Event Details

November 19-21, 2025

FULL AGENDA

Workshops: Wednesday, November 19th

Our workshops provide access to in-depth training from industry leaders that help further your professional skills and networking opportunities. Registration for workshops is sold separately.

Sessions & Exhibits: Thursday, November 20th

Explore a day of sessions and exhibit booths to hear about the latest advancements in the private and public sector and connect with the geospatial community.

Student Event: Friday, November 21st

Special programming designed for students to engage with GIS professionals and learn about career opportunities in the geospatial field.

November 19, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Wed Thu Fri

Wednesday - Workshops

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Registration

Location: Student Services Building (First Floor)Lobby

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Create Dynamic Analytics with ArcGIS Dashboards

ESRI

Location: Student Services Building Room 2.201.03

Overview:

ArcGIS Dashboards present location-based analytics through interactive visualizations on one screen. Organizations can use them to make decisions, visualize trends, and monitor status in near real-time. Learn to customize dashboards for your audience, enabling them to find the answers they need.

About the Speaker:
Anna (Esri)

Devices and license are provided. Registrants have the option of bringing their own computer devices.

Registration for workshops is sold separately.

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Beginner's Guide To Field Mapping: Asset Management Seminar

Bad Elf

Location: Student Services Building Room SSCB 2.201.01

Overview:

This seminar introduces fundamental geospatial concepts, field methodologies, and the latest geotechnologies. Participants will explore how to prepare, collect, and share high-accuracy location data using ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Field Maps, and GNSS hardware.

What You’ll Learn:

Understand GNSS fundamentals, horizontal and vertical datums, and map projections
Prepare and publish feature layers in ArcGIS Online
Collect and visualize data using web maps
Review best practices, safety protocols, and field data tips
Participate in hands-on data collection using ArcGIS Field Maps and GNSS receiver

Key Benefits:

Learn to manage and share field data digitally
Gain proficiency with mobile data collection apps
Understand how to pair external GNSS receivers with mobile devices for improved accuracy

About the Speaker:
Bad Elf

Device recommendation: Bring your own Smartphone with mobile data and ArcGIS Field Maps pre-installed. Computers provided by the university.

Registration for workshops is sold separately.

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Lunch

Bayou Buidling (Green Room)

Location: Garden Room (1510)

Lunch is guaranteed to all attendees who requested before Nov 11th

Food Options are Vegetarian Salad or Buffet

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Unlocking Insights: Exploring GeoAI in ArcGIS

ESRI

Location: Student Services Building Room 2.201.03

Overview:

GeoAI represents the fusion of machine learning and location intelligence, offering a versatile capability present in numerous ArcGIS products. It aids organizations across various sectors in leveraging their data more effectively. Discover how to harness location data as the common thread to unveil concealed patterns, enhance predictive modeling, and gain a competitive advantage. We invite you to join us in exploring ArcGIS's robust built-in tools, including machine learning and deep learning frameworks.

About the Speaker:

Anna (Esri)

Devices and license are provided. Registrants have the option of bringing their own computer devices.

Registration for workshops is sold separately.

Thursday - Expo

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration

Location: Atrium I

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM

Welcome Address

Location: Garden room

9:10 AM - 10:00 AM

Keynote

Where’s the helium? Thoughts on the Role of Curiosity in GIS Education

Dr. Jeff Lash, Geography Program Director

Location: Garden Room

Geography Program Director at UHCL

Overview:

In this presentation, Dr. Jeff Lash argues that the most valuable outcome teachers and mentors can give GIS students and young professionals is not technical proficiency—it’s curiosity. Curiosity, he suggests, is the engine that drives discovery, adaptability, and meaningful engagement with the world.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Jeff Lash, Geography Program Director

10:20 AM - 10:40 AM

Session 1

Web Apps: The Road Ahead

Zena Pelletier, Esri

Location: Garden Room (1510)

Survey

Overview:

This presentation provides an overview of the future of web applications for ArcGIS. It covers multiple apps, including ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS Dashboards, ArcGIS Web Editor, ArcGIS StoryMaps, ArcGIS Instant Apps, Map Viewer, and Scene Viewer. It also offers a preview of upcoming features in late 2025 and into 2026.

