Did attending the GIS Leadership Academy inspire you to learn more?
The Advanced GIS Leadership Academy is the next step for geospatial professionals - from all disciplines - who are looking to improve their leadership skills and guide their organizations to geospatial excellence.
The GIS Leadership Academy has been presented regularly since 2007. Nearly 2,000 individuals have attended. Some have attended two or three times as their circumstances (a new employer or promotion perhaps) have changed! Regularly receiving five-star reviews from attendees, the training program has grown through word-of-mouth recommendations. Some organizations include the GLA as a key part of their staff development and retention plans.
After much discussion and planning, we are pleased to introduce the Advanced GIS Leadership Academy (AGLA) designed for those who have attended the GLA and are ready for more.
The inaugural Advanced GIS Leadership Academy took place in Chicago and was a hit! This year's AGLA will take place November 3-7, 2025 in New Orleans.
Continue developing your leadership skills.
Delve deeper into the topics introduced in the GLA.
Get hands-on real-world experience and learn about the tools you need to launch your organization's geospatial success story!
Many GLA graduates have been waiting for this opportunity and we expect to reach capacity quickly.
Attendance at the AGLAearns substantial GISP® Education Points.
Why Attend?
I left the AGLA with a renewed confidence, in my skills, my abilities, and that the issues that I face are not just unique to me or my department. The AGLA provided us with tools and experience from other manager's careers to bolster our own. - Carley Fitzgerald, GISP, Geographic Information Systems Manager, Highlands County BCC, Florida
I highly recommend the URISA Advanced GIS Leadership Academy for anyone looking to refine their leadership skills and enhance their project management approaches within the GIS field. The AGLA provides invaluable insights into optimizing workflows, building effective teams, and addressing critical topics like data governance and ethics, all while fostering a collaborative environment with other GIS professionals. - Micah Williamson, GISP, Geospatial Group Manager, Maurer-Stutz, Inc., Illinois
If you liked the GLA, you'll love the AGLA. There is so much more to learn, especially relating to time and workload management. - Yves Léger, GISP, GIS Manager, City of Saint John, New Brunswick Canada
Afternoon: The AGLA will begin at 1:00 PM Central Time, allowing an opportunity for travel that morning (less time away from home).
Overview & Introductions
Wall of Pain
AGLA Charter
Tuesday
Program Management vs Project Management
Project Management Approaches
Work Plan
Work Tracking and Visualization
Evening Reception
Wednesday
Operational Kanban
ROI
Roadmapping
Change Management
Thursday
Managing Remote/Hybrid Teams
Data Governance
AI & Ethics
Cyber Security
Friday
Morning: The AGLA will end on or before 12:00 PM Central Time, allowing an opportunity for travel that afternoon (less time away from home).
Revisit – Wall of Opportunity
Challenges– Affinity Mapping/Lean Coffee
Wildly Important Goals (WIGs)
Graduation
Registration - early bird discounts until September 1
The Advanced GIS Leadership Academy includes interactive exercises, small-group discussions, team-building activities, and opportunities to delve into topics in a way you cannot do at a large conference. Participation is intentionally limited in order to encourage such interaction.
Register early to reserve your spot and take advantage of discounts. The registration fee includes all five days of education and materials; refreshment breaks; lunches (Tuesday-Thursday); and one evening reception. The AGLA will conclude no later than 12:00 PM on Friday to accommodate departures on Friday and keep travel expenses down.
Consider tailoring this template to assist
with gaining employer approval to attend the AGLA.
Significant discounts are offered to GPN members, in addition to early bird registration discounts.
Cancellation & Refund Policy: All cancellations must be received in writing (via email) at GPN Headquarters on or before September 15 in order to receive a refund, less a $100 processing fee. After September 15, cancelled registrations will not be refunded nor applied to future events.
Team Registration: Save money by registering your entire team at a substantial discount. If registering 2 or more individuals from the same organization, each additional registration after the first will be discounted $200 regardless of membership and date of registration. All
team registrations must be submitted together along with payment to receive the discount.
Demonstrate your organization's commitment to professional development for GIS leaders by sponsoring the Advanced GIS Leadership Academy. Contact Wendy Nelson if your organization is interested in supporting this phenomenal program. Consider a refreshment break or networking reception sponsorship!
Venue & Travel
The AGLA will take place at the International House Hotel (221 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130). GPN has negotiated a group sleeping room rate of only $199. The group rate will be available until October 2, 2025 or until the block has been depleted (whichever comes first).
International House is located two blocks from the French Quarter, in the historic Central Business District. From a perfect location and amazing architecture to Banksy artwork and iconic dining, this boutique hotel is a 'destination in itself'. Check out some of the hotel's highlights. Make your plans early, as the word is out about the AGLA in NOLA!
We're looking forward to sharing this new leadership program with you for years to come!
Inaugural AGLA Graduates (Chicago - August 2024)
Meet the Facilitators & Organizing Committee
Our facilitators, all GISPs, are experienced GIS professionals who have successfully navigated the challenges of increased leadership and management responsibilities in a technical field. They are veteran GLA faculty members who have continued to advance in their careers and are passionate about supporting the community. Learn more about this program, how it differs from the GLA you already attended, and what to expect. Hear directly from the AGLA facilitators - a GIS "Dream Team" - who have collaborated to develop the much-anticipated program during this open session. Meet the AGLA Facilitators.
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