Beyond the Booth: A Week of Innovation, Collaboration, and Connection at Esri User Conference 2026
Written by: Gulsen Karaman-Veziroglu
...On California Climate Change Disclosure Rules
Written by Leslie Wong and Hussein Sayani
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Leslie Wong
Senior Associate
lwong@langan.com
Hussein Sayani
Senior Project Manager
hsayani@langan.com
Gulsen Karaman-Veziroglu Marketing Manager, Digital Solutions
Innovation Around Every Corner
Walking through the expo hall, attending technical sessions, and exploring the Map Gallery offered an exciting look at where GIS technology is heading.
Artificial intelligence continued to be one of the biggest themes throughout the conference, with organizations exploring ways to automate workflows, accelerate analyses, and uncover insights faster than ever before.
Digital twins also remained a major focus, demonstrating how organizations connect GIS, BIM, operational systems, and real-time data to better manage infrastructure, facilities, and communities.
No matter the topic, one sentiment persisted throughout the conference: technology is most impactful when it solves real business challenges. Organizations are seeking integrated solutions that improve collaboration, eliminate disconnected data, and help teams make better, more confident decisions.
These are the same principles that continue to guide the work we do at Langan.
Every July, the Esri User Conference brings together the global GIS community to explore new ideas, discover emerging technologies, and connect with professionals who are shaping the future of geospatial innovation. This year’s conference in San Diego was no exception.
For Langan’s Digital Solutions team, the 2026 conference was an inspiring week filled with meaningful conversations, knowledge sharing, and opportunities to demonstrate how GIS continues to transform planning, infrastructure, asset management, and operations. From the energy on the expo floor to technical presentations and networking events, the conference reinforced one simple idea: the future of GIS is more connected than ever.
Bringing the GIS Community Together
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Esri User Conference is the opportunity to connect with people from across the industry.
Throughout the week, our team welcomed clients, partners, and conference attendees to the Langan booth, where conversations centered on the challenges organizations are facing today and the innovative ways GIS is helping solve them. We also had the chance to reconnect with clients, meet teams exploring enterprise GIS strategies, and exchange ideas with professionals representing transformation, utilities, higher education, government, commercial real estate, and more.
One of the highlights of the week was hosting our annual Client Social, where clients, partners, and Langan team members came together in a more relaxed setting to continue conversations beyond the conference floor. It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships, form new connections, and celebrate the collaborative spirit that defines the GIS community.
Beyond the booth and networking events, the conference created countless opportunities to collaborate, learn from peers, and build relationships that will continue long after the event.
Sharing Knowledge Through Technical Presentations
Another conference highlight was seeing members of the Langan Digital Solutions team contribute to the Esri User Conference technical program.
The team’s presentations showcased practical applications of GIS and digital solutions that can help organizations connect data, improve workflows, and make more informed decisions. Rather than focusing on technology for technology’s sake, our sessions emphasized real-world strategies that support planning, operations, and long-term asset management.
The engaging discussions that followed each presentation reflected the growing demand for solutions that link GIS, enterprise systems, and operational workflows, and reminded us that sharing experiences is as valuable as discovering new technology.
Investing in the Next Generation of GIS Leaders
The conference also highlighted the importance of supporting and developing the next generation of GIS professionals.
We were especially proud to see Vivian Leilani Shay, GISP-E, representing Langan through her involvement with the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN). In addition to serving as a YPN Ambassador, Vivian also presented at the conference where she shared her expertise and innovative ideas to inspire collaboration and fresh perspectives across the Esri community.
Seeing our team actively engaged—not only as attendees but also presenters, contributors, and community members—reflects Langan’s commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and industry advancement.
Memorable Moments Beyond the Sessions
While the conference was filled with learning opportunities, some of the most memorable moments happened between sessions.
Whether reconnecting with clients, making new connections, exploring innovative exhibits, or spending time with colleagues, the Esri User Conference continues to demonstrate the strength of the global GIS community.
One particularly special moment for our team was the opportunity to connect with Esri founder Jack Dangermond. His vision for the future of GIS continues to inspire organizations to think differently about how location intelligence can solve complex challenges.
These interactions remind us that innovation is not only driven by technology but also by the people who are passionate about making a difference.
Looking Ahead
While it was bittersweet to wrap up another incredible Esri User Conference, we returned home energized by new ideas, valuable conversations, and stronger relationships.
The conference reinforced that GIS continues to evolve beyond mapping into a platform that connects people, data, and business processes. As organizations embrace artificial intelligence, digital twins, enterprise integrations, and smarter operational workflows, the opportunities for innovation continue to grow.
At Langan, we’re excited to help organizations navigate that journey by delivering practical, connected solutions that transform data into actionable insights.
Thank you to those who visited our booth, attended our presentations, or connected with our team—we appreciate every conversation and look forward to continuing them throughout the year.
See you in San Diego for Esri User Conference 2027!