Conference Update

After careful consideration of the current pandemic, the tough decision has been made: Fall NEARC 2020 will be a virtual event. Although we are sad we can’t be together in person, a virtual conference will provide a way for us to learn and connect without jeopardizing anyone’s health or safety.
 
The Host Committee and NEARC Board are developing a format, schedule and fee structure for the virtual event which will include presentations, networking options, value for exhibitors and sponsors, and of course, some social and networking fun!
 
The Host Committee welcomes new members as well as ideas and suggestions (this is all new!). Please contact Katie Grillo (kgrillo@cambridgema.gov) or Emily Wilson (emily.wilson@uconn.edu) to join or share your thoughts.
 
The deadline for abstract submissions has been extended to August 17. While the host committee is working on the exact format of the virtual conference, the general submission types can be found on the Call for Presentations page. The precise details of schedule and presentation length will be communicated with presenters as soon as possible.

About Fall NEARC

NEARC is not just for the GIS faithful. Yes, NEARC is for GIS practitioners, but NEARC is for anyone who wants to see the value GIS technology brings to their own environment and the world. This conference is very valuable for new users as well as those who have been using GIS for many years.

If you are going to attend NEARC this fall, you might consider also bringing along your Supervisor, Town Manager, DPW Director, IT Director, and your Finance Manager; anyone who would benefit from seeing the value of GIS first hand. You will absolutely walk away saying "NEARC is worth every penny!"

What Learning Opportunities Will I Find at NEARC?

There are several different kinds of learning opportunities available to you at a NEARC conference:

• Technical training from Esri – Learn the tips & tricks of Esri software directly from Esri technical staff. Try out different extensions at the "Collaboration Center". Hear about the Esri vision and road map from Esri leadership.
• User to user sessions – Users helping users is key. GIS is a community of people who are open and helpful. You will connect with an amazing group of people eager to share knowledge no matter what your role in GIS is. There will be many different presentations from users that have been successful with GIS in projects for their organizations. These presentations are organized into ‘tracks’ so that you can dig more deeply into areas that may be of interest to you. This year’s tracks may include the list below. Final topic areas are still being determined.
  • Public Safety
  • Municipal
  • Education
  • Emerging Technology
  • Natural Resources
  • Mobile Technology
  • Facilities Management
• Community building activities – Often the best person to get advice from is someone who has had similar experiences and solved similar problems in their own world. Over time, the network of relationships you will build by attending NEARC will become a very useful learning community to you. You may also find that you have a lot to offer the community in return.

THANK YOU to our 2020 Fall Conference Host Committee

Shane Bradt, UNH (Host Chair)
Will Schoefmann, City of Keene
Linda Burbank, Unitil
Andrew Smeltz, Nashua RPC
Nate Ward, Terracon
Shawn Herrick, UNH
Sam Lingeman, UNH
Rebecca Llija, USDA
Robert Pruyne, Rockingham PC
Cary Chadwick, UCONN
Anna Johsnton, USDA
Olivia Fraser, USDA
Michael Routhier, UNH
Jamie Gaynor, Terracon
Mark Scott, ESRI
Heather Cabral, N. Attleborough Elec. Dept.
Fash Farashahi, Town of Peterborough
Rick Chorman, NH Dept. of Envir. Services
Esther Olson Murphy, Unitil
Jeffery Olson, Unitil
Carol Cady, St. Lawrence University
Maria Dolce, Bergman
Katie Grillo, City of Cambridge
Mike Doyle, Hilltop Northeast
Mary Young, ESRI
Andrew Makowicki, ESRI
Paul Rooney, ESRI
Nora Lyons, ESRI