URISA 2008 Annual Conference Exposition & Sponsor Prospectus

The 46th Annual Conference & Exposition of the
Urban and Regional Information Systems Association
October 7-10, 2008

Your best bet for reaching local, regional and state/provincial government GIS decision-makers in 2008!

What is URISA?

The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) is a non-profit professional and educational association that promotes the effective and ethical use of spatial information and information technologies for the understanding and management of urban and regional systems. It is a multidisciplinary association where professionals from all parts of the spatial data community can come together and share concerns and ideas.

Since 1963, URISA has been the professional home of choice for Public Sector GIS and IT Executives throughout the United States, Canada and other countries worldwide.

URISA was the founding member of the GIS Certification Institute, the organization that administers professional certification and the Code of Ethics for professionals in the field. Other initiatives like the URISA GIS Hall of Fame, Exemplary Systems in Government (ESIG) Award and the GISCorps, which provides volunteer GIS support for underdeveloped countries and also supports disaster recovery efforts, are also URISA initiatives that have received international recognition.

If your organization provides GIS or IT products or services to government, and you want to get connected with the most influential Public Sector GIS & IT executives in the world, URISA is the place to be.

Did you know:

Of our 2,800 members, more than 60% represent Local Government organizations:

• 74% are GIS and IT professionals
• 55% hold Executive IT and GIS positions
• 93% have purchasing involvement
• 16% have their GISP Certification
• 11% are Elected Officials or Senior Executives

URISA’s reach extends further to our nearly 8,000 local chapter members in the United States and Canada. Make plans to join us in New Orleans for URISA’s 46th Annual Conference, October 7-10, 2008.

About the URISA Conference

The URISA Annual Conference traditionally attracts professionals interested in management/policy discussions of IT & GIS issues. URISA 2008 in New Orleans will challenge participants to better manage, analyze, plan and implement technology for more effective and efficient government operations. The intense discussion continues in the exhibit hall, where attendees will be challenging your company’s representatives to meet their technology needs. Last year’s conference in Washington, DC attracted more than 600 educated consumers of technology!

Why should your company reserve a booth at URISA 2008 in New Orleans?

• Public Sector GIS and IT professionals will come to URISA 2008 to purchase, recommend and authorize purchases
• URISA 2008 provides you more exclusive opportunities to interact with attendees than any other conference, with even more activities taking place in the exhibit hall
• Attendees will flock to URISA 2008 to compare and contrast products and services on the exhibit floor
• Reinforce your company’s position, or introduce your presence, in the marketplace
• Strengthen your relationships with your current customers
• Meet and build relationships with prospective customers
• Form and build business partner relationships with other exhibitors

URISA conference attendees want to meet with suppliers of:

• Computer hardware
• Data providers/resellers
• Database management software and services
• Document management hardware, software or services
• Educational services/publishing
• GIS and IS consulting services
• GIS software and GIS application development
• GPS and GIS data collection equipment
• Mapping and data conversion
• Mobile and wireless devices
• Satellite image processing software, data or services
• System implementation & integration products/services
• Web services
• Other software and application development

Comprehensive Booth Package: one 10’ x 10’ booth space, draped back wall and siderails, booth identification sign, exhibit hall security, pre- and post-conference attendee mailing lists, two full conference registrations per 10x10 booth, unlimited booth staff registrations (exhibit hall access only), complimentary VIP passes for customers, Opening Reception, listing in Exhibitor Directory and link to your website from the URISA site

(Note that the Exhibit Hall is carpeted... save $$ on booth furnishings this year!)

Exhibit Fee — Per 10x10 Booth:

* Save money by becoming a URISA corporate or business member!

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received by URISA on or before July 15, 2008, will be refunded fifty percent (50%) of exhibit fees paid. Cancellations received by URISA after July 15, 2008, will not receive refunds.

Download Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus

Exhibit Hall Floor Plan

Download floor plan PDF

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Sponsorship Opportunities

In addition to promoting your company by exhibiting at URISA’s Annual Conference, take advantage of one or more sponsorship opportunities to ensure that your company’s name is remembered long after the conference is over. There are a variety of sponsorships available, in different price ranges. Consider co-sponsoring with your business partners. If you have other ideas to propose, or wish to discuss any of the listed opportunities, please contact Kim Green at 847/824-6300.

