X
10 Rate this article:
No rating

What We're Looking Forward to at Esri UC 2026

Erin Eckles

Every year, the Esri User Conference brings together thousands of geospatial professionals to explore new technologies, share ideas, and learn how organizations are solving complex challenges with GIS.

For many members of the NV5 team, attending Esri UC is an annual tradition. Some have attended for more than 15 years. Others will be experiencing the conference for the very first time. Together, their perspectives offer an interesting snapshot of where the geospatial industry has been and where it’s headed next.

From Mapping Technology to Enterprise Decision-Making

One theme emerged consistently across our team: geospatial technology has evolved far beyond maps.

“When I first started attending, explaining what GIS was could be difficult. Today, nearly every industry is using geospatial technology in some way.”

— Mark Congdon, Director of Asset Management Solutions

That shift is reflected not only in who uses GIS, but in how it’s used. What was once considered a specialized technical discipline has become an essential platform for operational awareness, planning, asset management, infrastructure resiliency, and enterprise decision making.

As Cherie Tyrrell, Senior Manager of Account Management, notes, GIS, remote sensing, and analytics have become increasingly interconnected, helping organizations develop a richer operational picture and make decisions faster and with greater confidence.

AI Will Be Everywhere, But Practicality Matters

If there’s one topic expected to dominate conversations at this year’s conference, it’s AI. From GeoAI and agent-based systems to deep learning and workflow automation, AI continues to reshape how organizations work with geospatial data.

But the conversations have matured. Customers are no longer asking whether AI is important. They’re asking how to apply it effectively.

“Customers are definitely AI-curious, but they’re approaching it thoughtfully. They’re looking for ways to automate repetitive tasks, accelerate analysis, and improve workflows while keeping humans firmly in the loop.”

— Cherie Tyrrell, Senior Manager of Account Management

“What does AI in geospatial really mean? How is your company using AI? Does it replace jobs or improve efficiency?”

— Joey Griebel, Software Account Executive, NV5 Geospatial Software

For NV5, the focus remains on practical implementation and helping organizations connect AI capabilities to real operational outcomes.

The Challenge Isn’t More Data, It’s Connecting What You Already Have

Esri UC conference

While AI may be generating the headlines, many organizations continue to face a more fundamental challenge: turning existing data into actionable intelligence. Across industries, teams are struggling with disconnected systems, siloed workflows, and fragmented information.

 

“Many customers are trying to connect siloed data and workflows. The challenge isn’t collecting more data; it’s turning existing data into actionable intelligence that can be used across the organization.”

— Cherie Tyrrell, Senior Manager of Account Management

“The technology exists. But bringing everything together in a connected workflow often seems to be the bigger challenge.”

— Meg Dobson, attending her first Esri UC

Whether the discussion is asset management, digital twins, engineering workflows, AI, or enterprise GIS, the goal remains the same: connecting people, data, and processes to support better decisions.

The Rise of 3D, Digital Twins, and Operational Outcomes

Several members of our team expect growing interest in 3D asset management, BIM integration, digital twins, and connected operational environments.

According to Congdon, organizations are increasingly moving beyond traditional 2D mapping and embracing 3D representations of assets and facilities. These approaches make inspections, maintenance, work orders, and operational planning more intuitive and effective.

At the same time, Steve Mulberry, Geospatial Innovations Strategist, believes the industry’s focus should remain on outcomes.

 

“Operational outcomes are what we should all be focused on and let the technology and data help us get there.”

— Steve Mulberry, Geospatial Innovations Strategist

3D and digital twins

Why We Keep Coming Back

For all the excitement around emerging technology, the most common answer to one question was surprisingly simple: What are you most looking forward to at Esri UC? The answer wasn’t AI. It was people.

Reconnecting with customers. Meeting new partners. Learning from peers. Sharing ideas. Building relationships. For many on our team, that’s what makes Esri UC special.

“The technology is always exciting, but the relationships are one of the things that make Esri UC special year after year.”

— Cherie Tyrrell, Senior Manager of Account Management

“Connecting is the most important activity for the UC. The technology changes. The relationships are lasting.”

— Steve Mulberry, Geospatial Innovations Strategist

Let’s Connect at Esri UC

Whether you’re exploring GeoAI, digital twins, 3D asset management, advanced remote sensing, enterprise GIS, or ways to connect data across your organization, we’d love to talk.

Stop by the NV5 booth to meet our team, share your challenges, and learn how we’re helping organizations transform geospatial data into operational outcomes.

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego!

 

New ENVI Agent, IDL Agent, and GeoAgent Quick Guides New ENVI Agent, IDL Agent, and GeoAgent Quick Guides Using ENVI and IDL Agents with Your Own API Keys Using ENVI and IDL Agents with Your Own API Keys