Students in Spatial Sciences Institute academic programs are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities to participate in conferences and meetings presented by associations and organizations where SSI has a presence. These and other conferences are where you can make professional connections that could lead to your career trajectories.
A big highlight for me attending the USGIF GEOINT Symposium was discussing, learning about, and interacting with geospatial technology and service providers in the Exhibit Hall. I learned something new at every booth I visited. Seeing the tech in-person added tangibility to our coursework and expanded my mind about what companies and researchers are working on to improve geospatial solutions at all levels.
— Jonathan Palmer, M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence student
Esri User Conference
Thousands of Esri users and other GIS professionals from around the world gather in July each year at the San Diego Convention Center to explore new Esri releases. In its plenary sessions, workshops and vibrant Expo, you can learn what’s being offered in industry, government, non-profits and other organizations.
SSI is an Esri Innovation Program partner and participates in the User Conference Academic Fair, has a booth in the Expo and hosts a reception for SSI alumni, students and friends. Look for SSI faculty and alumni on the program.
In addition attending the UC with a student registration rate, you can also apply to be an Esri UC student assistant. The roles of student assistants are to help Esri staff with attendee registration, technical session monitoring, conference logistics and the Esri Store.
The student assistant benefits include:
- Full registration to the conference
- Hotel accommodations
- Per diem allowance for meals (you only pay for your travel and personal expenses)
- The latest updates in GIS technology
- A chance to surround yourself with like-minded GIS users/professionals
- Being immersed with industry leaders
USGIF GEOINT Symposium
The attendees at the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) annual GEOINT Symposium are industry experts, government officials and thought leaders who explore the cutting-edge technologies, emerging trends and innovative applications in support of the importance of geospatial intelligence.
The USGIF has accredited the USC Spatial Sciences Institute academic programs in human security and geospatial intelligence, and USC SSI is an academic program partner of USGIF.
SSI faculty and alumni regularly appear on the program. We maintain a booth in the Exhibit Hall and host a get-together for SSI alumni, students and friends attending the GEOINT Symposium.
Our students and alumni have participated in the GEOINT Symposium as scholarship winners, recipients of the Golden Ticket Young Professionals award program, student assistants and poster presenters.
GIS-Pro Conference
The GIS-Pro Conference presented annually by the Geospatial Professional Network (GPN, formerly known as URISA) features a program that is constructed by GPN members who represent the diversity and expertise of GIS professionals across the country.
As an educational institution partner of GPN, we have a booth in the Exhibit Hall and participate in GPN at leadership levels. The GIS-Pro Conference provides an opportunity to network and engage in peer-to-peer interaction.
In addition to attending the GIS-Pro Conference at the student registration rate, you can apply to present a poster, volunteer as a student assistant and take advantage of other student benefits, such as the Vanguard Cabinet.
American Association of Geographers
Spatial Sciences Institute faculty are members of the American Association of Geographers and regularly attend its Annual Meeting.
The AAG annual meeting brings together students, educators, practitioners and partners in the geographic discipline with the resources they need to enter the field, develop their careers and form professional lifelong associations.
SSI students can attend apply to present papers, serve as conference assistants or attend with a student registration rate. Students and regional area alumni are invited to get together with SSI representatives during the AAG Annual Meeting.