About the Speaker:

Zena Pelletier

Zena Pelletier is a Solution Engineer Team Lead for the State & Local Government team at Esri's San Antonio Regional Office. With close to 10 years at Esri, she collaborates with customers to maximize their use of Esri’s software and technology, helping them deploy solutions that achieve their business goals. Zena brings over 20 years of experience from her tenure at the Department of Defense, where she worked on various geospatial data analysis projects for infrastructures worldwide. Her diverse background also includes expertise in surveying and drafting, construction and design management, computer programming, software development for network and system improvement, and process automation to enhance productivity.

So You Think You Know What A Digital Twin Is?

Jason Nyberg and Greg Hymel- NV5

Location: Forest Room (1430)

Survey

Overview:

This presentation highlights the use of lidar, 360° imaging, and GIS integration to create dynamic digital replicas of physical assets from individual buildings and systems to entire cities. For small-scale applications, tools like ArcGIS Indoors can be used to fuse BIM and CAD data with real-time spatial analytics, enabling precise space management, asset tracking, and virtual walkthroughs A. At the large scale, aerial platforms combine high-resolution aerial lidar and photogrammetry to capture vast terrains with cinematic precision, supporting infrastructure planning, environmental modeling, and emergency response optimization. Whether managing a single facility or orchestrating city-wide operations such as a workorder or asset management system, digital twins can offer a new level clarity and control.

About the Speaker:

Jason Nyberg and Greg Hymel

Jason and Greg are both Account Managers for NV5 Geospatial. They help clients throughout Texas to implement remote sensing and enterprise GIS solutions.

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Session 2

Transforming Smart Government Using GeoAI and GeoAgents

Narendra Babu Vattem - iSpatial Techno Solutions Inc.

Location: Garden Room (1510)

Survey

Overview:

Smart Government requires more than managing data—it needs knowledge-driven decisions. This presentation introduces how GeoAI and GeoAgents, within a Spatial Data Knowledge Infrastructure (SDKI) framework, enable governments to transform operations. GeoAI delivers predictive insights, while GeoAgents automate data validation and decision support, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Use cases relevant to the Houston–Galveston region include flood response, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and infrastructure resilience. SDKI also empowers schools and universities to participate in geospatial innovation, strengthening collaboration across HGAC’s 150+ members. By integrating AI, IoT, and digital twins, SDKI creates a foundation for smarter, sustainable, and more resilient communities.

About the Speaker:

Narendra Babu Vattem - iSpatial Techno Solutions Inc.

Vattem Narendra Babu is the CEO of iSpatial Techno Solutions Inc., a global leader in GIS and AI-powered geospatial solutions. With over 15 years of experience, he has led the delivery of 50+ enterprise GIS and AI projects worldwide, advancing Smart Government, utilities, and sustainability initiatives. He is an active member of the UN-GGIM Private Sector Network, National States Geographic Information Council, World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC), and Forbes Business Council, contributing expertise on Geospatial digital transformation and sustainability. Narendra Babu regularly presents at international conferences, including the Esri User Conference, GeoGov Summit, and Geospatial World Forum, and supports GIS education through STEM programs, training, and community outreach. His mission is to leverage GeoAI and Spatial Data Knowledge Infrastructure (SDKI) to build resilient, inclusive communities.

Access my article in Forbes

Automating ArcGIS Survey123 Report Filing into Project Folders

Jabeen Momin and Chris Shannon - Pape Dawson

Location: Forest Room (1430)

Survey

Overview:

ArcGIS Survey123 streamlines field data collection, but organizing reports often requires manual effort. This presentation introduces an automated workflow that generates Survey123 reports and saves them directly to the correct project folder on a server upon submission. The session will highlight the setup process, from mapping folder paths to applying naming conventions, and demonstrate a real-world example where a submission instantly produces and stores its report in the relevant project directory. This approach reduces administrative workload, eliminates errors, and enhances data accessibility allowing teams to focus on important tasks rather than file management.

About the Speakers:

Jabeen Momin

Jabeen Momin is a GIS Analyst specializing in civil engineering, hydrology, and land development. With experience in automating workflows using ArcGIS tools, she focuses on improving data management and reporting efficiency. Jabeen has supported multiple projects by integrating Survey123, dashboards, and server-based solutions to streamline field-to-office collaboration.

