for picking up your UC badge:
San Diego Convention Center - Hall D
Saturday, July 8 | 7:30am - 5:00pm
Sunday, July 9 | 7:30am - 5:30pm
Monday, July 10 | 7:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday, July 11 | 7:30am - 5:00pm
Wednesday, July 12 | 7:30am - 5:00pm
Thursday, July 13 | 7:30am - 3:00pm
Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel - Indigo Foyer (Level 2)
Friday, July 7 | 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Saturday, July 8 | 7:30am - 5:00pm
Sunday, July 9 | 7:30am - 5:00pm
Monday, July 10 | 7:00am - 9:30am
San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina Hotel - Marina Foyer, South Tower (Level 3)
Saturday, July 8 | 7:30am - 5:00pm
Sunday, July 9 | 7:30am - 4:30pm
Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel - Grand Ballroom Foyer
Saturday, July 8 | 7:30am - 5:00pm
Sunday, July 9 | 7:30am - 4:30pm
2. As far as taking care of your luggage, there is a coat check area run by the San Diego Convention Center in Grand Lobby C.
3. I'm not aware of the ability to purchase bus tickets in the convention center.
4. If you're needing to purchase wristbands for family/friends for the Thursday Night Party in Balboa Park, those can be purchased and picked-up from the Activities Desk in the convention center all week (Sat - Thur). Otherwise, if you're just picking up the wristband that's included with most registrations/badges, those are handed out at the Activities Desk or main Information Desk in the Grand Lobby of the convention center on Wednesday or Thursday. I advise you pickup the wristband that's included with your registration/badge on Wednesday as the lines can sometimes be quite long on Thursday. Please be aware that the wristbands given out as included with a registration/badge must be put on by an Esri staff member at the time of pick-up. So if you pick-up on Wednesday you'd need to wear the wristband until Thursday. The wristbands are waterproof and very durable.
5. The Monday evening Map Gallery Opening & Reception and Thursday Night Party are typically the 2 most popular meetups/parties/events.
Bus Passes
You can pay your fare with cash when boarding, at a kiosk, or on the app. They do not give change so be sure to have the exact amount. It's $2.50 one-way and $5 for a day pass. The $2.50 one-way is a better option if you want to take the bus from the airport. You can pay cash when you board.
I've paid with the Compass Cloud app but the minimum is $5 not $2.50. You can also buy a Compass Card from the machine at the airport but there is a $2 fee.