Can you believe that once again the annual ESRI User Conference is just around the corner? Indeed its come fast this year - likely as the event is scheduled for mid-June rather than in July or even August as it typically has been for a number of years.
If you haven't started thinking about travel plans yet I suggest you do so, keeping these dates in mind: ESRI EdUC 2007 runs from June 16–19, 2007; ESRI Survey & Engineering GIS Summit June 16–19, 2007; and the ESRI user conference is slated for June 18–22, 2007. The location is familiar San Diego, CA. at the San Diego Convention Center.
Hopefully you've registered by now. If not you can do so online at http://www.esri.com/jumppages/homepage/event_ucreg.html or, if you really like to procrastinate you can register on-site (although I wouldn't suggest that). Something to keep in mind is that if you or your company maintain a current ArcGIS license or subscription then you are likely entitiled to one or more complimentary registrations - be sure to take advantage of this (see http://www.esri.com/software/maintenance/benefits/registration-guide.html)
Some useful conference resources:
ESRI UC weblog - http://blogs.esri.com/Info/blogs/ucblog/default.aspx
get useful tips and regular updates from the ESRI team. Are you presenting at this year's conference? The blog has a post about how you can sharpen your presentation skills. Experts will show you how to speak confortably, manage your body language, and take advantage of visual aids. A session is planned for Monday, noon–1:15 p.m. Room 33 A, SDCC. Travelling to San Diego? The blog also has some valuable information for travellers including reminders about passport and visa requirements and there's also some tips on what you can/can't bring on the plane.
Other bloggers to watch include James Fee(http://www.spatiallyadjusted.com/), Very Spatial (www.veryspatial.com) by Sue & Jesse, APB (www.allpointsblog.com), David MAguire's blog (http://gismatters.blogspot.com/) and AnyGeo (http://gisuser.blogspot.com - by yours truly). All will be covering the event! I ALWAYS moblog tons of photos wehn I 'm on the road - you can find photos from the conference at http://www.flickr.com/photos/gisuser.
SIGs
If you want to connect with others from your industry then you should consider attend and joining a Special Interest Group (SIG). This is an ideal opportunity to network and to expand your connections... best of all, there's more than 100 SIG meetings taking place during conference week (WOW!) - see http://blogs.esri.com/Info/blogs/ucblog/archive/2007/05/11/attend-a-special-interest-group-meeting.aspx (Note: most SIG meetings are planned for Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon)
Plan Your Week - Online Agenda
With so many sessions and events taking place during the week you'll want to plan ahead and set your schedule in advance. ESRI has made available a handy online agenda planner - see http://events.esri.com/uc/2007/infoweb/. Take advantage of this resource to find out when and where the sessions of interest to you are taking place. I can't stress how important this is. First time conference attendees can also attend a conference orientation session to help get the most out of your ESRI UC experience - this is also a MUST DO for you newbies!
Pre-conference Seminars
If you need training then plan to show up a day or two in advance. ESRI has a host of training classes running Saturday and Sunday... this is a very economical way to get some great training that you would otherwise pay big $$ to secure. See the training sessions listed here http://www.esri.com/events/uc/sessions/uc_precons.html
Accomodations - is you haven't secured accomodation yet then you can consult the housing bureau (although its a bit late now) see http://www.esri.com/events/uc/hotels_travel/accommodations.html. Many hotels are booked, however, I've found in the past that the week prior to event you'll typically see many rooms free'd up by those who have double-booked rooms way in advance jjust in case - then they let them go once the time to commit has past. Other good resources for securing a hotel room are hotels.com, expdia, and see also your airline rewards rpogram - I've scored great deals in the past via Alaska airlines hotel affiliates. Accomodation downtown in San Diego is pricey to say the least. Keep in mind that the area is serviced by an excellent transportation system so staying out of area may not be that much of an issue. Consider Pacific Beach if you'd like to stay in a nice coastal area that offers great nightlife and fabulous beaches.
Bring The Family
Many people double-dip and combine business with pleasure, bringing the family along. San diego offers TONS to do... catch a ball game, check out lego land, Sea World, the Zoo, and there's also the UESRI UC kids camp. ESRI is organizing Wednesday night at the ball park, a chance for you to take the family to see the Padres play the Orioles - tickets are just $16 - http://www.esri.com/events/uc/activities/padres.html. Companies that want a bit of exposure, here's a tip for you... you can get your company's message on the jumbotron at Petco if you contact them (try a google search to locate their website). For a nominal fee (donated to a charity I believe) you can send them some text and have a shout out to the crowd... COOL! Other familiy event during the week include familiy night where the kids can walk the exhibition hall floor and fill their goodie bas with lots of cool shwag; Thursday night party in the park is always a blast with loads of events, music and fun planned for the kids.. this is a must attend. Getting back to kids camp... this is a great opportunity to put the kids in a fine GIS101 learning atmosphere where they can get a chance to follow in your footsteps.