Chris Shannon, PE, CFM, GISP

Chris Shannon is a GIS manager at Pape-Dawson, which is an engineering consulting firm. He has 20 years of GIS experience including 3D/2D geospatial analysis and processing, remote data collection, hydrologic and hydraulic applications, web-based mapping services, CAD-GIS integration, and various municipal projects. His areas of expertise include municipal infrastructure databases, preparation of both web-based and printed cartographic products, geospatial modeling for hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and geospatial website applications. One of the projects Chris worked on that he enjoyed was segment G of SH99 (Grand Parkway). For this project he utilized GIS to prepare hydraulic models used for bridge and detention pond design. Education : BS Civil Engineering (2000-2005)

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM

Session 3

City of Galveston Cemetery Managment System

Frank S. Razem - City of Galveston

Location: Garden Room (1510)

Survey

Overview:

Presentation of the cemetery management system; the database, the mapping, data collection and data entry.

About the Speaker:

Frank S. Razem

GIS Manager with 30+ years of GIS experience in State, County, City and private industries

Managing Field Services across the US from Houston

George Culver - LJA Engineering, Inc.

Location: Forest Room (1430)

Survey

Overview:

Managing field work across the United States from our Houston based GIS headquarters. On any given day, LJA has 50-70 engineers or surveyors utilizing GIS technology in their daily field work activities. This work includes utility design, asset collection, as-built recordation, residential lot inventories and telecommunication infrastructure. ArcGIS topics will include ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Experience Builder and the web services leveraged within the processes.

About the Speaker:

George Culver

George Culver, Director of GIS. George is a 27-year LJA employee owner at LJA Engineering, Inc. George directs LJA's GIS group consisting of 40+ GIS professionals that include cartographers, database managers, Enterprise administrators, ArcGIS Application specialists and software engineers.

12:20 PM - 12:40 PM

Session 4

How the Workforce Board Helps Employers Find, Train, and Retain Talent

Gulf Coast Workforce Board - Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast

Location: Garden Room (1510)

Survey

Overview:

This session will chart the course for how the Workforce Board partners with employers to design tailored, cost-effective workforce solutions that strengthen every stage of the talent pipeline. Attendees will gain insight into funding and support available to help recruit new talent, provide hands-on training, and upskill existing employees through programs such as on-the-job training reimbursements, incumbent worker training, registered apprenticeships, and paid internships. The session will also highlight how initiatives like Hire Gulf Coast Youth complement broader workforce strategies by preparing emerging talent for GIS and related industries. Whether your organization is expanding its geospatial team, modernizing operations, or planning for future workforce needs, this session will help you chart a clear path forward with practical resources, partnerships, and funding opportunities available through the Workforce Board to find, train, and retain top GIS talent.

About the Speakers:

Crosby Brito - Manager, Employer Engagement – Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC)

Crosby Brito serves as the Manager of Employer Engagement for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board—Workforce Solutions. With extensive experience in workforce and economic development, Crosby leads regional strategies to help employers connect with skilled talent, design customized hiring and training solutions, and leverage workforce funding to build strong, sustainable teams. He partners with business leaders across industries to align workforce needs with regional growth and innovation goals.

LaToya Casimere - Manager, Hire Gulf Coast Youth – Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC)

LaToya Casimere manages the Hire Gulf Coast Youth initiative for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board—Workforce Solutions. She collaborates with employers, schools, and community partners to create equitable pathways for young adults to explore careers, gain work experience, and develop essential skills. Her work focuses on expanding access to education, training, and employment opportunities that prepare the next generation of workers for success in the region’s high-growth industries.

Persistent Poverty and Geographic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Bayesian Spatial Analysis in Texas

Ryan Ramphul - UTHealth Houston School of Public Health

Location: Forest Room (1430)

Survey

Overview:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with persistent disparities linked to geography and socioeconomic status. We examined long-term poverty and rurality in relation to CRC risk across Texas. Data included 54,618 CRC cases (ICD-10 C18–C20) from the Texas Cancer Registry (2017–2021), poverty measures from USDA ERS, Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes, and tract-level CRC screening estimates. Bayesian hierarchical and spatial negative-binomial models assessed associations. Micropolitan and rural tracts carried 12% and 39% higher CRC risk, respectively, than urban tracts. A dose–duration pattern was observed: tracts in high poverty in 2021 had 11% higher risk, while enduring poverty since 1970 was linked to a 23% higher risk. Rurality and long-term poverty independently elevated risk, with the highest burden where both overlapped. Findings underscore the need for targeted outreach and screening in persistently poor rural neighborhoods to reduce CRC disparities.

