June 2nd and 3rd, 2027 · Cleveland Botanical Garden

The Ohio Valley Chapter of GPN (formerly URISA) and Northeast Ohio Geospatial Education and Outreach (NEOGEO) have teamed up with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, OGRIP, and GUONO to bring you the 16th annual 2027 Great Lakes GeoSymposium.

Bringing together GIS professionals, researchers, educators, practitioners, and enthusiasts from across the Great Lakes region, this event aims to share ideas, tools, and inspiration to shape the future of geospatial work.

The Great Lakes GeoSymposium has become one of the region's premier geospatial events because it emphasizes real-world solutions, professional networking, and practical learning. In last year's attendee survey:

• 100% rated the conference Good or Excellent

• 97% said they would recommend it to a colleague

• Nearly 90% said they plan to return

• Attendees consistently praised the welcoming atmosphere, outstanding networking opportunities, and immediately applicable presentations.

What You'll Experience

• Discover Emerging Technologies
  Explore advances in GIS, spatial analytics, artificial intelligence, automation, digital twins, cloud GIS, remote sensing, drones, and data visualization.

• Learn from Real-World Success Stories
  Hear how organizations across government, utilities, private industry, education, and nonprofit sectors are solving today's toughest challenges using geospatial technology.

• Develop Practical Skills
  Attend technical sessions, workshops, demonstrations, and discussions designed to provide techniques, workflows, and ideas you can immediately apply.

• Connect with the GIS Community
  Meet colleagues from across the Great Lakes region, exchange best practices, build professional relationships, and discover new collaboration opportunities.

• Explore Innovative Solutions
  Visit exhibitors showcasing the latest GIS software, hardware, field technologies, cloud platforms, and geospatial services.

Featured Topics

Based on attendee feedback and emerging industry trends, the 2027 Symposium will be targeting presentations and discussions on topics including:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for GIS

• GIS Leadership and Program Management

• ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Enterprise GIS

• Programming, Automation, and Python

• Digital Twins and 3D GIS

• Cartography and Advanced Visualization

• Emergency Management and Public Safety

• Utilities and Infrastructure Management

• Field Data Collection and Mobile GIS

• StoryMaps and Public Engagement

• Remote Sensing, Drone, and LiDAR Applications

• Land Records, Parcel Fabric, and Addressing

• Broadband Mapping and Infrastructure Planning

• Data Governance, Policy, and Emerging GIS Technologies

When & Where

• Dates: June 2‑3, 2026

• Location: Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland, Ohio

Set within one of Cleveland's most beautiful venues, the Botanical Garden provides an inspiring setting for learning, networking, and collaboration. Attendees consistently rank the venue among the conference's greatest strengths. Enjoy a beautiful setting, easy access to city amenities, engaging indoor and outdoor spaces, and an environment that inspires exploration.

Who Should Attend?

This Symposium is for anyone interested in geospatial technologies, including GIS analysts and developers, environmental scientists, urban planners, policymakers, educators, students, nonprofit and community organizations, and private sector innovators.

Whether you're looking to expand your technical skills, explore emerging technologies, discover innovative workflows, or build lasting professional connections, the 2027 Great Lakes GeoSymposium is where the Great Lakes geospatial community comes together to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of GIS.