PREMIUM SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Platinum Conference Sponsor — $40,000
The platinum conference sponsorship package provides maximum exposure during the conference. Only one sponsorship at this level is available.

• Session Opportunity—Opportunity to conduct a 90-minute organization-sponsored session or tutorial during the regular conference program. (New this year)
• Conference Bags - As the platinum sponsor your company logo will appear alongside the URISA logo on the attendee tote bags.
• Conference Registration – Sponsor-provided lanyards will be distributed to each attendee to wear with their name badge throughout the conference.
• Conference Proceedings – The platinum sponsor will have the opportunity to include a demo and/or web link within the annual conference proceedings, information that is referred to frequently by attendees and members.
• Company Literature and Giveaway - As the platinum conference sponsor you have the opportunity to distribute your company's brochure and a gift/giveaway to be included in the conference bag that is distributed to participants upon registration at the conference.
• Acknowledgements - As the platinum sponsor you will be thanked during the opening and closing conference sessions and recognized on signage and in the conference program.
• Addressing the Conference - The platinum sponsor is the only sponsor given the opportunity to address the conference. As the platinum sponsor you will have the opportunity to address the conference for 5 to 10 minutes during the closing conference session.
• Booth Traffic Builder - As the platinum sponsor, you will also be listed as a participant in the 'bingo card' game which encourages attendees to visit booths to get their card stamped.

Gold Conference Sponsor — $20,000 (one opportunity available)
The gold conference sponsorship package provides ample exposure during the conference. Only one sponsorship at this level is available.

• Session Opportunity—Opportunity to conduct a 90-minute organization-sponsored session or tutorial during the regular conference program. (New this year)
• Company Literature and Giveaway - As the gold conference sponsor you have the opportunity to distribute your company's brochure and a gift/giveaway to be included in the conference bag that is distributed to participants upon registration at the conference.
• Recognition - The gold conference sponsor will be recognized as the sponsor of Wednesday's Roundtable Luncheon.
• Acknowledgements - As the gold sponsor you will be thanked during the opening and closing conference sessions and recognized in the conference program.
• Booth Traffic Builder - As the gold sponsor, you will also be listed as a participant in the 'bingo card' game which encourages attendees to visit booths to get their card stamped.

Silver Sponsor — $15,000 (one opportunity available)
Consider the silver conference sponsorship package for this year's URISA Conference. Only one sponsorship at this level is available.

• Session Opportunity—Opportunity to conduct a 90-minute organization-sponsored session or tutorial during the regular conference program. (New this year)
• Company Literature and Giveaway - As the silver conference sponsor you have the opportunity to distribute your company's brochure and a gift/giveaway to be included in the conference bag that is distributed to participants upon registration at the conference.
• Recognition - The silver conference sponsor will be recognized as the sponsor of the conference audio/visual equipment and the Internet Cafe (with monitors set to your home page).
• Acknowledgements - As the silver sponsor you will be thanked during the opening and closing conference sessions and recognized in the conference program.
• Booth Traffic Builder - As the silver sponsor, you will also be listed as a participant in the 'bingo card' game which encourages attendees to visit booths to get their card stamped.

Bronze Sponsor — $7,500 (one opportunity available)
Consider the bronze conference sponsorship package for this year's URISA Conference. Only one sponsorship at this level is available.

• Session Opportunity—Opportunity to conduct a 90-minute organization-sponsored session or tutorial during the regular conference program. (New this year)
• Company Literature and Giveaway - As the bronze conference sponsor you have the opportunity to distribute your company's brochure and a gift/giveaway to be included in the conference bag that is distributed to participants upon registration at the conference.
• Recognition - The bronze conference sponsor will be recognized as the sponsor of the Networking Reception which takes place on Wednesday evening in the Exhibit Hall. All conference attendees will come to the reception to connect with vendors and fellow attendees.
• Acknowledgements - As the bronze sponsor you will be thanked during the opening and closing conference sessions and recognized in the conference program.
• Booth Traffic Builder - As the bronze sponsor, you will also be listed as a participant in the 'bingo card' game which encourages attendees to visit booths to get their card stamped.

