URISA's 4th Caribbean GIS Conference - Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus

URISA’s 4th Caribbean GIS Conference…
Evolution and Next Steps
August 25-29, 2008
Grand Cayman

The Exhibit Hall is Completely Sold Out as of July 23, 2008. There are some limited sponsorship opportunities available.

The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) is pleased to invite you to its fourth conference focusing on the effective application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other information technologies in the Caribbean. We are pleased to be hosting this event on Grand Cayman in 2008!

Objectives of the Conference

• To inform broad cross-section of Caribbean users about GIS technology and applications
• To share experiences regarding GIS implementation and management issues
• To establish new relationships with the vendor/consultant community
• To provide workshops and sessions that are application driven, and are relevant to the Caribbean community of GIS users
• To foster a Caribbean GIS network
• To assess the state of readiness of national and regional Spatial Data Infrastructures

Why should your company reserve a booth at URISA’s Caribbean GIS Conference?

• The URISA Caribbean conference has a strong history in the region of attracting decision-makers and knowledgeable professionals
• Caribbean GIS professionals will come to the conference to purchase, recommend and authorize purchases
• Exclusive opportunities to interact with attendees in the exhibit hall
• GIS professionals will flock to this conference 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
• Establish business partnerships with other vendors

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 data collection devices
• Satellite image processing software, data or services
• System implementation & integration products/ services
• Other software and application development

Most of the exhibit hours are dedicated hours, meaning there is no program conflicting with exhibit time. Attendees will not feel pressured to choose between educational sessions and making connections in the exhibit hall. And exhibitors will have time to attend sessions and network outside of the exhibit hall.

Exhibition Schedule

Tuesday, August 26, 2008:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Pre-conference Workshops
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Exhibit installation
5:00 – 7:00 PM Exhibit Hall Reception

Wednesday, August 27, 2008:
11:00 AM – 3:30 PM Exhibit Hall Hours

Dedicated exhibit time:
11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Dedicated time in the exhibition
12:00 Noon – 1:30 Lunch & exhibits
3:00– 3:30 PM Dedicated time in the exhibition

Thursday, August 28, 2008:
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Exhibit Hall Hours

Dedicated exhibit time:
10:00– 10:30 AM Dedicated time in the exhibition
12:00 Noon – 1:30 Lunch & exhibits
3:00– 3:30 PM Dedicated time in the exhibition

Friday, August 29, 2008:
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Exhibit Hall Hours

Dedicated exhibit time:
10:00– 10:30 AM Dedicated time in the exhibition
1:00 – 2:00 PM Dedicated time in the exhibition
2:00 – 4:00 PM Exhibit Dismantle
________________________________________

Comprehensive Booth Package: Note that one table, two chairs and an electrical connection are now included in the booth fees.

• One standard booth space
• One table and two chairs
• Basic electricity connection
• Booth identification sign
• Exhibit area security
• Pre- and Post-conference attendee lists
• One full conference registration per booth
  (additional booth staff registrations are $195)
• Complimentary VIP exhibit passes for customers
• Reception and refreshment breaks in exhibit hall
• Listing in exhibitor directory

Exhibit Fee — Per Booth Space:
Note that a table, two chairs and basic electric connection (valued at $300 if ordered through the hotel) are included in the booth fee this year.

• Premium Foyer location: $1,250 US - SOLD OUT
  
• Ballroom location: $1,000 US - SOLD OUT

Cancellation Policy: A $200 fee per booth will be assessed on all cancellations received on or before August 1, 2008; no refunds will be processed after August 1, 2008.

Floor Plan

Premium Foyer Location (note that booths numbered 1 through 5 are reserved for the main conference sponsors) - SOLD OUT

Ballroom Location - booths numbered 12 through 26

Note that the Internet Lounge will be set up within the Ballroom portion of the Exposition.

Booth Spaces Reserved (as of July 21, 2008)

Foyer (the foyer area is sold out)

Ballroom - includes the Internet Lounge sponsored by HP Kirkiss and DigiCell and the Poster Session.

Sponsorship Opportunities

A wide variety of promotional opportunities are available to help keep your company’s name “front and center” in the minds of conference attendees, not only during but also after their conference experience. Build booth traffic, generate quality leads, and capture the attention of conference-goers. Pick one or a combination of sponsorships, or propose your own idea to URISA. Don’t delay, sponsorships are granted on a first-come/first-served basis.

The premium sponsorship packages detailed below (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze) include booth space and an additional number of conference registrations in addition to numerous other features.

