MN GIS/LIS Consortium Announcements https://www.mngislis.org/news/default.asp Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:09:36 GMT Tue, 7 Jul 2026 17:56:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium Call for Presentations for the 2026 Annual Conference in Duluth, October 28-30th https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=725023 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=725023 Submissions for the 36th annual conference are now being accepted! Whether it's a lightning talk, regular talk, poster, or panel, the MN GIS/LIS community wants to hear from you. The Sessions Committee will select presentations that represent all levels of expertise and a broad topic base. We anticipate a high volume of abstract submissions for the 2026 GIS/LIS Consortium Conference. Selection will be based on the value of the proposed topic to the audience and the quality and clarity of the abstract.

The deadline to submit abstracts is  May 8, 2026

We are particularly interested in presentations highlighting the following topics (however, any topic is welcomed): Suggested Topics:

Technical

Analytical Topics Big data workflows and strategies Geospatial statistics Esri Products Business Analyst Dashboard, Experience Builder, and other web applications Enterprise Administration Disaster recovery Network Analyst Story Maps Workforce Mobile apps and field data collection Open Data and Open Source Platforms Software Systems Programming and Development Automations GeoAI Large Language Models Remote Sensing and Drones

Non-Technical

Accessibility and Usability GIS Leadership and Management GIS for Senior Management Professional Development Resources for Emerging Professionals User group / Special interest or focus group

Industry-Specific

Corporate GIS Workflows and Strategies Education Emergency Management Fires Flooding Tornados Engineering CIP Planning Infrastructure Sustainability Transportation Environment Animals Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Public Safety Retail & Commercial Sales Forecasting Site Selection Utilities Asset Management Data pipelines GPS Data Collecting

Abstract submission:

]]> Wed, 8 Apr 2026 17:03:00 GMT Minnesota Meetup at the Esri UC https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=730718 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=730718 Join us July 13, 6:00pm at Ballast Point Brewing in San Diego for an evening of networking and socializing with other GIS professionals in the community.

Check back regularly for new events!

Ballast Point Brewing, Little Italy
2215 India St
San Diego, CA 92101
Location

]]> Tue, 7 Jul 2026 18:56:00 GMT Women in GIS at Union 32 Craft House https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=730063 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=730063 Join us July 30th 4:00pm-6:30pm at Union 32 Craft House in Eagan, MN for an evening of networking and socializing with other GIS professionals in the community. This event is open to everyone!

Union 32 Craft House
2864 Hwy 55
Eagan, MN 55121
Location

]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:28:00 GMT Women in GIS at La Doña Cervecería https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=729307 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=729307 Join us June 25th 5:30pm at La Doña Cervecería Brewery in Minneapolis, MN for an evening of networking and socializing with other GIS professionals in the community. This event is open to everyone!

La Doña Cervecería
241 Fremont Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Location

]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:44:00 GMT Join Us for the Next mAppetites Session - April 21 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=725022 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=725022 The Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium invites you to join the next mAppetites session on Tuesday, April 21 at 12:00 pm.

This session features Roger Schulz, Director of Geospatial Technology at Vertex Unmanned Solutions, who will explore how GNSS technology can elevate GIS data collection. From foundational concepts to practical field applications, Roger will share how strategic GNSS sensor use can improve accuracy, reduce errors, and enhance your workflows.

Whether you are collecting field data regularly or looking to better understand high accuracy positioning, this session will provide practical insights you can apply right away.

Register here: https://www.mngislis.org/event/mapps-april26

The webinar link will be included in your registration confirmation and sent again 24 hours prior to the session.

]]> Wed, 8 Apr 2026 17:02:00 GMT Mapping Hour with the Board https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=725021 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=725021 The MN GIS/LIS Consortium Board will be hosting our next Community Mappy Hour following our Board meeting on Monday, April 13, beginning at 4:00 pm at New Bohemia Wurst + BierHaus located at 8040 Olson Mem Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427.

Whether you want to talk GIS and LIS, learn more about current Consortium initiatives, share ideas, ask questions, or simply connect with others in the geospatial community, you are welcome to join us.

