URISA's 2007 Annual Conference Highlights
Sharing Technological Inspiration: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
The 45th Annual Conference of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association
August 20-23, 2007
Washington, DC
Power Shot: Will Craig, Don Cooke, Mike Goodchild and
Glenn O'Grady talking in the hallway.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Six hundred professionals from around the globe convened in Washington DC for URISA's 45th Annual Conference. They gathered to take advantage of:
- Twelve pre-conference workshops
- Two important keynote presentations
- Interactive issues discussions
- Targeted professional development opportunities
- More than 200 presenters
- Vendor hospitality and user group meetings
- A packed exhibit hall
- Networking activities
Conference Chair, Mark Sievers and Ed Wells during the Opening Ceremony.
Accomplished Women in GIS: Cindy Domenico, Nancy von Meyer and Martha Wells catch up during a break.
Awards - Numerous individuals were recognized for their accomplishments during URISA 2007.
The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association established the GIS Hall of Fame in 2005 to recognize and honor the most esteemed leaders of the geospatial community. To be considered for the GIS Hall of Fame, an individual’s or an organization’s record of contribution to the advancement of the industry demonstrates creative thinking and actions, vision and innovation, inspiring leadership, perseverance, and community mindedness. In addition, nominees must serve as a role model for those who follow.
URISA Hall of Fame Laureates are individuals or organizations whose pioneering work has moved the geospatial industry in a better, stronger direction.
URISA's Past Presidents nominated Michael Goodchild and Don Cooke as the 2007 GIS Hall of Fame inductees. Both were present at the conference and attendees were pleased to recognize them both for their accomplishments.
Mike Goodchild is acknowledged by the URISA Community.
Don Cooke is inducted into the GIS Hall of Fame.
The Horwood Distinguished Service Award is named after founding member and first URISA President, Edgar Horwood. Horwood was an early pioneer in the field of information systems for local government and admired by all for his intellectual and organizational contributions to URISA. Horwood was the Chair of the constitutional drafting committee, giving URISA the “open membership” model that has led to our inter-disciplinary organization.
The Horwood Distinguished Service Award is an occasional award given for long-term service to URISA and the profession. This award is URISA’s ultimate award for service and leadership to URISA and the geospatial industry. This year it was awarded to Nancy von Meyer, PhD, GISP.
Nancy von Meyer receives the Horwood Award from Ed Wells and Cindy Domenico. Nancy offered some great words of advice to attendees. She encouraged URISAns to continue to lead and stressed the importance of not being an impediment.
URISA's Leadership Award is presented to members who have demonstrated exemplary leadership to URISA, creativity, innovation, and dedicated support of URISA programs. This year’s Leadership Award recipient is Dianne Haley, BSc, MScGIS, GISP.
Dianne Haley is recognized for her amazing contributions to URISA over the years.
URISA's Service Award is presented to members who have demonstrated faithful service to URISA and participation in its programs over a period of several years.
Michael Lovett and Lynda Wayne, GISP are both recipients of a 2007 URISA Service Award.
Each year, URISA recognizes an outstanding Chapter that has sponsored particularly effective activities or has otherwise excelled in serving its membership. Outstanding Chapter Award criteria include:
• Innovation
• Outreach
• Education
• Community Impact
The winner of the 2007 Outstanding Chapter Award is the URISA Georgia Chapter. The Bay Area Automated Mapping Association (BAAMA) in California was noted as an Honorable Mention.
Clare Brown and Danielle Ayan accept the Outstanding Chapter Award from URISA President, Ed Wells.
Congratulations to the well-deserving award winners on their accomplishments!
In addition to recognizing award winners on Tuesday morning, attendees heard from Rob Bischoff, who represented our sister association in Australia and New Zealand. The Spacial Sciences Institute (SSI) has been very effective, in particular, in involving young professionals in association activities...something that URISA is also working on.
Hopeworks - Young people from the Hopeworks GIS program hopped on a bus from Camden, New Jersey at 4:00 AM on Tuesday morning in order to provide the keynote presentation on Tuesday morning, August 21. Attendees were impressed and inspired by the accomplishments of this program!
Hopeworks ‘N Camden, developed by three Camden, New Jersey churches enhances the lives of inner-city Camden youth by expanding the learning opportunities available to them, pointing the way to a future full of hope and working together to create that future. The heart of Hopeworks is technology training, provided in a safe, respectful, and celebratory atmosphere. Hopeworks youth are trained in state-of-the art computer applications: website design, GIS, computer networking and repair, and video. Visit www.hopeworks.org.
Interactive Stakeholders Issue Discussion – What are the most pressing issues you’re facing in your work today? How can the multidisciplinary nature of URISA help? Cy Smith facilitated this discussion - which was followed up by a Thursday morning session. Stay tuned for the report and plans for action.
Cy Smith keeps the conversation flowing.
Peirce Eichelberger makes a point.
Kim McDonough shares his opinion.
Kathrine Cargo brings up the New Orleans perspective.
Gary Hunter brings up the hot issues from Australia.
The discussion continues...
