This year’s GIS in Action conference may look quite a bit different from years past but promises to be one that will engage and inspire you in all the ways that you expect and some ways that will surprise you! This year’s important and timely theme, Resilience and Equity, provides attendees with an opportunity for discourse and growth. The program is packed with 4 keynote addresses, 6 topical tracks, 7 workshops, a map gallery, as well as time for networking. We have 16 sponsors and over 250 people registered! 

We’re excited to feature keynote speaker Annita Lucchesi who serves as the Executive Director of Sovereign Bodies Institute and will discuss her work as the caretaker of the MMIW database on day 1. On day 2, we’ll feature keynote speakers Steven Hoffert, Jeff Frkonja, and Colleen Miller as they discuss the importance of geospatial data sharing, collaboration, and coordination for delivering government services equitably and effectively. For the day 3 keynote, Nicole Franklin will unpack the use of GIS for equity and social justice, and on day 4 Karsten Vennemann  will illustrate how open and fair access to spatial information and open software are transforming our world. 

The conference offers something for everyone with the presentation tracks of: Building Your GIS Program, Critical GIS, Emergency Response, Technology, and Workforce Development. Several specialized sessions will focus on meeting the needs of Emerging Professionals and offer a lively way to grow your network. The annual Student Showcase session reveals innovative approaches to geospatial problem solving year after year.

The 2021 Conference Committee, composed of members from the Oregon & SW Washington URISA (ORURISA) and the Cascadia Region of ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing), has been innovating and tirelessly working to bring you the array of informative keynote addresses, workshops, and presentations. Many thanks to Alexa Todd (Chair) and the entire conference committee including Ben Brady, Claire Brumbaugh-Smith, Dave Brown, Matthew Freid, Marcus Glass, Tara Kaur, Jesse King, Lauren McKinney, Ashley Moran, David Percy, Neil Revello, Cy Smith, Shivon Van Allen, and many others involved in the planning and delivery of this exciting event. 

Theresa Burcsu, President, Oregon-Southwest Washington URISA Chapter 

Robert Hairston-Porter, President, Cascadia Region ASPRS 

1. For access to plenaries, sessions, and socials, the link to the Zoom meeting will appear in Sched 10 minutes before the session start time. Click Video Stream to join the meeting, as shown in the images below.

2. You can change sessions or re-enter a session by returning to the schedule.