There’s many networking events taking place during ESRIUC. Indeed, the days are long as you’ll likely be in sessions from 8:30-4 PM. However, the day isn’t done at 4! Rest up prior to UC and catch some sleep on the plane, as you’re going to need some energy to get through the week!
The following are some of the planned social and networking opportunities taking place during ESRIUC conference week. Have fun, be safe, and remember to look both ways before crossing the train tracks!
Facebook Live – If you’re unable to attend Esri UC in person, click the “Going” button to receive updates and be a part of it, as the Plenary Session will broadcast live on the Esri Facebook page. You can follow the event on FB at https://www.facebook.com/esrigis/
SUNDAY
YPN Welcome Social – Marriott – Coronado Terrace, Sunday, 5-7 PM. This is a great event for young, first timers to UC. Fireside Chats are the highlight of the recently redesigned YPN Welcome Social. These chats will be a unique outdoor round-table topic experience set against the beautiful San Diego Bayside. Women in Tech, GIS & Education, Startups, Nonprofits and Sustainability, and Story Maps, are among some of the fireside chats that you can participate in. Join us as we kick-off the YPN Program with this event and enjoy tasty appetizers and drinks!
Sunday is a fun evening with many people getting into town and walking around the Gaslamp to get ready for a busy week. Stroll around the Gaslamp down 5th Avenue, and you’ll likely bump into someone you know. I suggest you find a restaurant or bar with a patio and just hang out, browse the agenda, and meet some geeks.
MONDAY
Lightning Talks – Ballroom 20 A, Monday 4:30 – 6 PM – Lightning Talks are five-minute glimpses into someone else’s project, experience, or idea. Designed to inform, motivate, and inspire others, join us in observing how your peers accomplish this – all within five minutes! This event is just down the hall from the Map Gallery.
Map Gallery Social – SDCC Under the Sails, Monday 3:30-7 PM. This event is for everyone and kicks off the conference right after the opening day Plenary on Monday. Walk around the Map Gallery meeting other GIS geeks from all over the World. Enjoy the maps over a drink and appies and vote for your favorite.
TUESDAY
Canada Night – You’ll need to have a Canadian passport for this fun event. Join Esri Canada’s Alex Miller and his team for an evening of Molson Canadian, and other Canuck favorites. Chat with GIS pros from all over Canada and catch up on all things from esri.ca. This event is quite busy and packed, so they do restrict it mostly to the Canadian customers. Look for the signs behind the Map Gallery Terrace area on Tuesday afternoon around 5 PM.
Commercial Social – Come and unwind with other commercial users and Business Summit attendees to catch up with old friends and make new ones. This one takes place around the pool on the Hilton Terrace – Tuesday 5:30 – 7 PM.
GeoDev Meetup – NEW LOCATION – Marriott – Grand Ballroom Outdoor Terrace – This event is a social gathering for developers to discuss the latest in mapping, geo technology, geo services, web and mobile mapping apps, app design, cloud solutions, map data or anything else related to solving real-world “geo” problems. Share your ideas with other developers and be sure to wear your best Live by the Code swag! Tuesday, 5:30 – 7 PM.
Utilities Social – East Terrace (Upper level), Tuesday 5:30-7 PM – A social “hour” for utilities users and professionals from the oil, gas, electric industries.
PUG MUG Social – Coronado Terrace, Tuesday 6 – 8:30 PM – This social is for the petroleum and mining industry users. Enjoy the views from the terrace as you hop from one social event to another on Tuesday evening!
National Gov Reception – Hilton – Promenade Plaza, Tuesday 6:30-8:30 PM – Join us at the National Government Reception on Tuesday, July 10, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Hilton Bayfront Promenade Plaza. Enjoy this time to meet other government professionals, Esri National Government account managers, and Esri Partners focused on national government solutions.
WEDNESDAY
Family Night in the Exhibition Hall 4-6 PM – Did you bring the family to to San Diego, or do you have friends in town? This is your opportunity to walk the show floor and share what you do with family and friends. Lots of exhibitors roll out family friendly activities and swag! A tip, stop by the AAG booth (234) to get a cool Geographer in training sticker!!
YPN Social (@esriYPN) – Every year the YPN social is a big event, and there’s no doubt this year will be the same! Hang out with hundreds of other “young” professionals, but don’t worry, no ID is needed! Be sure to grab your YPN swag first by visiting the YPN kiosk in the show hall. Esri UC badge is required for entry. Hilton Bayfront Pool Terrace on Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00pm. The party even has its own hashtag #YPNEveningParty
Water Sector Social – SDCC – West Terrace (Upper Level), Wednesday 5:30-7:30 PM – Join the water team to find out about proven and developing solutions, trade contact information, and see how your peers are problem-solving for the long term with ArcGIS.
State and Local Government Social – Hilton – Promenade Plaza, Wednesday 6 – 8 PM. The Esri State and Local Government social is the best way to meet Esri staff, Esri Partners focused on government solutions, and conference attendees working in government. You will enjoy refreshments and lively discussions around strategies and solutions to some of the most challenging problems faced by state, regional, municipality, and special district governments today.
THURSDAY
Winding down from the week – A “tradition” of mine on Thursday afternoon after a loooong week is a well deserved fish taco and brew at Tin Fish on the patio. Roll by and say hi if you want to connect – I’ll likely be there around 2:00-ish!
BONUS TIP – The Padres are in town all week playing the pesky Dodgers – try to catch a game if you can!
Party in Balboa Park – Come and join the California Night’s Esri UC Party at Balboa Park on Thursday, July 12 from 5:30PM – 10:00PM. There will be great food, awesome entertainment, activities for the whole family, and access to seven world-class museums. All food, ice water, lemonade, coffee, and tea are provided compliments of Esri. Continuous round-trip bus transportation will be provided from the front entrance of the San Diego Convention Center to two locations in Balboa Park, starting at 5:00 p.m. This is always amazing… PS, be sure to enjoy the museums while there… I love the model train museum!
Other Events
This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as social events. Keep in mind, during the week many exhibitors and Esri partners will be hosting their own social events. Typically these events will take place at a venue in or around the Gaslamp District. Keep your ears and eyes open and be sure to find out if a special invitation, bracelet, or other form of entry is required. Lots of events will be taking place Tuesday and Wednesday evening. If you aren’t sure where to go or what’s happening, watch Twitter or hang out on the patio at Tin Fish, and don’t be shy to ask some other GeoGeeks what’s going on!
Women in Tech Events
Thanks to @deepseadawn (Dawn Wright) for sharing this tip for women in tech at ESRIUC – see also womeningis.org
Did I miss something? Do you know about an event, party, or other social activity? Are you hosting a party? Go ahead and tell me about it. You can ping me on Twitter @gletham or @geojobegis
Stay informed of activities and updates by following the #ESRIUC hashtag on Twitter – Have Fun! If you need assistance finding some great places in the Gaslamp for food and drink access this Gaslamp Map via an ArcGIS Online web application and see also www.gaslampmap.com.
See Also:
- San Diego Gaslamp Maps and 10 Things To Do at the 2018 International ESRIUC
- Story Map – GEO Jobe Activities at the 2018 International Esri User Conference
- 10 Reasons to Connect with GEO Jobe at the 2018 #ESRIUC
Don’t forget to add the YPN Evening Party to your calendar. The party will provide the opportunity to meet new friends who are energetic #YoPros, like yourself! Head to the Hilton Pool Terrace on Wednesday from 6:00-8:00pm. Esri UC badge is required for entry! #EsriYPN #EsriUC
— Esri Young Pros (@EsriYPN) July 6, 2018
