Best GIS Conferences in 2025: Where Innovation Meets Location

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a critical role in understanding spatial patterns, informing decision-making, and solving complex global challenges. From public planning and environmental management to logistics and smart cities, GIS continues to evolve through technology and collaboration. Attending a GIS-focused conference is an opportunity to engage with the latest tools, research, and trends shaping the field. Below is a selection of major GIS conferences that bring together experts, developers, and decision-makers from across sectors.

1. GIS-Pro in the Rockies 2025 

GIS-Pro in the Rockies 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 6 to 9, 2025, at the Hilton Denver City Center in Denver, Colorado. This conference is a collaboration between the Geospatial Professional Network (formerly URISA) and the GIS in the Rockies consortium, aiming to bring together GIS professionals from various sectors. The event will feature a range of activities, including workshops, keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. 

Attendees can expect a comprehensive program designed to address current challenges and advancements in GIS. The conference will also offer opportunities for professional development, with sessions tailored to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field. Additional events such as a mapathon and a geo poker crawl are planned to foster community engagement and collaboration among participants.

Key Highlights:

• Annual conference organized by the Geospatial Professional Network (formerly URISA)
• Focuses on GIS professional education, training, and community development
• Offers workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities
• Encourages participation from GIS professionals across various sectors
• Hosted in different locations each year

Target Audience:

• GIS professionals
• Urban and regional planners
• Government officials
• Academics and researchers

Contact Information:

• Website: thegpn.org/page/GIS-Pro
• Address: 701 Lee St, Suite 960, Des Plaines, IL 60016
• Phone: +1 847 824 6300
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/geospatialprofessionalnetwork
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/URISA.International

2. NSGIC Annual Conference

The 2025 National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) Annual Conference is set for September 14 to 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. This annual gathering serves as a platform for state and national geospatial leaders to discuss policies, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving the nation’s geospatial infrastructure. 

In addition to the main conference activities, the event will feature the 3rd Annual National Geospatial Golf Classic, providing a networking opportunity in a more informal setting. Attendees will include representatives from state and federal agencies, private sector companies, and academic institutions, all working together to advance the use of geospatial data and technologies across the United States.

Key Highlights:

• Annual conference organized by the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC)
• Focuses on state-led geospatial coordination and policy development
• Includes sessions on geospatial data sharing, infrastructure, and innovation
• Provides networking opportunities for government officials and industry leaders
• Features the National Geospatial Golf Classic as part of the event

Target Audience:

• State GIS coordinators
• Federal agency representatives
• Local government officials
• Private sector geospatial professionals

Contact Information:

• Website: nsgic.org
• Address: 3100 Dick Pond Road, Unit E, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
• Phone: +1 504.265.9720
• E-mail: info@nsgic.org
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups/840677
• Twitter: x.com/nsgic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/NSGIC

3. Ohio GIS Conference

The Ohio GIS Conference 2025 is scheduled to take place from September 16 to 18, 2025, at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio. Hosted by the County Engineers Association of Ohio, this annual event is the largest gathering of GIS professionals in the state. It welcomes participants from local government, private consulting firms, universities, and state agencies, all engaged in geospatial work that supports infrastructure, planning, and public service.

The 2025 agenda includes breakout sessions, training workshops, and a large vendor exhibit hall showcasing the latest GIS hardware and software. Key themes include asset management, transportation planning, 3D mapping, and open data strategies. The event also features a map gallery competition, professional development credits, and extensive opportunities for peer networking in the Midwest geospatial community.

Key Highlights:

• Hosted by the County Engineers Association of Ohio
• Annual event focusing on GIS applications in infrastructure and public works
• Includes technical sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities
• Features a map gallery and trade show
• Encourages participation from GIS professionals across the US

Target Audience:

• GIS professionals
• Engineers
• Surveyors
• Asset managers

Contact Information:

• Website: ceao.org
• Address: 1103 Schrock Road Suite 202, Columbus, Ohio 43229-1738
• Phone: +1 614 221 0707
• E-mail: Info@ceao.org

4. International Conference on GIS and Remote Sensing (ICGRS)

The International Conference on GIS and Remote Sensing (ICGRS) 2025 is scheduled for August 20, 2025, in California, USA. Organized by the Global Science Society, this conference aims to provide a platform for researchers, academicians, and industry professionals to share their findings and advancements in the fields of GIS and remote sensing. 

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world, fostering collaborations and knowledge exchange. The conference also offers the chance for selected papers to be published in reputed indexed journals, contributing to the dissemination of cutting-edge research in the geospatial domain.

Key Highlights:

• Organized by the Global Science Society
• Provides a platform for academicians, researchers, engineers, and students to share research findings
• Features invited lectures from renowned speakers
• Papers are considered for publication in Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals
• Best paper awards presented for significant contributions

Target Audience:

• Academicians
• Researchers
• Engineers
• Industrial participants
• Students in geospatial fields

Contact Information:

• Website: globalsciencesociety.com/Conference/8170/ICGRS
• Phone: +91 7894737693
• E-mail: info@globalsciencesociety.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/global-science-society
• Twitter: x.com/GlobalscienceC
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/globalsocietyconference

5. GIS Day

GIS Day 2025 will be celebrated globally on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. First launched in 1999, GIS Day is a grassroots celebration that promotes geographic information systems as a tool for solving real-world problems. The event encourages schools, universities, public agencies, and private organizations to host local activities, workshops, and demonstrations that showcase the power of spatial thinking.

Each year, thousands of events take place worldwide, from classroom mapping activities and online seminars to community mapping projects and career panels. GIS Day is supported by a variety of educational resources that help organizers engage their audiences and inspire new users. It serves as a unique opportunity to build awareness of how GIS contributes to everything from climate action to urban planning.