Individual Sponsorship Packages

Conference Tote Bag Promotional Items: $2,000 each
Sponsor-provided logo items (pens, mouse pads, etc.) will be inserted into the conference tote bags.

Bag Inserts: $1,000
A limited number of sponsors may provide one piece of literature to be inserted in each attendee bag.

Refreshment Breaks — $1,000 each
Conference attendees appreciate the morning coffee breaks and afternoon dessert breaks during the conference. Sponsors will be acknowledged via signage displayed at the break stations.

New Opportunity!
Thursday Morning Awards Breakfast: $5,000
New this year to the conference program is the URISA Awards Breakfast on Thursday morning. Attendees will gather, over a continental breakfast, to recognize the exceptional recipients of the GIS Hall of Fame, Horwood Distinguished Service Award, Leadership and Service Awards, Chapter of the Year and Exemplary Systems in Government (ESIG) Awards. Show your support for the URISA Awards program by sponsoring this important conference event.

Thursday Evening Social Event: $20,000 for sole sponsor (available in $4,000 increments)
If you’re going to sponsor a party, the URISA Annual Conference in New Orleans is the place to do it. Sponsor the party yourself or gather up your business partners and co-sponsor the main social event of the conference!

Bingo Card Raffle: $200 each
All full registrants receive a ‘bingo card’ with sponsor booth numbers noted. Attendees will go to your booth to get their card stamped and cash prizes will be drawn during dedicated exhibit hall hours.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Final Program — The conference Final Program is referred to frequently — even after the conference is over. A full-page black & white ad costs $1,500; the half-page rate is $750. The final program will be printed in two spot colors and ads will be printed in the darkest of those two colors and not necessarily black. Insertion orders and artwork due: August 11, 2008.

“keeping pACE” daily newsletter: $1,000 (three available)
Be part of the newest addition to the Annual Conference & Exposition and get in the hands of every attendee! Beginning the morning of the Keynote Speech a full color conference newsletter will be available to attendees with the schedule of the day; news and pictures from the previous day’s activities; conference highlights; and a full back-page ad for the sponsoring company… YOU! Space is limited so register fast for this easy way to be in each attendee’s hands.

Web Advertising on URISA Annual Conference Site: $500 from initial insertion until conference concludes
The annual conference pages on the URISA website are frequently-accessed by GIS & IT professionals from across the globe. Your banner ad will be seen by thousands!

Top/Bottom Banners:

Exhibit Hall Schedule

The exhibit hall schedule was designed with the exhibitor in mind, with events taking place to draw the attendee into the exhibit hall frequently. Note the Dedicated Exhibit Hall Hours with no competing educational sessions!

We listened… the Networking Reception will now occur on Wednesday and the hall will only be open for two concentrated days!

Tuesday, October 7

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Exhibit Installation

Wednesday, October 8

10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Exhibit Hall Hours
10:00 – 10:30 AM Break in Exhibit Hall
12:00 – 2:00 PM Roundtable Lunch & Dedicated Exhibit Hours
3:30 – 4:00 AM Break in Exhibit Hall
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall

Thursday, October 9

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Exhibit Hall Hours
10:00 – 10:30 AM Break
12:00 – 1:30 PM Lunch on own & Dedicated Exhibit Hours
3:00 – 4:00 PM Break in Exhibit Hall
4:00 – 6:00 PM Exhibit Dismantle
6:00 – 9:00 PM Conference Social Event

Note: The conference begins on Tuesday, October 7 with full-day pre-conference workshops and meetings and ends on Friday afternoon, October 10.

Watch for news about a URISA Charity Event to help Rebuild New Orleans taking place on Friday afternoon, October 10.

"URISA enables us to reach qualified public sector prospects in the most cost effective way possible."
— Stephen Kinzy, GISP, Regional Manager, ESRI-St. Louis

Register for Booth Space and Sponsorship

Indicate your three preferred booth spaces (check list of already reserved booths first for availability)

Exhibit booth space and sponsorships will be allocated on a first-come/first-served basis.

Before the Conference

URISA will coordinate staff registrations, payments, sponsorships and promotion opportunities with exhibitors. Kim Green is your primary URISA contact.

The official show decorator will communicate with exhibitors for booth furnishing needs and logistics.

