From The Council

WGIC at Geo Week 2023 – Activities and Engagements

WGIC will actively participate in Geo Week 2023 as a strategic partner exhibiting at the event, organizing industry-relevant sessions and a meeting of WGIC members.

The World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC) is pleased to announce that from February 13-15, WGIC will participate in the Geo Week conference program as a strategic partner. Barbara Ryan, Executive Director of WGIC, served on the Geo Week Advisory Board.  

WGIC is organizing three events at Geo Week. The activities and engagements of WGIC at the conference include organizing a session on industry-academia collaboration, a panel in partnership with MAPPS on climate and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and an event dedicated to raising awareness about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). All the sessions led by WGIC aim to share knowledge with the Geo Week community. WGIC will also participate in the exhibition and organize a meeting of members.  

Below is the brief on each event and the key highlights. 

Panel on DEI – Awareness, Advocacy, and Action in the Geospatial Sector 

February 14, 2023, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM MT, Exhibit Hall Theater 

Speakers at the WGIC DEI Session at Geo Week 2023
Speakers at the WGIC DEI Session at Geo Week 2023

WGIC is committed to raising awareness, promoting advocacy, and facilitating action for DEI. Through this session, WGIC will connect attendees with leaders from the public and private geospatial sectors willing to share their experiences on DEI topics. 

Some of the topics discussed during the session include – fundamental definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion; why strategy is essential; setting goals for developing DEI in organizations; building DEI roadmaps and plans; transformation models and lessons learned. After the panel, attendees can continue the conversation in a Networking Lounge. 

MAPPS and WGIC Panel – Climate Action, Built Environment and Value of PPPs 

February 15, 2023, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM MT, Room 605 

Speakers at the MAPPS and WGIC Session at Geo Week 2023 
Speakers at the MAPPS and WGIC Session at Geo Week 2023 

MAPPS and WGIC represent the entire ecosystem of the geospatial industry, committed to helping their members excel and become recognized world leaders in offering geospatial technologies. During this session, MAPPS and WGIC will demonstrate the value and success of the power of public-private partnerships and their collaborative and supportive ‘impact for good’ on both the natural environment and the “Built World.” 

It is important to note that both organizations bring together global private industry with governments to address UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change. The members of WGIC and MAPPS produce innovative technologies, software solutions, and ancillary services for leading industries and governments worldwide. 

WGIC Session – Industry-Academia Collaboration  

Speakers at the WGIC Industry-Academia Collaboration Session at Geo Week 2023 
Speakers at the WGIC Industry-Academia Collaboration Session at Geo Week 2023 

Speakers at the WGIC Industry-Academia Collaboration Session at Geo Week 2023 

February 15, 2023, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM MT, Exhibit Hall Theater 

The potential of geospatial data to influence our lives is immense. Map making, surveying, and data analysis are crucial skills that future professionals must learn. During this session, WGIC will discuss the role of education pipelines and the actual needs of those hiring to grow the geospatial workforce.  

The event will also discuss strategies for growing the workforce in an impactful and valuable way for the industries it serves. 

Other Activities by WGIC at Geo Week 

Exhibition – WGIC will participate in the exhibition and will have its booth. In the exhibition, WGIC will consult and interact with private sector companies and partners to build new collaborations and develop meaningful partnerships. 

WGIC's Booth at Geo Week 2023 Exhibition
WGIC’s Booth at Geo Week 2023 Exhibition

If you are interested in joining WGIC and learning more about the partnership opportunities, please visit us at Booth #1108. 

Member Meeting – On February 14 (2:00 – 4:00 PM – Room No: 109), WGIC will organize its Quarterly Board Meeting at Geo Week 2023. It will be an invite-only meeting for WGIC members. After the Board Meeting, starting at 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM in Room No: 109, there will be a Networking Reception. This reception will also be on-invite only for WGIC Members and Partners. 

*If you are part of the WGIC Member organizationRSVP here so we can confirm your participation at the meeting and reception. 

WGIC is also offering a Member Lounge (Room No: 604) facility on a first-come, first-served basis, available from 13-15 February. Here you can wind down during the busy week, grab a coffee, meet and greet other Members, and have your brief meetings.