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Program Released for the 2018 Upper Midwest Geospatial Conference (May 23–24)

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Author:Ryan Mitchell
Michael Johnson
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A Collaborative Regional Event for GIS Professionals

Organizers of the Upper Midwest Geospatial Conference (UMGEOCON) have released the official program for the 2018 event, scheduled for May 23–24 at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Developed through a partnership among several regional geospatial associations, the conference is designed to provide professionals with opportunities to expand technical expertise, build professional networks, and explore the latest trends shaping the geospatial sector.

Keynote Speakers and Featured Sessions

The conference will feature keynote presentations from prominent figures in the geospatial community, including Dr. Carl Reed, who will reflect on decades of industry development and discuss future challenges facing geospatial technology users. Additional keynote speakers include Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne, Director of the Spatial Analysis Laboratory at the University of Vermont, and Dan Ross, President-Elect of the National States Geographic Information Council.

Program highlights include:

  • Five featured presentations, including a rapid-fire “lightning round” session and a panel discussion on big data applications
  • A special presentation by Emmy Award–winning director Dan Bertalan
  • Multiple technical session tracks allowing attendees to focus on specialized areas of interest
  • Four complimentary pre-conference workshops designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities

Accessible Pricing and Community Impact

Conference organizers emphasize affordability as a key objective, with registration fees significantly lower than many comparable industry events. In addition to professional development opportunities, UMGEOCON serves as a charitable initiative, with all net proceeds distributed among participating nonprofit geospatial organizations to support scholarships, educational programs, and community initiatives.

Regional Collaboration Supporting the Geospatial Community

The conference is jointly organized by seven nonprofit organizations representing geospatial professionals across Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the broader Western Great Lakes region. Together, these organizations represent thousands of professionals working in government, academia, and the private sector. Participating groups include regional GIS associations, infrastructure-focused professional organizations, mapping and remote sensing societies, and nonprofits dedicated to advancing the use of geographic information for public benefit.

Encouraging Early Registration

Because attendance capacity is limited and early registration demand has been strong, organizers encourage prospective participants to secure their tickets promptly. By combining expert-led presentations, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, the 2018 UMGEOCON program aims to strengthen collaboration across state boundaries while helping attendees stay informed about emerging technologies and best practices in geospatial science.

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