International Esri User Conference Tips - 7 Awesome Things To do at ESRIUC 2013

There’s no shortage of things to do at ESRIUC, that’s a fact! This year will mark my 15th UC and like most years, hammering down exactly what I’ll do all week is a challenge – there’s simply so many things to select from. I’ve started loading my calendar and have been setting up meetings and taking notes of must attend events. Like most years, there’s a few things taking place during the week that are a MUST do for me and I’m glad to share a few of these here with you. Good luck building out your agenda for the week and most important, be sure to plan on having loads of fun and be sure to bring some comfortable hoes with you! If you want to try and connect with yours truly while in San Diego be sure to ping me on Twitter @gletham

And so… here I share 7 Must Do things to consider while at the 2013 International Esri User Conference:

Pre-conference Seminar (Sunday)

This pre-conference event got my attention… what a great opportunity to hear directly from a true innovator! A Framework for Geodesign, by Carl SteinitzDr. Steinitz provides an in-depth overview of GeoDesign processes, looking at both rural and urban environments. He describes a framework for doing GeoDesign (design in geographic space) using six model types for assessing the geographic context, for proposing changes and for evaluating the consequences of those changes. He then shows how this framework and these models can be used to understand, plan and manage a variety of landuse/management projects.

Introduction to Geoprocessing Scripts Using Python (Sat-Sun)

Here’s a great opportunity for some valuable educational content while at UC. This seminar teaches how to create Python scripts to automate tasks related to data management, feature editing, geoprocessing and analysis. You will also learn how to share your Python scripts so your key GIS workflows are accessible to others. http://www.esri.com/events/user-conference/sessions/precon-seminars

3D Mapping Forum (Sunday)

Hosted by the Esri imaging crew, including Lawrie Jordan and staff, main topics during the day will include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Mobile Mapping, Smart 3D Cities, and Military Installation 3D Management, to be covered in the afternoon breakout sessions. (Note, there may be extra charge to attend this event). This is a great option for you "keeners" that get to town early and want to max out on the professional development!

Monday Plenary Session

It goes without saying that Monday is all about the plenary. Plan to stay all day to hear directly from Jack Dangermond as he outlines the road ahead and discusses ArcGIS at 10.2. Then kick back as he then turns the stage over to his product managers and right-hand men and women. The plenary is always interesting and really sets the tone for the week. Don’t even think about crashing by the pool in the afternoon as special guests will take to the stage to wow you! NOTE, when planning your agenda take note of any sessions that contacin the words "What’s New" in the title!

Monday Evening Lightning Talks (Monday 4:30-6 PM, Ballroom 20, D)

Prior to walking through the Map Gallery, checking out the maps over a glass of wine and appies, be sure to catch the "annual" Lightning talks. Hear about a dozen 5 minute lightning presentations from ArcGIS users and Esri professionals… loads of fun guaranteed but keep the heckling to a minimal please! ;0)
http://www.esri.com/events/user-conference/sessions/lightning-talks

Family Night SDCC, Halls B, C, and D

This year my son will be hanging out in San Diego for a few days to enjoy the sights and sounds. sri generously offers several events that you can enjoy with the whole family if you happen to be lucky enough to have them with you. Wednesday evening you are free to walk the halls of the massive exhibition hall floor and share all the cool technology with your spouse and/or kids. Get your hands dirty with the technology, watch some very cool hardware in action, chat to industry experts, reach out to professionals about career and employment opportunities, and fill up your swag bag with loads of really cool goodies for the kids (or the kid inside you)

ESRIUC DevMeetUp

Yes indeed, once again, Andy, Jim, Amy and the EDN crew (@AmyNiessen @agup @geeknixta @JimBarry) will be bringing the DevMeetup traveling roadshow to UC in the form of the popular DevMeetUp format. Enjoy lightning talks from the geogeeks, have a beer or two and shmooze with some very bright minds. DevMeetUp is a great opportunity to hang with the EDN team, meet and greet developers doing cool stuff with Esri technology and if so inclined, sign up to present a lightning talk. A great networking opportunity indeed! Developers and Geeks, take note that ESRI has loads of goodies planned for you this year including a Hackathon, OSM Edit-A-Thon, UX Summit and more!
Register HERE

Bonus… Thursday Night in the park

Loads of people seem to bail out early and head home Thursday but they really are missing out! Thursday night in Balboa Park is an amazing experience and an wicked party! The networking is fantastic, the entertainment always spectacular, and the environment and setting is breath-taking! Stick around through Thursday if you can and be sure to get up early and catch Jack’s farewell presentation on Friday morning…