About the Speaker:

Ryan Ramphul

Ryan Ramphul, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. Trained as a spatial epidemiologist, his research integrates geographic information science (GIS) with public health to examine how neighborhood environments, poverty, and place-based inequities influence cancer, chronic disease, and aging outcomes. He has led geospatial analyses for community-based organizations, health systems, and state agencies, with projects spanning cancer prevention, food insecurity, mental health, and cardiometabolic health. Dr. Ramphul teaches graduate courses on GIS applications in public health at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and Rice University.

12:40 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch

Lunch- Garden Room (1510)

Lunch is guaranteed to all attendees who requested before Nov 11th

Food Options are Vegetarian Salad or Buffet

~~1:00 PM - 1:30 PM PM~~
1:30-2:00

Keynote

The Intersection of AI, Creativity, and Play

Chuck Wemple

Location: Garden Room (1510)

Executive Director of Houston-Galveston Area Council

Overview:

About the Speaker:

Chuck Wemple, Executive Director of Houston-Galveston Area Council

Chuck Wemple is the Executive Director of the Houston-Galveston Area Council, an agency with an annual operating budget of over $560 million and 485 team members who focus on improving quality of life for the region’s 13 counties, 123 cities, and 7.7 million people. H-GAC program areas of public service include transportation planning, community and economic development, public safety, senior citizen services, workforce development, and disaster recovery.

Chuck is the Immediate Past Chair of the Executive Directors’ Council for the National Association of Regional Councils and an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow.

He is a certified foresight practitioner from the Institute for the Future and is currently exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, public service and local governments. Chuck is also a competitive fencer and aspiring magician.

~~1:40 PM - 2:00 PM~~
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM

Session 5

Mars 2020 Mission Tracker

Uilvim E. G. Franco and Bruno Sousa - Rice University

Location: Forest Room (1430)

Survey

Overview:

The Mars 2020 Mission Tracker is a web application that provides live 3D data on NASA's Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter. Developed shortly after the Rover's landing on Mars, its goal is to offer viewers a more profound understanding of the Jezero Crater's environment and scale, as well as the Mission itself, thereby democratizing access to space exploration data. This presentation will illustrate the integration of NASA Raw data into a web application using ESRI’s ArcGIS Experience Builder and ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript.

About the Speakers:

Liza Powers

Bruno Sousa specializes in geospatial analytics, data visualization, and web mapping applications. His projects cover fields including public health, disaster response, environmental monitoring, cultural heritage preservation, and planetary science visualization.

Al Henson

Uilvim E. G. Franco is a GIS specialist and environmental engineer with extensive experience in project management and spatial data analysis. Since 2018, he has played a key role at Rice University’s Spatial Studies Lab, leading the design and deployment of innovative web map applications. With a multidisciplinary approach, Uilvim focuses on turning complex data into accessible, research-based digital tools that support urban and environmental understanding.

Harris Central Appraisal District Discussion (Part 1)

David Dignum- HCAD

Location: Room 1218

Overview:

Discussion on Appraisal Districts

About the Speaker:

David Dignum

~~2:20 PM - 2:40 PM~~
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM

Session 6

Waller County Road and Bridge Department Projects ArcGIS StoryMap Development

Michaela Wojslaw - Waller County

Location: Garden Room (1510)

Survey

Overview:

The work of the Waller County Road and Bridge Department is often misunderstood and fairly unknown. Pairing an interest in utilizing ArcGIS StoryMaps for public outreach with a want to share the hard work of the Waller County Road and Bridge Department employees, the development of department-focused StoryMaps came to be and will be a tool of communication to the public focusing on the work done at the local government level. This presentation is to share the development of at least one of the ArcGIS StoryMaps of the Waller County Road and Bridge Department and to highlight the dedication and work that is accomplished by the Waller County Road and Bridge Department employees.

About the Speakers:

Michaela Wojslaw is the GIS Analyst at the Waller County Road and Bridge Department. Graduating from Texas A&M University as a Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) major, she found her passion for GIS primarily from her love of exploring God’s creation with her family, collecting maps and globes, and enjoying the way GIS allows one to analyze geospatial data and communicate those findings. Her work at the Waller County Road and Bridge Department provides her opportunities to develop and work on projects for a rapidly-growing county, along with her GIS team that she enjoys working with!

