30th Anniversary Symposium and Commemorative Celebration

Navigating the Geospatial Frontier: Future Directions for Academia and its Partners

June 23-27, 2025 | University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY

The University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) will host its annual symposium on June 23-27, 2025 on the campus of the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. The event will also be a celebration commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Consortium’s establishment.

The theme of the symposium is Navigating the Geospatial Frontier: Future Directions for Academia and its Partners, acknowledging the opportunities and challenges faced by all of us – both inside and out of higher education - in an increasingly multidisciplinary and rapidly evolving field.

In this spirit, UCGIS invites participation from all sectors of the global geospatial community, welcoming contributions by individuals from both member and non-member academic institutions as well as representatives from its partner organizations and government, non-government and private sector affiliates as we both reflect on accomplishments of the higher education community in geographic information science research and education - and chart a path forward for the future role of academia with its partners in the broader geospatial ecosystem.

The Symposium will feature an engaging three-day program combining plenary speakers, paper presentations and poster sessions, with interactive breakout sessions and larger group discussions around key emerging issues in the field. The event will be preceded by a day of pre-symposium workshops and board, committee and fellow activities, and followed by a day of additional post-symposium workshops and field trip opportunities. Social events will provide opportunity to explore historic downtown Laramie and excursions farther afield will provide access to the neighboring Medicine Bow Mountains and Laramie Range.

Important Dates

• December 20: Call for Participation Open - Click Here to Submit
• February 1: Registration Open
• March 2: Deadline for abstract submissions and workshop proposals
• March 15: Decisions announced
• April 21: Preliminary program
• April 30: Early registration deadline

The Venue

The symposium will take place in Laramie, Wyoming, locally hosted by the University of Wyoming School of Computing/Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center. Most events will take place on the University of Wyoming campus at either the UW Conference Center or the Wyoming Union. Off-site social events are planned for the Historic Laramie Train Deport and the Ivinson Mansion Alice Hardy Stevens Center. Additional social events and field trips will explore the nearby Medicine Bow National Forest.

Preliminary Schedule of Events (subject to change)

Monday, June 23

Pre-Symposium Workshops

Board / Committees Retreat

Fellows Institute (afternoon; hybrid)

Welcome Reception (evening)

Tuesday, June 24

Symposium Day One (8a-5p)

Student Poster Session and Reception

Wednesday, June 25

Symposium Day Two (8a-5p)

30th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Presentation

Thursday, June 26

Symposium Day Three (8a-4p)

Optional in-town and mountain events

Friday, June 27

Post-Symposium Workshops and Field Trips

(Half- and Full-Day)