These events are open to anyone with an interest in GIS, LIS, or the Consortium’s work. No agenda. No presentations. Just conversation and connection.

We hope to see you there!

]]> Wed, 8 Apr 2026 17:01:00 GMT 2026 Salary Survey https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=722030 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=722030 The Salary Survey is back for 2026 and open for submissions. A lot has happened since the 2024 Salary Survey, and it is time to reassess the state of GIS/LIS jobs across Minnesota. Help us understand the geospatial salary across various levels of experience, skillsets, and demographics. This is a great opportunity to discover changing trends, help emerging professionals understand what to expect, and assess the equity of the profession in Minnesota. The survey will be open for one month, closing on Tuesday, March 31st.

Submit to the 2026 Salary Survey: https://arcg.is/1b0u4v2

See the 2024 Salary Survey results

Questions? Contact the Professional Development Committee via email at profdev@mngislis.org.

]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:49:00 GMT Join us for our Women in GIS Networking Event! March 26th https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=722027 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=722027 What better way to celebrate Women's History Month than a networking event at the FIRST women owned brewery in the state of Minnesota! 

Join us March 26 at Urban Growler Brewing for an evening of networking with other GIS professional in the community. This event is open to everyone!

]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:44:00 GMT mAppetites Is Here: Grab Your Lunch and Join Us https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=719341 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=719341 We are excited to introduce mAppetites, our brand new lunch and learn series designed to deliver quick, engaging presentations on topics across GIS and LIS. Think of it as learning in bite sized portions that fit perfectly into your lunch hour.

Our very first session will be held Wednesday, February 11 at 12:00 pm and will be fully virtual.

For our kickoff presentation, we are thrilled to welcome Andrew Lamers, GISP, who will guide us through the Geography of Health, Artificial Intelligence, GIS Administration, and Professional Development one concept at a time. Whether you are looking to expand your technical knowledge or grow professionally, there will be something for everyone.

About the presenter

Andrew Lamers is an active volunteer and collaborative leader with 15 years of GIS experience, a master’s degree in GIS, and an extensive history of service on committees and boards in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

This session is open to everyone, but registration is required. Please sign up using the short survey below:

https://arcg.is/1vWvjH2

The virtual meeting link will be emailed to all registered attendees in the days leading up to the event.

Bring your lunch, bring your curiosity, and join us as we kick off mAppetites together.

]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:12:00 GMT Women in GIS Network Event - February 20 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=719340 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=719340 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗜𝗦! ♀️🌐

Join us February 20th for our Women in GIS networking event at Forgotten Star Brewing. Open to everyone, this is a great opportunity to network and meet others in the professional community.

Optional brewery hosted BINGO to follow event!

Forgotten Star Brewing
38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421

]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:11:00 GMT Spring Workshops (May 14), Presenters & Instructors & Volunteers Needed https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=719339 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=719339 Plans are set in motion to offer the 2026 MN GIS/LIS Spring Workshops. We are having them on May 14th. Mark your calendars, more information will be shared soon.

Have you ever considered teaching or leading a workshop? We hope you consider sharing your knowledge and skills with your GIS peers again or for the first time. Please complete this response form to tell us more about your workshop proposal. 

Topics surveys have been conducted asking the GIS/LIS community what workshop topics are of greatest interest. Here are the popular mentions from those surveys; Topics include ArcGIS Experience Builder, SQL Database Design, ArcGIS Pro, LiDAR, QGIS, Intro to Python, Advanced Arcade, Advanced Python, ArcGIS Online, Open-Source GIS, Drones/UAV, ArcGIS Hub, ArcGIS Enterprise Portal, Into to Arcade, Esri JavaScript API and AutoCAD. 

There has also been an overall interest in online course options and courses for students about to enter the GIS/LIS field. This is not exhaustive and there are likely new interests since the survey. We look forward to hearing about your workshop proposal(s).

 

Call for Spring Workshop Committee Volunteers

Would you like to gain experience in planning for a GIS education event and help provide a venue for networking? If so, you may be interested in helping to organize the Minnesota GIS/LIS 2026 Spring Workshops. We will meet online to begin planning during the last week in January and continue through the upcoming spring! Want to help? Sign up now! 