Diamond Sponsor - Reserved by Cayman Land Info

The diamond conference sponsorship package provides maximum exposure during the conference. Only one sponsorship at this level is available.

• Premium Booth Space Included—The diamond sponsor will occupy a premium booth space in the conference foyer.
• Conference Bags - As the diamond sponsor your logo will appear alongside the URISA Conference logo on the attendee bags.
• Session Opportunity—Opportunity to conduct a 90-minute organization-sponsored session or tutorial during the regular conference program.
• Recognition—The diamond sponsor will be recognized as the sponsor of the Conference Social Event.
• Web Presence—Prominent logo on conference web site with link to your website.
• Company Literature and Giveaway—As the diamond conference sponsor, you have the opportunity to distribute your organization’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 diamond sponsor you will be thanked during the opening and closing conference sessions and recognized in the conference program.
• Addressing the Conference —The diamond sponsor is given the opportunity to address the conference for 5 to 10 minutes during the opening conference session.
• Team Registrations—The diamond sponsorship includes full conference registration for ten (10) individuals.

________________________________________

Platinum Sponsor - Reserved by ILS (International Land Systems, Inc.)

The platinum conference sponsorship package provides maximum exposure during the conference.

• Premium Booth Space Included — The platinum sponsor will occupy a premium booth space in the conference foyer.
• Session Opportunity—Opportunity to conduct a 90-minute organization-sponsored session or tutorial during the regular conference program.
• Recognition—The platinum sponsor will be recognized as the sponsor of the Wednesday luncheon.
• Web Presence—Prominent logo on conference web site with link to your website.
• 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 in the conference program.
• Addressing the Conference—The platinum sponsor is given the opportunity to address the conference for 5 to 10 minutes during the closing conference session.
• Team Registrations—The platinum sponsorship includes full conference registration for seven (7) individuals.

— $15,000

________________________________________

Emerald Sponsor - Digicel Gold Sponsors - Blom Aerofilms, ESRI, HP Kirkiss, ReMAX

The gold conference sponsorship package provides ample exposure during the conference.

• Premium Booth Space Included— The gold sponsor will occupy a premium booth space in the conference foyer.
• Session Opportunity—Opportunity to conduct a 90-minute organization-sponsored session or tutorial during the regular conference program.
• Recognition— The gold sponsor will be recognized as the sponsor of the Thursday conference luncheon.
• Web Presence—Prominent logo on conference web site with link to your website.
• Company Literature and Giveaway—A s 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.
• Acknowledgements— As the gold sponsor you will be thanked during the opening and closing conference sessions and recognized in the conference program.
• Team Registrations — The gold sponsorship includes full conference registration for five (5) individuals.

________________________________________

Silver Sponsors - Spatial Innovision,

Consider the silver conference sponsorship package for this year's Caribbean GIS Conference.

• Premium Booth Space Included — The silver sponsor will occupy a premium booth space in the conference foyer.
• Recognition—The silver sponsor will be recognized as the sponsor of the Friday luncheon.
• Web Presence—Prominent logo on conference web site with link to your website.
• 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.
• Acknowledgements — As the silver sponsor you will be thanked during the opening and closing conference sessions and recognized in the conference program.
• Team Registrations — The silver sponsorship includes full conference registration for three (3) individuals.

— $5,000

________________________________________

Bronze Sponsor - Reserved by GeoOrbis, Cidera

Consider the bronze conference sponsorship package for this year's Caribbean GIS Conference.

• Premium Booth Space Included — The bronze sponsor will occupy a premium booth space in the conference foyer.
• Recognition — The bronze conference sponsor will be recognized as the sponsor of the post-conference proceedings that will be distributed to each attendee and which will include content from the sponsor.
• Web Presence—Prominent logo on conference web site with link to your website.
• 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.
• Acknowledgements - As the bronze sponsor you will be thanked during the opening and closing conference sessions and recognized in the conference program.
• Team Registrations — The bronze sponsorship includes full conference registration for two (2) individuals.

________________________________________

Individual Sponsorship Packages

Workshop Beverage Break Sponsorship — $500
Demonstrate your company’s support of the intensive, full-day educational program, by sponsoring a morning or afternoon beverage break during the workshops on Tuesday, August 26. Sponsors may distribute company literature at the beverage break stations.

• Preworkshop coffee -
  
• Mid-morning coffee break -
  
• Afternoon break -
  

Workshop Lunch Sponsorship - $2,000
Lunch is not included with workshop attendance. An organizations that sponsored a lunch for workshop participants would be most appreciated!

Poster Session Sponsorship — $750
Demonstrate your support of the GIS professionals who participate in the poster session during the conference. Your organization will be recognized via signage in the poster session area.

