Redlands, California—This summer, more than 14,000 professionals from more than 120 countries will experience the paramount event of the year for the ESRI software user community, the ESRI International User Conference (ESRI UC), to be held August 4–8, 2008, at the San Diego Convention Center in California. Regardless of their industry or level of experience with geographic information system (GIS) technology, all ESRI GIS users are encouraged to attend this enlightening and inspiring forum designed around the theme GIS: Geography in Action.

            During this one-of-a-kind event, attendees can grow and share their knowledge about GIS solutions by hearing from their peers during user presentations, meeting directly with ESRI staff, and learning firsthand how to fully leverage GIS in their organizations and communities across the globe. The ESRI UC fuels a multitude of projects that result in more efficient work processes, improved decision making, and an enhanced understanding of our world.

“This conference is at the heart of ESRI,” says Jack Dangermond, ESRI president. “It exemplifies our unique culture and our mission to meet the needs of a broad range of users. The solutions and partnerships cultivated at this event are energizing. Problems solved, issues addressed, challenges overcome, seeing the bigger picture—these outcomes are why the User Conference exists.”

            From the Plenary Session’s visionary presentation to the specialized meetings divided into more than 40 tracks, visitors from any industry and location will find an abundance of sessions, activities, and events to

·         Gain a helpful and insightful overview of the latest GIS software.

·         See the road ahead for geospatial technologies and trends.

·         Hear about recent applications, success stories, and lessons learned.

·         Network and socialize with other users and ESRI staff.

·         Attend demonstrations and workshops that focus on the newest release, ArcGIS 9.3.

·         Pose questions about training, product upgrades, site licenses, and more.

In addition, attendees can visit the Exhibit Pavilion, where approximately 300 ESRI business partners will be showcasing and discussing their state-of-the-art products and services. Now accepting digital map entries for the first time, the Map Gallery will host a diverse collection of maps and posters illustrating the global impact of GIS. Special Map Gallery displays are expected from the National Geographic Society, American Botanical Gardens Association, the Nature Conservancy, Department of the Interior, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the United Nations, and more. There will be more than double the number of in-depth preconference seminars than last year, and the GIS Concept and Industry Focus sessions will be back by popular demand, beneficial for those new to or currently managing GIS technology.

For more information about the ESRI UC and to register, visit www.esri.com/uc. If you have any questions, please call 909-793-2853, extension 1363, or e-mail uc@esri.com. The deadline to preregister for the conference is June 13, 2008.

About ESRI

Since 1969, ESRI has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. The market leader in GIS, ESRI software is used in more than 300,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. ESRI applications, running on more than one million desktops and thousands of Web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world’s mapping and spatial analysis. ESRI is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit us at www.esri.com.