]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:09:00 GMT 2025 GIS Day In Twin Cities https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=713592 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=713592  Join us on November 20th in 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀, 𝗠𝗡 for an evening of socializing and networking event at Surly Brewing at 6:00pm and get your FREE exclusive GIS Day cork coaster (while supplies last)! Event will follow the U of M Spatial Forum: https://events.tc.umn.edu/event/22535-university-of-minnesota-2025-spatial-forum-borchert-le]]> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:36:00 GMT 2025 GIS Day In Duluth https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=713589 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=713589 Join us November 19th in 𝗗𝘂𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗵, 𝗠𝗡 for an evening socializing, networking, and axe throwing at Blacklist Brewing at 5:00pm. GIS Day merch will be available for purchase at the event. See you then!

5-6 PM: Mix and Mingle
6-7 PM: Axe-Throwing & Small Bites
7PM: Trivia Hosted by Blacklist

Blacklist Brewing
206 E Superior St.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/U7kAGRtdjVQWbdM36


]]> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:28:00 GMT Registration is Open for the 35th Annual MN GIS/LIS Conference and Workshops! https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=707046 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=707046 Mark your calendars! Registration is now open for the 35th Annual Conference and Workshops, taking place at the DECC in beautiful Duluth, MN from October 1st-3rd. We have an exciting lineup of keynote speakers, workshops, and sessions to attend. Register soon to take advantage of early bird pricing and to ensure your spot in the many workshops being offered! Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium Room Rates can be found at several hotels, so book early for the best selection. Be sure to check out the Conference website for additional information on all that is being offered at this year’s exciting event.

For more information and to register, click here. For questions about registration, please contact the Conference Committee at conference@mngislis.org.

We look forward to seeing you in Duluth this fall!

Sam Giebner
Conference Chair

]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2025 19:00:00 GMT 2025 Community Mapping Expo - Helping Communities Thrive with GIS https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=707045 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=707045 2025 Community Mapping Expo - Helping Communities Thrive with GIS - Nonprofit and Government Collaborations

Mark your calendars for August 13th, 2025 – LOGIS is again hosting a mapping expo to bring together nonprofits and government entities to collaborate on projects that promote common good in Minnesota.  

Unlock the power of location-based data and access affordable tools. The expo will explore a range of mapping resources, including Minnesota Geospatial Commons, Esri tools and technology from ArcGIS Online and Living Atlas. It is designed to help you, and your communities undertake grassroots change, visualize impact, optimize resources, and make data-driven decisions. Whether you're looking to better understand your community, align funding resources, or measure impact, these tools offer invaluable insights to advance your day-to-day work. 

The event is free, and the presenters will include local GIS experts ranging from Minnesota Chief Geospatial Information Officer, ESRI, University of Minnesota Design Center, Trust for Public Land and LOGIS. Register for the expo using this survey link by August 6th, 2025.

Check out last year’s mapping expo highlights captured in this story map.  Don’t miss out!

]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:54:00 GMT URGENT NOTICE TO EXHIBITORS: Don't miss out on the Early Registration discount https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=704416 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=704416 Act fast! Early Registration closes on June 30th for the upcoming MN GIS/LIS Conference in Duluth, Minnesota. Secure your spot now to benefit from discounted vendor registration - plus enjoy complimentary advertising on the MN GIS/LIS website. Seeking to amplify your visibility or eager to have your logo featured on conference attendee swag? Discover additional opportunities on the Sponsorship & Advertisement page. If you have any questions regarding registration or sponsorship, please email vendors@mngislis.org.]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 23:49:00 GMT Join us at the MN GIS/LIS Consortium Social at the Esri User Conference! https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=704414 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=704414 Are you attending the ESRI User Conference in San Diego? Join us on Monday, July 14th from 6-8 p.m. at Ballast Point Brewing in Little Italy for a networking and social event for Minnesota GIS professionals! Appetizers will be provided, and we would love to see you there!