Other things I like to make sure I do during conference week:
- The keynote session (Monday morning). Don't you dare miss this as Jack and all the key management from ESRI take center stage and tell you all about the latest and greatest offerings from the company, provide a recap of the past 12 months, give a sneek peek at the future and share some insight on what you'll find the rest of the week.
Technical keynotes - first thing in the morning on Tues, Wed, and Thurs you'll have a chance to hear from ESRI Directors about the ESRI platform and solution offerings. David Maguire will discuss ArcGIS in Tuesday, Scott Morehouse will discuss future software releases on Wednesday, and Clint Brown will discuss emerging GIS concepts and methods on Thursday.
Map Gallery - Monday evening under the sails is your chance to see the work of hundreds of ESRI users from around the World. Posters and presentations are on display and you'll easily spend hours browsing them all to find your favorites. Cast a vote for the best ones which will be selected and published in the coming ESRI Mapbook. On display this year will be a cool presentation from. The user software pplication fair also gets underway on Monday evening... this is your chance to see what application developers are doing and see what kind of custom software is being developed.
On the floor of the Map Gallery
Product sessions - I always make a point of checking out the product at a glance sessions where I get the whole scoop on specific applications from the development team... there's nothing better than getting it straight from the horses mouth. Typically you'll hear all about the latest application and get a run-down of the new features as well as what's planned for future releases. This is also a great chance to provide feedback directly to the developer leads who may include your suggestions in the next release!
Find a big block of time to cruise the exhibition hall floor. The floor is huge and there's loads of companies but it's also a great way to meet face to face with ESRI business partners and other solution providers. Ask questions, get a demo, grab a business card, and maybe take a way a sample CD and some product literature... plan on bringing home an extra bag full of papers and goodies you collect on the floor.
Check out applications from business partners on the floor
Party... you can't stay in town the whole week without shmoozing. Keep an eye open for vendors disctributing special invitations to customer parties. Tuesday and Wednesday evening are big for this... plan on staying up late but don't forget you need to get up early the next day! A tip... Safenet (www.safenet-inc.com) is hosting a harbor cruise on Wednesday evening!
Don't forget to take a bit of time to party with some colleagues!
Never been to San Diego before? Here are some helpful things for you to remember: Useful Tips From Yours Truly
The airport is about 5 minutes from the Gaslamp district and convention facilities. Cab fare will be under $10 or you can always take an airport shuttle (Blue Cloud shuttle I believe) for about $6.
Getting around is easy and the trolley can quickly get you to Qualcomm Stadium, Pacific Beach, or other popular destinations. Bicycle cabs are also very useful if you need to get off your feet.
Pack light. If you’re a shorts and sandals person that will be fine at the conference and you’ll blend in nicely with thousands of other fellow geographers! The weather is always 72 degrees and sunny in San Diego so you may not even need a coat or sweater.. And don’t even think about bringing an umbrella, it never rains in SD! Business casual is fine while at the conference sessions or, go in shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals and blend in with the GIS techs!
Need a wireless web connection? The convention center always has Wi-Fi access and the Marriott (and most other major hotels) provide pretty reliable service to all rooms. There’s also a Kinkos with excellent hours about 6 blocks from the Marriott (next to Horton Plaza)
If you need a fast lunch or want a fun gathering place for a couple of cold ones after a long day, check out Dick's last resort... the abuse is worth it! The Rockin Baja lobster is also pretty decent for a cheap, fast lunch.
Winding down at Dick's Last Resort!
If your out late and need some chow then Pizza by the slice (across from Dick's) is awesome - this place is a staple for me on the way back to the hotel after a long day! Like Indian food? Find the Star of India! Like beer... go to the Yardhouse (their happy hour rocks!)
The airport is about 5 minutes from the Gaslamp district and convention facilities. Cab fare will be under $10 or you can always take an airport shuttle (Blue Cloud shuttle) for about $6.
Getting around is easy and the trolley can quickly get you to Qualcomm Stadium, Pacific Beach, or other popular destinations.
Pack light. If you’re a shorts and sandals person that will be fine at the conference and you’ll blend in nicely with thousands of other fellow geographers! The weather is always 72 degrees and sunny in San Diego so you may not even need a coat or sweater.. And don’t even think about bringing an umbrella, it never rains in SD!
If you like The Padres you can catch games against the Orioles during ESRI UC week (http://www.padres.com/)
Need a wireless web connection? The convention center always has Wi-Fi access and the Marriott (and most other major hotels) provide pretty reliable service to all rooms. There’s also a Kinkos with excellent hours about 6 blocks from the Marriott (next to Horton Plaza)
If you need a cigar, late night coffee, of meal then simply stroll through the Gaslamp. For an awesome, affordable staek or piece of fresh tuna I highly suggest you have dinner at the Strip Club (you'll likely see me there!) - next to Dick's
ESRI UC weblog - 
Bring The Family
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