Key Highlights:

• International event promoting awareness and understanding of GIS technology
• Includes educational workshops, seminars, and community mapping projects
• Provides free resources to support event planning
• Encourages hosting events at organizations, schools, or communities
• Celebrates the importance of geospatial information

Target Audience:

• Educators
• Students
• GIS professionals
• Community members

Contact Information:

• Website: www.gisday.com 
• Twitter: x.com/gisday
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/gisday

6. Esri User Conference

The Esri User Conference 2025 is scheduled to take place from July 14 to 18, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Hosted by Esri, the company behind ArcGIS, this is the world’s largest GIS-focused event, drawing over 15,000 attendees from across industries and continents. It serves as a global showcase for new features in the Esri platform, as well as a hub for professional development and community-building in the geospatial field.

The event features hundreds of technical workshops, training labs, plenary sessions, and user-led presentations. Attendees can interact directly with Esri staff, attend industry-specific sessions, and explore the map gallery and exhibition hall. The conference emphasizes applied GIS in areas such as climate adaptation, infrastructure, natural resource management, and urban analytics, making it a comprehensive experience for professionals at every level.

Key Highlights:

• World’s largest GIS conference hosted by Esri
• Features plenary sessions, technical workshops, and user presentations
• Showcases the latest in GIS technology and applications
• Offers networking opportunities with experts and attendees globally
• Provides resources to expand ArcGIS skills

Target Audience:

• GIS professionals
• Developers
• Data analysts
• Government officials

Contact Information:

• Website: www.esri.com 
• Address: 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
• Phone: +1 888 377 4576
• E-mail: confregis@esri.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/esri
• Twitter: x.com/Esri
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/esrigis
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/esrigram

7. IGU Conference

The IGU Urban Commission Annual Conference 2025 is scheduled to be held from August 11 to 15, 2025, in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Organized by the International Geographical Union in partnership with Stellenbosch University’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, the conference focuses on the theme “Cities and Urban Systems in Transition: Transformations, Resilience, and Policy.”

This event brings together geographers, urban planners, and policy scholars to explore how cities are adapting to environmental pressures, migration, economic change, and governance challenges. The program includes academic paper sessions, field excursions in the Cape Town region, keynote lectures, and mentoring opportunities for early-career researchers. The conference fosters global dialogue on urban sustainability and resilience with perspectives from both the Global North and Global South.

Key Highlights:

• Organized by the International Geographical Union Urban Commission
• Focuses on cities and urban systems in transition
• Includes sessions on climate change, resilience, and urban policy
• Encourages participation from early-career researchers
• Offers opportunities for abstract submissions

Target Audience:

• Geographers
• Urban planners
• Researchers
• Academics

Contact Information:

• Website: www.sun.ac.za
• Phone: 021 808 3218
• E-mail: catherine@sun.ac.za
• Twitter: x.com/StellenboschUni
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/stellenboschuniversity

8. Geo Business Show

The Geo Business Show 2025 is scheduled to take place from June 4 to 5, 2025, at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. As the UK’s leading geospatial event, it brings together professionals from across surveying, construction, mapping, and technology sectors. The event is free to attend and features a large exhibition alongside a rich programme of talks and workshops.

Visitors can explore the latest in 3D mapping, BIM integration, drone surveying, and cloud-based geospatial platforms. The education program includes CPD-accredited sessions, panel discussions, and practical demonstrations. The event is also co-located with Digital Construction Week, offering even broader opportunities for professionals working at the intersection of location data and the built environment.

Key Highlights:

• UK-based event focusing on geospatial technologies and applications
• Features exhibitions, seminars, and workshops
• Showcases the latest industry trends and innovations
• Offers networking opportunities with professionals and suppliers
• Free to attend for industry professionals

Target Audience:

• Surveyors
• Geospatial professionals
• Construction experts
• Technology providers

Contact Information:

• Website: www.geobusinessshow.com
• E-mail: areardonsmith@divcom.co.uk

9. Hexagon Live

Hexagon Live Global 2025 is scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27, 2025, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hosted by Hexagon AB, a leader in digital reality solutions and sensor-based technologies, this event brings together professionals from across construction, public safety, surveying, manufacturing, and more. It focuses on the use of location intelligence, automation, and AI to transform industries.

Attendees can expect keynote presentations from industry leaders, hands-on product demos, customer case studies, and breakout sessions organized by sector. The event also features an innovation expo where Hexagon showcases its newest technology across its product lines. With a focus on digital twins, sustainability, and smart infrastructure, the conference connects thought leaders and innovators driving the future of geospatial technology.

Key Highlights:

• International conference hosted by Hexagon
• Focuses on digital solutions and smart technologies
• Includes sessions on asset lifecycle intelligence, safety, and location intelligence
• Offers keynotes, workshops, and networking opportunities
• Encourages innovation and sustainability

Target Audience:

• Industry professionals
• Technology providers
• Engineers
• GIS specialists

Contact Information:

• Website: hexagonlive.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hexagon-ab
• Twitter: x.com/HexagonAB
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/HexagonAB
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hexagon_ab

Conclusion

GIS conferences continue to serve as essential platforms for sharing knowledge, building professional networks, and exploring new developments in geospatial technology. These events bring together experts from government, academia, industry, and the private sector, offering a space to engage with practical applications, current trends, and innovative tools.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or just entering the field, these conferences provide opportunities to stay informed, connect with peers, and advance your understanding of spatial data and systems. Collectively, they support the ongoing growth of the GIS sector and reinforce its value in solving real-world challenges.