Mapping Leaders Forum 2023

IMIA gathered in person on June 7-8 for our Mapping Leaders Forum in Denver, Colorado. Keeping with our goals of advancing education and business networking, this event combined interesting presentations with panel discussions and networking breaks, allowing attendees to meet new members and catch up with industry colleagues.

We excitedly introduced Partner Day on June 7. This additional day was led by IMIA sponsors East View Companies, Harper Collins, MapSherpa, and National Geographic Maps.

• Morning Session: Programming in the morning featured presentations on the latest company initiatives, future plans, engagement opportunities, product showcases, partner and customer profiles and success stories.
• Afternoon Panel Discussions: Two Panel Discussion sessions on how the featured partners work with others to bring products to market, and key trends and opportunities in the industry.

Evening Cocktail Reception: At Peaks Lounge (27th floor of Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center), sponsored by Mapping Specialists & NextByte Technologies.

There was a variety of speaking formats including brief “lightning talks” that focused on a specific product or aspect of the business, presentations led by experienced professionals across the industry, panel discussions, and two keynote presentations; Diversifying the face of GIS by Raynah Kamau and GeoEthics in Mapping by Aileen Buckley and Dr. Alex Kent which reviewed prevalent industry topics followed by engaging Q&A sessions.

industry trends • new products (print or digital) • new tech development • progressing government initiatives • geospatial data management • mapping for outdoor recreation • and more.