This year's ESRI show is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees from the four corners of the world. The theme of the show - "Geography Our Global Network" will explore the role that GIS is playing in mainstream IT by more than two million users world-wide. The event serves as a platform for ESRI users to show off what they are doing with GIS and how businesses, government, and society have a better understanding of the world as a result of the widespread application of geographic knowledge enabled by GIS.

The conference grows in size every year (this year being no exception) and as a result, planning your agenda can be a difficult task. We've highlighted what we feel are some of the significant events in order to help attendees plan their week. If your not attending, this list will serve to identify what all the hoopla is about! Be sure to catch our dedicated ESRI conference coverage as well. We'll be posting daily commentaries, images, and news direct from San Diego.

MAJOR EVENTS

Orientation for New Attendees (Monday 9:00 AM) - I've you've never been to an ESRI UC, this is for you. ESRI staff will help you plan your week so you can make the most of your time. Take my word... the number of meetings, sessions, and presentations is staggering - this is very useful.

Jack Dangermond's Opening Video (Monday 9:20 AM) - The conference kicks off, as usual, with a greeting from the host, Jack Dangermond. Jack will use a video followed by a discussion of his vision for the future of GIS.

GIS on the Internet (Monday 2:00 - 3:30 PM) - This presentation delves into the popular topic of GIS on the Internet and introduces us to The Geography Network

Keynote Address (Monday 4:00 - 4:45 PM) - This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Charles Groat, director of the USGS. Groat has over 25 years of direct experience in the physical/earth sciences.

Map Gallery and Reception (Monday 5:30 - 9:00 PM) - The ever popular Map Gallery and opening reception gives us a chance to view hundreds of hard copy posters illustrating the way people are using ESRI software. The Reception will all be showcasing the "Mapping Our World Exhibit" featuring mapping from the past, present, and future perspectives.

Internet and Multi-Media Demonstration (Monday 5:30 - 9:00 PM) - New this year, a showcase of ESRI internet mapping app's and map presentations. This should be very cool!

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND VENUES

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Showcase - This venue is dedicated to GIS solutions for public safety and law enforcement. Demonstrations will be conducted by GIS users from fire, police, and emergency response teams.

Defense Showcase - Defense business partners and defence industry users will showcase their solutions at this venue. Presentations will be made by representatives from:

• Australian Defence topo Agency
• BAE Systems
• ERDAS
• ESRI
• Lockheed Martin
• NIMA
• US Army Corp. of Engineers

Technology Review (Wednesday 6:00 - 9:00 PM) - Presentation by platinum sponsors Compaq, IBM, and Informix, examining their latest solutions for GIS users.

Paper Presentations (Tuesday - Thursday) - start searching now because there's going to be over 800 papers presented this year!

Technical Workshops - (Tuesday - Thursday) - the most popular sessions at each conference are the Technical Workshops, led by ESRI staff, where users gain in-depth knowledge about ESRI software.

GIS Solutions EXPO - Wednesday evening - See the latest offerings from ESRI business partners. Also, watch them face-off in the Business Partner Challenge!

Closing Session (Friday 10:00 12:00 PM) - If you can last the entire week, be sure to attend the closing session. Jack and senior ESRI staff will host offer an open forum for questions and answers.

FUN STUFF!

Pre-Conference Golf Tournament (Sunday 12:30 PM) - Carlton Oaks Country Club near Santee

State and Local Government Party on the Terrace (Tuesday 7:00 - 10:00 p.m) - State and local government, public safety and law enforcement attendees are invited to this reception by the pool.

Tennis Tournament - Wednesday 5:30 - 9:00 PM

5K Fun Run/Walk - Wednesday 7:00 AM - Run or walk through beautiful Embarcadero Park.

Ports-of-Call Receptions (Wednesday 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.) - Several large ESRI corporate partners are sponsoring a series of receptions, each having a different port-of-call as the setting for activities.

GIS Awards Ceremony (Thursday 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.) - Each year ESRI recognizes organizations that have been selected for their outstanding achievements in the GIS field.

Caribean Night (Thursday 5:30 - 11:00 PM) - Every year, ESRI throws a big bash. This year's gala is once again in Embarcadero Park South on the waterfront. The theme of the party is... Caribean Night. This is a must event to attend and be sure to bring the family as well!

Golf Tournament (Friday 12:30 PM) - Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California