If you plan to attend, please RSVP here for the event!

What: MN GIS/LIS Consortium Social Gathering at ESRI UC

When: Monday, July 14th from 6-8 p.m.

Where: Ballast Point Brewing, 2215 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

A special thanks to the event sponsors Bolton & Menk, EOS, Frontier, GeoComm, Geomarvel, Houston, LOGIS, ProWest, Sidwell, SRF, and Vertex!

Questions? Reach out to Dave Malm at David.Malm@bolton-menk.com

]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 23:44:00 GMT Introducing the 2024 GIS/LIS Annual Report https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=704413 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=704413 The 2024 Annual Report for the MN GIS/LIS Consortium highlights significant accomplishments and updates on initiatives and projects identified by the GIS/LIS Consortium Board and Committee Volunteers with special focus on financial stability, fundraising and sponsorship opportunities. Follow this link to review the full report. Thank you to all members for your continued support of GIS/LIS Consortium events and activities. We appreciate all you do! ]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 23:42:00 GMT 2025 MN GIS/LIS Spring Workshops Networking Event https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=696714 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=696714 Please join us after the GIS/LIS Spring Workshops at The Corner Bar  to network and socialize with your peers, we will be there from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

A variety of appetizers will be provided!

Networking event details:
Thursday, May 15th
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

The Corner Bar
1501 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454

]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2025 21:39:00 GMT 2025 Spring Workshops https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=696713 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=696713 Registration is coming soon! The 2025 MN GIS/LIS Spring Workshops are on Thursday May 15th at the University of Minnesota.

We have a great list of learning opportunities planned, in person or virtual; Python Tips and Tricks, Level Up Your GIS Game with Arcade (Beginner and Intermediate), Achieving Repeatable and Defendable Survey Data with UAS, Making Your Hobby a GIS Interactive Webmap: with Maplibre, Leaflet, React, and GIS!, among others to be announced.

Lunch is provided and join us afterwards for a networking event. Hope to see you there!

Workshops Agenda:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM         Registration Opens & Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM                        Morning Workshops & Lectures Begin
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM     Morning Break
12:00 PM                      Morning Workshops Adjourn / Lunch Break
1:00 PM                        Afternoon Workshops & Lectures Begin
2:30 - 2:45 PM              Afternoon Break
4:00 PM                        Workshops Conclude
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM        Networking Reception

]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2025 21:35:00 GMT Call for Presentations is still open for the 2025 Annual Conference in Duluth, October 1-3 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=696712 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=696712 Submissions for the 35th annual conference are now being accepted! Whether it's a lightning talk, regular talk, poster, or panel, the MN GIS/LIS community wants to hear from you. The Sessions Committee will select presentations that represent all levels of expertise and a broad topic base. We anticipate a high volume of abstract submissions for the 2025 GIS/LIS Consortium Conference. Selection will be based on the value of the proposed topic to the audience and the quality and clarity of the abstract.

We are still accepting abstracts for a limited time.

We are particularly interested in presentations highlighting the following topics (however, any topic is welcomed):Suggested Topics:

Technical

  • Analytical Topics
    • Big data workflows and strategies
    • Geospatial statistics
  • Esri Products
    • Business Analyst
    • Dashboard, Experience Builder, and other web applications
    • Enterprise Administration
      • Disaster recovery
    • Network Analyst
    • Story Maps
    • Workforce
  • Mobile apps and field data collection
  • Open Data and Open Source
    • Platforms
    • Software
    • Systems
  • Programming and Development
    • Automations
    • GeoAI
    • Large Language Models
  • Remote Sensing and Drones

Non-Technical

  • Accessibility and Usability
  • GIS Leadership and Management
    • GIS for Senior Management
    • Professional Development
    • Resources for Emerging Professionals
  • User group / Special interest or focus group