ArcGIS Survey123 & AI Assistants

Anna Gonzalez- ESRI

Location: Forest Room (1430)

Survey

Overview:

AI assistants are revolutionizing the ArcGIS experience by harnessing the capabilities of generative AI. These assistants facilitate content creation, data introspection, and summarization as well as offer insightful suggestions, recommendations, and can even assist in code writing. In this presentation, learn practical tips for getting the most out of AI assistants in ArcGIS Survey123.

About the Speaker:

Anna Gonzalez

Anna Gonzalez is a Solution Engineer on the State & Local Government team out of the Houston office with Esri. She previously worked in local government prior to joining Esri and is passionate about helping people use Esri technology to solve problems and increase efficiency.

Harris Central Appraisal District Discussion (Part 2)

David Dignum- HCAD

Location: Room 1218

Overview:

Discussion on Appraisal Districts

About the Speaker:

David Dignum

~~3:00 PM - 3:20 PM~~
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM

Session 7

Reality, Reimagined: The Power of Trimble SiteVision

Miguel Manning - AllTerra Central

Location: Garden Room (1510)

Survey

Overview:

Trimble SiteVision is transforming the way field professionals visualize, communicate, and execute projects. This presentation explores how SiteVision combines high-accuracy GNSS positioning with augmented reality to bring digital designs directly into the real world—right where the work happens. Attendees will learn how to use SiteVision to visualize underground utilities, proposed infrastructure, and design data in 3D on site, improving collaboration, reducing errors, and accelerating decision-making. From planning and inspection to construction and maintenance, we’ll showcase real-world applications and workflows that demonstrate how SiteVision empowers teams to see what’s possible before a single shovel hits the ground.

About the Speaker:

Miguel Manning

Miguel Manning is the Mapping and GIS Account Manager at AllTerra Central. As the MGIS Account Manager, he work with clients across Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico to deliver tailored Trimble, Juniper Systems, and ESRI hardware and software solutions that help drive operational success. He hold a Bachelor’s in Geology and Geophysics, and he was in the Master of Science in Geography Program from Texas A&M University, which gives him a deep understanding of spatial data, geoscience applications, and data analysis. His academic background is complemented by hands-on industry experience, including his previous role as a Technical Support Engineer at Trimble Inc., where he provided advanced technical support and product feedback that helped shape customer-focused innovations. He excel at bridging the gap between technical complexity and practical application, guiding organizations toward smarter, data-driven decisions. Driven by a passion for helping others succeed through technology, he strive to be a trusted advisor to professionals in engineering, surveying, environmental science, and beyond.

Smart Floor Maps: Experience Builder in Action

Edgardo Sandoval - Dunaway

Location: Forest Room (1430)

Feedback Survey

Overview:

In this session, we’ll explore how to use Experience Builder to create interactive, floor-aware maps that help users navigate and understand multi-level spaces. You’ll see how simple configuration and thoughtful data setup can bring buildings and interiors to life—no complex tools required. We’ll walk through the basic steps for preparing your layers, organizing floor data, and adding intuitive tools like floor selectors and filters. The focus will be on practical workflows you can apply right away to enhance maps for campuses, facilities, or other multi-level environments. This session is designed to inspire anyone who wants to go beyond standard web maps and create richer, more intuitive mapping experiences. In just 20 minutes, you’ll learn how Experience Builder can make it easy to design maps that help users explore spaces more clearly and interactively.

About the Speaker:

Edgardo Sandoval

Edgardo Sandoval is a Senior GIS Analyst at Dunaway, where he leads the development of innovative geospatial solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency across education, municipal, and private sectors. As a GISP-certified professional, Edgardo combines technical expertise with practical application, specializing in ArcGIS Indoors, floor plan management, and process automation. His work focuses on streamlining workflows through intelligent system integration and data-driven design, using tools such as Experience Builder, Field Maps, and Survey123. Edgardo has developed efficient approaches for creating floor-aware mapping experiences and automating repetitive GIS processes, enabling teams to save time, reduce errors, and improve decision-making.

Harris Central Appraisal District Discussion (Part 3)

David Dignum- HCAD

Location: Room 1218

Overview:

Discussion on Appraisal Districts

About the Speaker:

David Dignum

~~3:30 PM - 4:00 PM~~
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Keynote

Coordinates of Connection - Mapping the People, Places, and Purpose That Bind Us

Lindsey Peña

Location: Garden Room (1510)

National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC)

Overview:

About the Speaker:

Lindsey Lowe Peña, MBA, MPhil, PhD

Lindsey Peña is a seasoned nonprofit executive and organizational strategist whose career spans two decades of impact leading mission-driven initiatives across social services, education, and, most recently, the geospatial community. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of the National Geospatial Collaborative (NGC) and the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC). Lindsey holds a PhD in Management with a focus on Leadership and Organizational Change, a Master's in Philosophy in Management from Walden University, and an MBA in Strategy and Management from Western Governors University. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lindsey is a lifelong learner and deeply committed to living and leading with authenticity. Residing in Tomball, Texas, outside of work, she finds joy in supporting her daughter’s latest adventures, capturing everyday moments through photography, and building meaningful connections wherever she goes.

