Esri UC Guide for Higher Ed Student and Recent Graduates

[RosemaryBoone]

The Esri User Conference (UC) is taking place in person July 11-15 at the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) for the first time in three years. The Esri UC is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to make professionals connections, further develop your GIS (Geographic Information Systems) skills, show off the geospatial projects you are working on, learn about innovative trends, network with industry leaders professionals, and become inspired by your peers.

Note** This in-person event is open only to people who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

University students are eligible to receive a one-day complimentary pass to Esri UC. Students must be enrolled at an accredited higher education institution and send a copy of their student ID to confregis@esri.com to verify enrollment and follow these instructions to access your one-day complimentary pass to Esri UC:

1. Register by signing into your ArcGIS account (you can create one)
2. Click that you are “Registering for Yourself”
3. Enter “Customer Information” or check “I don’t have a customer number”
4. Enter “Event Information” that you are an “attendee” for “UC”
5. Select “UC One Day Complementary” for $0 then click “Next”
6. Enter the day you would like to attend, emergency contact info, click “Review & Pay”

If you are attending UC, consider the following to better equip you for the conference and get the most out of the experience.

Do Some Prep Work Before Attending UC

• Button up your LinkedIn profile – you will be connecting with many people during the conference
• Prepare to share anything related to your GIS portfolio
  • Check out this blog for examples
• Be intentional about what you want to get out of UC (list out your goals ahead of time)
• Research networking tips such as this article
• Know ahead of times which hashtags to use on social media and Esri accounts to tag.
  • Hashtags: #EsriUC
  • Accounts:
    • Twitter: @EsriUC, @Esri, @GISEd
    • Facebook: @EsriGIS, Esri GIS Higher Education Community Group
    • Instagram: @esrigram 
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esri/
    • Tik Tok: Esri TikTok
• Read about the health and safety protocols before attending UC

UC Socials, Events, and Other Activities to Add to Your Itinerary

• Attend these socials to meet and network with other young professionals:
  •  YPN (Young Professionals Network) Welcome Social Marriott
    • Sunday, July 10 from 4:00 PM–6:00 p.m. at Coronado Terrace
  • YPN Evening Social
    • Wednesday July 13 from 6:00 PM–8:00 p.m. at Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Level 4, Sapphire Terrace
• Academic GIS Program Fair
• Monday, July 113:30PM–6:00 p.m. at SDCC Ballroom 20 Lobby
• Map Gallery Reception
• Esri Science Symposium
  • Tuesday, July 124:00 PM–6:30 p.m. at SDCC Ballroom 20 D
• Attend the Plenary on Monday, July 11 beginning at 8:30 a.m.
  • Monday, July 114:00 PM–6:00 p.m. at SDCC Sails Pavilion

Sessions/Workshops to Attend

• YPN Presents: Cultivating Curiosity for Career Success
  • Tuesday, July 12 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at SDCC - Room 15 B
• YPN Presents: Finding Your Career Path
  • Wednesday, July 13 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at SDCC - Room 32 A/B
• Special Interest Groups (SIG) such as:
  • Women and GIS SIG: Inclusiveness Through Leadership
  • NorthStar and Blacks in GIS: People of Black / African Descent in GIS
  • Conservation SIG: Community Collaboration
  • GIS for Racial Equity & Social Justice SIG
  • GIS for Good SIG: Maximizing our Impact for People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace
• View the UC detailed agenda

Networking Opportunities at UC

• Attend the Esri UC Expo Hall to meet GIS experts, view lightening talks, visit the industry neighborhoods, view demos, and learn about Esri products.
• Visit the Sustainable World Showcase in the UC Expo to network and learn from Esri staff that lead the special programs and initiatives designed to help you apply GIS for Good in support of Climate Change, Conservation, Disaster Response, Education, Global Development, Humanitarian, Nonprofit, Racial Equity and Social Justice.
• Ask about mentor opportunities while networking
• Attend the Thursday Night Party at Balboa Park
• Stop by the Esri Young Professionals Network booth to meet the team and learn how you can be a part of the network. The Esri YPN booths will be located at the:
  • Grand Lobby of the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) from Sunday, July 10 at 12p.m. until Thursday, June 14 at 12 p.m.
  • UC Expo from Tuesday, July 12 from 9:00 am through Thursday, July 14 at 4:00 p.m.

Other Helpful Resources

• Download the education industry flier
• Download the YPN industry flier
• Download the Sustainable World flier
• UC 2022 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)