Questions? Contact Kim Green or Wendy Nelson at URISA (847/824-6300, kgreen@urisa.org, wnelson@urisa.org).

Conference Program Information

Conference Site & Headquarters Hotel:
Location:
Sheraton New Orleans
500 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

For Budgeting Purposes:
Discounted conference room rates at Sheraton New Orleans: $165 Single/Double
A limited number of government rate rooms will be available.

Early Conference Registration Rates (includes pre-conference workshop):
$545 URISA International Member; $675 Nonmember

Significant discounts for group/team registrations.

Note: All accepted presenters must register and pay the regular conference registration fee. Acceptance as a presenter does not register you for the conference — registration fees are required. Presenters must register by August 1, 2008.

Ground Transportation
Guests can choose either a taxi or the Airport Shuttle New Orleans to travel to and from the airport. Both choices are accessible from the airport baggage claim area.

Airport Shuttle reservations can be made by calling 504/522-3500. The cost is $14.00 per person, each way. To purchase your ticket(s) at the airport, proceed to the baggage claim area on the ground level. After you have retrieved your luggage, proceed to the Airport Shuttle ticket desk, located across from most baggage claim carousels. Service is available on a continuous basis with vans departing approximately every 30 minutes. Please make your departure reservations no later than 24 hours prior to your flight. Domestic flights require passengers to arrive two hours prior to flight departure. International flights require passengers to arrive three hours prior to flight departure.

A taxi costs approximately $30.00 per person one-way, and the travel time is approximately 25 minutes without traffic.

Climate
October daytime highs in New Orleans are near 80°F and nighttime lows are usually around 60°F. It's a beautiful time of year in New Orleans!

Recent URISA Annual Conference Exhibitors:

@City, Inc.
@Last Software, Inc.
AirPhoto USA
American City & County
Autodesk
Ayres Associates, Inc.
Azteca Systems, Inc
Bentley Systems, Inc.
Boulder Solutions Inc.
Bowne Management Systems, Inc.
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Burns & McDonnell
Caliper Corporation
Cansel Survey Equipment
CarteGraph
CarteSoft
Computronix Canada
Data Smarts
Data Transfer Solutions, LLC
DeLorme
DigitalGlobe
DPRA Canada
EarthData
Enterprise Information Solutions
ESRI
Facet Technology Corp
Farragut Systems Inc.
FDM Software Ltd
Federal Geographic Data Committee
GBA Master Series Inc
GeoAnalytics, Inc.
GeoCommunity
GeoConnections
Geographic Technologies Group
GeoSearch, Inc.
Geospatial Solutions
GeoTec Media
GIS Certification Institute
GIS Day
GIS Innovations Ltd
GISCorps
Group 1 Software
Imaging Technologies
Immersive Media
Integrated Cadastral Information Society
Integrated Spatial Solutions, Inc.
Intergraph Mapping & Geospatial Solutions
ISC
Juniper GIS Services
Kucera International
L. Robert Kimball Assocs.
LaserFiche Document Management
Latitude Geographics Group Ltd
Layton Graphics Inc.
Leica Geosystems
LinksPoint
LizardTech, Inc.
MAGIC
Manatron Inc
MapInfo
MD Atlantic Technologies, Inc.
Merrick & Company
Michael Baker Jr., Inc.
Mobile Video Services
MRF Geosystems Corp
Municipal Software Corporation
National Geodetic Survey, NOAA
New Light Technologies
Orion Technology, Inc.
Pacific Alliance Technologies Inc
PCI Geomatics
Penn State World Campus
Pictometry International
Pinnacle Mapping Technologies Inc.
Resource 21
Rolta International, Inc.
Safe Software, Inc
Sanborn
Secon Surveys
The Schneider Corp
Sierra Systems Consultants Inc
Smart Map Imaging
Space Imaging
Spectrum Mapping
SPSS Inc.
Surdex Corporation
SustaiNet Software Solutions Inc
System Design Inc.
TerraGo Technologies
Traverse PC
University of Redlands
Vertices LLC
VIASAT Geo Technologies
Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation
Watershed Concepts
Western Air Maps, Inc.
Wilbur Smith Associates
Woolpert LLP