~~4:00 PM - 4:30 PM~~
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Closing Remarks and Award Ceremony

Closing Remarks and Award Ceremony

Dr.Lash, Jochen Floesser & Nicole Ceranek

Location: Garden Room

Overview:

Closing Ceremony & Award Ceremony for professional map contest winners.

~~4:30PM - 7:30 PM~~
5:00PM - 7:30 PM

Mappy Hour

Location: Rock Neutney at 4:30 pm

Join GPN Texas for a special GIS Day Mappy Hour! Enjoy great food, drink, and connect with GIS professionals!

RSVP HERE

Friday - Both University and High Schoool Student Activites

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration

Location: Atium 1

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Where’s the helium? Thoughts on the Role of Curiosity in GIS Education

Jeff Lash

Location: Bayou Theater

Overview:

About the Speaker:
Jeff Lash

TBA

Friday - University Student Activites

10:10 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Bingo

Location: Atrium I

10:30 AM - 11:50 AM

University GIS Student Professional Roundtable Development Activities

Molly Eskelson

Location: Green Room

Overview:

University GIS Student Professional Roundtable Development Activities

Location: Garden Room

Student Participation: Approx. 6 students per activity station, rotating through each session during their time slot.

Activity Stations

1. Roundtable Resume Review (Group Setting)

Common resume pitfalls
How to tailor resumes to GIS-related job descriptions
Formatting tips and relevant GIS keywords or project highlights
Open discussion of questions students may have about resume expectations in the field

2. Roundtable Interview Preparation (Group Setting)

Strategies for virtual vs. in-person interviews
How to research interviewers or organizations ahead of time
Common GIS interview questions and effective answers
Tips for professional demeanor and confidence-building

3. StoryMap/Portfolio Review – "Accomplishment Resumes"

Showcase examples of portfolios
Feedback on digital project presentations
Discuss hiring manager expectations
Help students craft a "visual resume"

4. Mock Interviews with Managers

Structure:

15-minute simulated interview + 5-minute feedback session
Volunteers listen to elevator pitches and review experience
Standard + technical GIS questions
Goal: Build confidence and provide constructive feedback

5. Job Description Dissection (Group Activity)

Analyze 2–3 real GIS entry-level job postings
Identify key skills, tools, technologies, and soft skills
Discuss aligning resumes and cover letters to postings
Optional: Groups present findings

6. Elevator Pitch Practice Circle

Students give a 30–60 second pitch in small groups
Volunteers + peers provide feedback on clarity, confidence, and relevance
Emphasis on GIS strengths and career goals
Can run as a timed, round-robin challenge

7. GIS Technical Skills Gap Check

Students self-assess against common GIS job requirements
Share one strength and one growth area in groups
Volunteers recommend learning resources and tips

Run by:

Volunteers, GIS professionals Workforce Solution staff

11:50 AM - 12:00 PM

Break

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Interactive Lunch with GIS Professional

Jeff Lash

Location: Green Room

Overview:

20 min – Lunch
15 min – Lunch Presentation 1 - Michaela Wojslaw, GIS Analyst with Waller County Road and Bridge Department
15 min – Lunch + Presentation 2 - Anna Gonzalez, ESRI
15 min – Lunch Presentation 3 - Joshua Dye, GIS Analyst III with HCAD presenting on "GISP-E"

1:05 PM - 2:00 PM

GIS Professionals Q and A Panel

Moderator: Jeff Lash

Location: Green Room

Overview:

Panel Speaker - Miriam Salazar, GIS Specialist with City of Sugar Land
Panel Speaker - Andrew Matej
Panel Speaker - Kami Denny
Panel Speaker - Miguel Manning, Mapping and GIS Account Manager at AllTerra Central

