Welcome First Time attendees

Thanks to all of you who filled out the survey when you registered for the User Confernece, we have learned that we have a record number of first time attendees to the conference--more than 35%. Because this is your first User Conference, you see it in a way that no one else can. Your insight, perceptions, and the ideas you bring to the conference to share with other users are invaluable.

Of course, those of you who return to the User Conference for a second time or 11 times, help us improve and provide better access to the information you need.

We celebrated your continued support at the 25th Anniversary Welcome Social Sunday evening outside Hall C, SDCC. Which pin are you wearing? 1997? 1988?

And if you are one of those who are wearing a yellow, "First Time Attendee" ribbon, we just want to say thanks for making a difference not only at the conference, but in the important work you are doing with GIS around the world.

David Rumsey presents keynote at EdUC

The EdUC kicked off on Saturday with an insightful, enthusiastic plenary session. The ESRI education team opened the session with an overview of new products and programs available to educators. David Rumsey presented the keynote address. His discussion was visually amazing and his theme was relevant to many issues educators face today. He began his talk with images of historical map books and games that educators used in the 1800s and early 1900s. Many reflected their age through their mistakes (California was drawn as an island). Rumsey moved from the past to the present as he discussed the new technology of Google, Amazon, and other Internet mapping systems. He urged the audience to use the new technology to teach their students about the past and enable them to do what interests them. Overall, the energy and message of the day was positive and inspiring.

A great day for EdUC, Survey Summit, and Telecom and LBS attendees

Today was a great day for people attending the EdUC, Survey Summit, and Telecom and LBS Summit. It was high energy, with people mingling with colleagues from around the world in a way you just can't do the rest of the year. People are starting to anticipate Monday's plenary session, too. By the end of Jack's talk on Monday, its hard to walk away without feeling like you're saving the world, one map at a time.
David Rumsey signed his book Cartographica Extraordinaire today, which generated a lot of interest. It's a beautiful book featuring a small piece of his incredible map collection, which he provides for free online (11,000 maps!).
If you haven't yet, prepare yourself for the week by reading the UC Q&A.

Posted by UC Blog Team to ESRI UC Blog at 7/23/2005 10:27:00 PM