Exhibit Hall Reception Sponsorship — $5,000 sole sponsor; $500 for co-sponsorship (up to 10 available)
Everyone attends the Exhibit Hall Reception on Tuesday evening! Attendees will flock to the reception, which takes place in the exhibit hall to network with their colleagues and vendors and enjoy the reception fare before heading out to explore Grand Cayman later that evening. The sponsor(s) will enjoy ample recognition.

Closing Reception Sponsorship — $10,000 sole sponsor; $1,000 for co-sponsorship (up to 10 available)
Everyone will look forward to the Closing Reception on Friday afternoon. Attendees will flock to the reception, to discuss what they learned during the week and to make sure they've got contact information for those attendees, committee members, and exhibitors with whom they will continue conversations. The sponsor(s) will enjoy ample recognition.

Refreshment Breaks — $500 each
Conference attendees appreciate the coffee/refreshment breaks during the conference. Sponsor one or more!

• Wednesday AM - Cayman National
• Wednesday mid-morning- GISCAD Ltd.
  
• Wednesday PM - Cayman National
• Thursday AM - Scotia
  
• Thursday mid-morning - Cayman National
• Thursday PM - GISCAD Ltd.
  
• Friday AM - Cayman National
• Friday mid-morning - Cayman National
• Friday PM -
  

Have an idea for another sponsorship? Please contact Wendy Nelson to discuss.

Register for a Booth

• Downloadable Exhibit & Sponsorship form
• Register online
  
  

Conference Site
Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach

Situated on 144 acres stretching sea-to sea from the Caribbean to the North Sound, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a AAA Five Diamond Property. It is home to the Seven Wonders on Seven Mile Beach, an unmatched collection of exceptional resort amenities from the leaders in their respective fields.

• Five restaurants including one by Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin
• Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa
• A tennis center by Nick Bollettieri
• Ambassadors of the Environment by Jean-Michel Cousteau
• Blue Tip, a Greg Norman-designed nine-hole golf course
• More than 13,000 square feet of meeting space including the island’s largest ballroom
• An executive business center
• Two outdoor pools and an oceanfront Jacuzzi
• Comprehensive water sports program

Discounted Conference Hotel Room Rate – single or double occupancy:
$169US garden view/ $179US resort view / $229US ocean view
(Note that the regular rate is typically more than $400 a night!)

There will be an additional charge of $60 per day for each additional person over age 18 and/or over two (2) adults in a guestroom. The maximum number of people per guest room is three (3) adults or two (2) adults and two (2) children. A maximum of two (2) children under the age of 18 per room is complimentary. All rates are based on the European plan (excludes meals), single or double occupancy and are subject to all applicable taxes and service charges. Currently the room tax is 10% and the service charge is an additional 10%. Both are subject to change.

In addition to the room rate, there is a 10% service fee charged per day. The service charge includes round trip baggage handling, room attendant and access to the Fitness Center.

Hotel Reservations:

Reservations can be made by calling 1-345-943-9000 or 1-800-241-3333. Be sure to reference “URISA Caribbean GIS Conference” to obtain the discounted group rate. You may also make reservations via the Ritz Carlton’s Reservations page:

1. Log onto web site – www.ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman
2. Select – reservations and packages
3. Go to check rates and availability:
4. Select – dates
5. Go to Additional information
6. Check mark group code – input group code (URI) and code for requested room type (URIJ or URIA or URIB)
eg. URIURIJ (Garden View at $169 plus taxes per night)
URIURIA (Resort View at $179 plus taxes per night)
URIURIB (Ocean View at$229 plus taxes per night)

7. Select check rates and availability. The requested room type and rates will appear for booking.

Travel

The Owen Roberts International Airport is 15 minutes (4 miles) from the Ritz Carlton. Taxis are readily available at the airport and cost approximately $20 US each way to the hotel.

About Grand Cayman

Hidden away in the western Caribbean Sea, 150 miles south of Cuba and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica, The Cayman Islands are an archipelago of three picturesque islands – Cayman Brac, Little Cayman and the more prominent and decidedly larger Grand Cayman. First sighted by famed explorer Christopher Columbus on his final voyage to the New World in 1503, The Cayman Islands are named for the Spanish term from crocodile – caiman. Today, The Cayman Islands are still the ultimate destination for the adventurer at heart. Boasting famous Seven Mile Beach, crystal clear Caribbean waters and a near endless variety of marine life, Grand Cayman is a tropical paradise for divers, snorkelers, fishermen and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Download Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus

To main conference page