Friday - High School Student Activites

Learn more about this Event

Time	Group A C.E. King	Group B Spring	Group C ?	Group D Clear Lake	Group E Energy Institute	Group F TBD
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM	Welcome — Theater
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM	Plenary — Theater
10:00 AM - 10:05 AM	Break — Move to next activity
10:05 AM - 10:25 AM	Vehicles & Drones Parking Lot D1	GeoQuest Atrium I	Geopardy B1211	Academic Spotlight Forest Room	Break Patio Cafe	METRO Bus Parking Lot D1
10:25 AM - 10:30 AM	Break — Move to next activity
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM	METRO Bus Parking Lot D1	Vehicles & Drones Parking Lot D1	GeoQuest Atrium I	Geopardy B1211	Academic Spotlight Forest Room	Break Patio Cafe
10:50 AM - 10:55 AM	Break — Move to next activity
10:55 AM - 11:15 AM	Break Patio Cafe	METRO Bus Parking Lot D1	Vehicles & Drones Parking Lot D1	GeoQuest Atrium I	Geopardy B1211/small>	Academic Spotlight Forest Room
11:15 AM - 11:20 AM	Break — Move to next activity
11:20 AM - 11:40 AM	Academic Spotlight Forest Room	Break Patio Cafe	METRO Bus Parking Lot D1	Vehicles & Drones Parking Lot D1	GeoQuest Atrium I	Geopardy B1211
11:40 AM - 11:45 AM	Break — Move to next activity
11:45 AM - 12:05 PM	Geopardy B1211	Academic Spotlight Forest Room	Break Patio Cafe	METRO Bus Parking Lot D1	Vehicles & Drones Parking Lot D1	GeoQuest Atrium I
12:05 PM - 12:10 PM	Break — Move to next activity
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM	GeoQuest Atrium I	Geopardy B1211	Academic Spotlight Forest Room	Break Patio Cafe	METRO Bus Parking Lot D1	Vehicles & Drones Parking Lot D1
12:30 PM - 12:35 PM	Break — Move to next activity
12:35 PM - 1:15 PM	Lunch, Closing Ceremony & Awards — Atrium II
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM	Dismissal — Bus Pickup

Agenda

Event Details

Workshops: Wednesday, November 19th

Sessions & Exhibits: Thursday, November 20th

Student Event: Friday, November 21st

November 19, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Wednesday - Workshops

Registration

Create Dynamic Analytics with ArcGIS Dashboards

Beginner's Guide To Field Mapping: Asset Management Seminar

What You’ll Learn:

Key Benefits:

Bayou Buidling (Green Room)

Unlocking Insights: Exploring GeoAI in ArcGIS

Thursday - Expo

Registration

Welcome Address

Keynote

Web Apps: The Road Ahead

So You Think You Know What A Digital Twin Is?

Transforming Smart Government Using GeoAI and GeoAgents

Automating ArcGIS Survey123 Report Filing into Project Folders

City of Galveston Cemetery Managment System

Managing Field Services across the US from Houston

How the Workforce Board Helps Employers Find, Train, and Retain Talent

Persistent Poverty and Geographic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Bayesian Spatial Analysis in Texas

Lunch- Garden Room (1510)

Keynote

Mars 2020 Mission Tracker

Harris Central Appraisal District Discussion (Part 1)

Waller County Road and Bridge Department Projects ArcGIS StoryMap Development

ArcGIS Survey123 & AI Assistants

Harris Central Appraisal District Discussion (Part 2)

Reality, Reimagined: The Power of Trimble SiteVision

Smart Floor Maps: Experience Builder in Action

Harris Central Appraisal District Discussion (Part 3)

Keynote

Closing Remarks and Award Ceremony

Mappy Hour

Friday - Both University and High Schoool Student Activites

Registration

Where’s the helium? Thoughts on the Role of Curiosity in GIS Education

Friday - University Student Activites

Networking Bingo

University GIS Student Professional Roundtable Development Activities

University GIS Student Professional Roundtable Development Activities

Activity Stations

1. Roundtable Resume Review (Group Setting)

2. Roundtable Interview Preparation (Group Setting)

3. StoryMap/Portfolio Review – "Accomplishment Resumes"

4. Mock Interviews with Managers

5. Job Description Dissection (Group Activity)

6. Elevator Pitch Practice Circle

7. GIS Technical Skills Gap Check

Break

Interactive Lunch with GIS Professional

GIS Professionals Q and A Panel

Friday - High School Student Activites

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HGAC's Geographic Data Workgroup

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