Industry-Specific

  • Corporate
    • GIS Workflows and Strategies
  • Education
  • Emergency Management
    • Fires
    • Flooding
    • Tornados
  • Engineering
    • CIP Planning
    • Infrastructure
    • Sustainability
    • Transportation
  • Environment
    • Animals
    • Natural Resources
  • Law Enforcement and Public Safety
  • Retail & Commercial
    • Sales Forecasting
    • Site Selection
  • Utilities
    • Asset Management
    • Data pipelines
    • GPS Data Collecting

Abstract submission:

  • Abstracts cannot exceed 300 words
  • Incomplete abstracts will not be accepted
  • Abstract submission is online only
  • Deadline is Friday,  May 16, 2025
]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2025 21:32:00 GMT Spring Workshops, Presenters & Instructors Needed https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=694547 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=694547 Plans are set in motion to offer the 2025 MN GIS/LIS Spring Workshops. We are having them on May 15th. Mark your calendars, more information will be shared soon. Have you ever considered teaching or leading a workshop?  We hope you consider sharing your knowledge and skills with your GIS peers again or for the first time. Please complete this response formb to tell us more about your workshop proposal. 

Topics surveys have been conducted asking the GIS/LIS community what workshop topics are of greatest interest. Here are the popular mentions from those surveys; Topics include ArcGIS Experience Builder, SQL Database Design, ArcGIS Pro, LiDAR, QGIS, Intro to Python, Advanced Arcade, Advanced Python, ArcGIS Online, Open-Source GIS, Drones/UAV, ArcGIS Hub, ArcGIS Enterprise Portal, Into to Arcade, Esri JavaScript API and AutoCAD. 

There has also been an overall interest in online course options and courses for students about to enter the GIS/LIS field. This is not exhaustive and there are likely new interests since the survey. We look forward to hearing about your workshop proposal(s).

]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:42:00 GMT Community Mapping Expo For Minnesota Non-Profits https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=676152 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=676152 Mark your calendars for August 21st – LOGIS is hosting a mapping expo! Unlock the power of location-based data and access affordable tools. The expo will explore a range of mapping resources, including Minnesota Geospatial Commons, Esri tools and technology from ArcGIS Online and Living Atlas. It is designed to help you and your communities undertake grassroots change, visualize impact, optimize resources, and make data-driven decisions. Whether you're looking to better understand your community, align funding resources, or measure impact, these tools offer invaluable insights to advance your nonprofit's work. 

The event is free, and presenters will include local GIS experts ranging from Minnesota's Chief Geospatial Information Officer and MnGeo's Director, ESRI, U-Spatial, West Central Initiative, and LOGIS. Register for the expo here!

]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2024 20:42:00 GMT 2024 Conference Logo Winner https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=668599 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=668599 The votes are in! Congratulations to Brook Smith on winning the 2024 Conference Theme and Logo Competition! Brook’s logo and theme ‘Beyond the Horizon’ has been selected to represent the 2024 Conference in Duluth. Thank you to everyone who voted, and a special thank you to all those who submitted a design!

]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 22:48:00 GMT Spring Workshops – Registration is Open! https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=668598 https://www.mngislis.org/news/news.asp?id=668598 Registration is open! The 2024 MN GIS/LIS Spring Workshops are on Thursday, May 9th at the University of Minnesota.

 

We have a great list of learning opportunities planned, in person or virtual; ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro migration, Level Up Your GIS Game with Arcade, Exploring Python in ArcGIS Pro, Remote Sensing for Beginners Using ArcGIS Pro, Create a Public Notification Mailing List App, Make Good Maps in ArcGIS Pro, and a Lecture on Minnesota's Cadastral System.

 

We also have a new course: Getting on Board with Containers. Check back in a week for other courses that may yet to be offered!

Lunch is provided and join us afterwards for a networking event. Hope to see you there!

 

Workshops Agenda:

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM        Registration Opens & Continental Breakfast

9:00 AM                        Morning Workshops & Lectures Begin

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM    Morning Break

12:00 PM                      Morning Workshops Adjourn / Lunch Break

1:00 PM                        Afternoon Workshops & Lectures Begin

2:30 - 2:45 PM              Afternoon Break

4:00 PM                        Workshops Conclude

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM        Networking Reception

]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 22:47:00 GMT