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Adam Burke takes a sneak peek at what’s likely to be on the agenda at this year’s annual conference of the Association for Geographic Information
As summer (?) draws to a close, our thoughts are once again firmly focused on our flagship event, GeoCom. The largest independent event in the UK GI calendar which is organised for geospatial professionals by geospatial professionals, this year’s gathering will take place on the 5th December at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
The theme of GeoCom 23 is ‘Intelligent Geospatial for a Sustainable Future’ – one that will provide a focus for presentations, panel discussions and break-out sessions on the increasing use of automation in the geospatial sector, and its impact on sustainability, such as our digital carbon footprint. Although still in the early days of planning and confirming content and speakers, I am happy to tease some highlights from the agenda;
The day will start with an invitation-only breakfast briefing on the topic ‘Skills in Geo’. It will draw on a recently-published AGI report that includes results from the Education and Skills Working Action Group’s survey on the ‘geoskills’ gap. It will also cover our work with the RGS-IBG and the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) on professional development and competencies. This session is sure to include lively debate and result in some interesting takeouts for employees, employers and educators.
The Early Careers Network Working Action Group will also be hosting a break-out session to present the results of its recently-published report that explores the importance of organisational values and employee terms and conditions for those starting out in the geospatial sector.
I’m also pleased to announce that support for GeoCom has, once again, been overwhelming. Within days of announcing sponsorship opportunities for those keen to share experiences and demonstrate solutions to an educated, engaged and receptive audience, we are delighted to welcome Esri UK as our first Platinum Sponsor. Bluesky, Cadline, GIS-Jobs.co.uk, NV5 Geospatial and Verisk will be joining us as Gold Sponsors, while Cardcorp, Geoplace and Spyrosoft are benefiting from the Silver Sponsor package. I would also like to welcome GeoConnexion as our media partner for the event.
The support we receive from these organisations is integral to the success of GeoCom and I would therefore like to personally offer my thanks to those who have already signed up while encouraging others to follow their lead as I am sure the remaining opportunities will be quickly snapped up.
Finally, I am pleased to announce that registration for GeoCom 23 opens at 0800 on Monday the 11th September. So, if you want to be part of this exciting and dynamic event, I suggest you book your place early as tickets are sure to sell out fast with early bird discounts offering savings of up to 40% available until the 13th November. https://www.agi.org.uk/geocom/
Adam Burke is Chair of the Association for Geographic Information. For more, please visit www.agi.org.uk
