GeoIgnite 2025: Get Ready for a Power-Packed Pre-Conference Day on May 12
GeoIgnite 2025 is just around the corner, and the pre-conference day on May 12 is shaping up to be a great start to Canada’s premier geospatial leadership conference. The event, popularly known as Canada’s National Geospatial Leadership Conference, is taking place from May 12-14, 2025, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.
The pre-conference day is packed with a wide range of activities – from workshops to discussion forums to exciting networking opportunities – setting the stage for the following two days of innovation and collaboration. Whether you are interested in free programs or ticketed workshops, there’s something for everyone, but be sure to check the schedule and ticket requirements to make the most of your experience!
Free Programs:
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9 AM: Canada’s Geospatial Future: Innovation & Self-Reliance – This open forum invites all attendees to engage in discussions on Canada’s path toward greater self-reliance in the geospatial sector, particularly in light of emerging trade conflicts, including the recent U.S. tariffs, and evolving global geopolitical shifts. The forum will explore strategies to strengthen Canada’s technological capabilities and reduce reliance on external sources, with a focus on fostering innovation, security, and growth.
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11 AM: CCMEO Virtual Student Hackathon Results – CCMEO and GoGeomatics Canada have challenged Canadian students to use GEO.ca, Canada’s open geospatial data platform, to create innovative solutions. At GeoIgnite, the top three teams will present their solutions, followed by the announcement of the winning team.
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1 PM: OGC Canada Forum: Join the OGC Canada Forum to explore key topics like Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) and the integration of BIM with GIS. Experts from industry, academia, Indigenous organizations, and government will discuss the impact of these technologies on Canada’s built environment and how OGC standards enhance interoperability and innovation. Open to all Canadian organizations.
Ticketed Programs:
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8:30 AM: Elevating Your Impact: From Technical Expert to Strategic GIS Leader – A half-day workshop to help GIS professionals transition from technical expertise to strategic leadership in GIS.
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9 AM: The Attuned Leader: Mastering Leadership in the Geospatial Arena – A leadership development program for emerging and mid-level geospatial professionals.
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9:30 AM: BIM & GIS: Smarter Data, Smarter Decisions – Learn how the convergence of BIM, GIS, and Digital Twins is transforming industries.
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12 PM: Geospatial Insights Over Lunch – Bridging the Two Solitudes: The Future of Canada’s Geospatial Industry – A lunchtime discussion exploring the relevance of the “Two Solitudes” concept in Canada’s geospatial ecosystem today, examining the risks of new silos and how collaboration across provinces and sectors can strengthen Canada’s geospatial industry in the face of global shifts.
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12:30 PM: bSC Foundational Certification & ISO 19650 Compliance – Gain an in-depth overview of buildingSMART Certification and ISO 19650 compliance.
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1 PM: Point Cloud Processing and Terrain Analysis in Global Mapper Pro – A hands-on workshop exploring 3D and terrain analysis features in Global Mapper Pro.
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3 PM: BIM-GIS Integration Workflow with Open-source Tools – Learn how to integrate BIM and GIS using open-source tools.
Networking & Socials:
- 6:30 PM: Navigating the Future: Geospatial Insights & Live Music – Enjoy high-level discussions on economic security, environmental resilience, and global collaboration, followed by live music at Rainbow Bistro in Ottawa’s ByWard Market.
Don’t miss out on the chance to engage with geospatial leaders and immerse yourself in the innovative technologies shaping the future of Canada’s geospatial sector.
About GeoIgnite
GeoIgnite is Canada’s premier geospatial conference, bringing together top professionals, government representatives, and researchers to explore the latest in geospatial technologies. The event addresses global challenges like climate change, urban development, and resource management, and fosters collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange. To learn more about GeoIgnite 2025, please visit geoignite.ca.
If you are attending GeoIgnite, you may find this handy: How to Make the Most Out of GeoIgnite
