GIS Leadership Academy

Five Days of Targeted GIS Leadership Training...Taught by GIS Leaders

Grab a seat at this popular five-day training program which explores topics ranging from GIS strategic planning and team building to change management, resource allocation, ROI, ethics, and capacity building.

Instructors, all GISPs, are experienced GIS professionals who have successfully navigated the challenges of increased leadership and management responsibilities in a technical field. Class size is intentionally limited to facilitate discussion and interaction .

Earn substantial GISP® Education Points! Attending the GIS Leadership Academy earns 40 hours of Education for GISP Certification or Renewal.

In 2025, the GLA will be presented in Chicago, Illinois in June and in Savannah, Georgia in December. Registration will open in January. A virtual GLA is not currently being planned in 2025, due to the very busy GPN educational calendar.

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 AGLA will be presented in November in New Orleans. Click here for details.

Are you poised to take on more responsibility at work?

Do you have up and coming superstars on your team who would benefit from targeted GIS leadership and management training?

Studies show that the younger generation places great value on the ability to learn and grow in their position. How are you supporting your GIS staff's professional growth? What are you doing to attract and retain employees?

What GLA Graduates Say

Participate

The GIS Leadership Academy has enjoyed steady and enthusiastic participation since it was first presented in 2007. Since then, more than 2,000 GIS professionals have attended the specialized five-day GIS leadership and management training program that focuses on:

GIS leadership and management techniques
GIS strategic planning
Successful team development
Organizational capacity building and sustainability strategies (ROI, innovative funding ideas)
Program investment and justification
Resource allocation
Change management
Situation assessment and organizational performance evaluation
Ethics and professional challenges
Problem solving

“There is a perception that when someone transitions from a technical role to a leadership role they will immediately be just as successful and competent as a leader as they were with the technology. The GLA prepares employees for that transition to ensure their success.” - Brett Horr, GISP, Corporate GIS Manager, Terracon Data Solutions

Registration

The 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; four lunches (Monday-Thursday); one evening reception; and refreshments. The GLA will conclude no later than 12:00 PM on Friday to accommodate departures on Friday afternoon/evening to help keep travel expenses down. Review the agenda.

Consider tailoring this template to assist with gaining employer approval to attend the GLA.

Significant discounts are offered to GPN members. Be sure to also take advantage of early bird discounts (until April 14 for Chicago; until October 6 for Savannah).

Cancellation & Refund Policy: All cancellations must be received in writing (via e-mail) at GPN Headquarters on or before May 9 (Chicago) and November 7 (Savannah) in order to receive a refund, less a $100.00 processing fee. After those dates, cancelled registrations will not be refunded nor applied to future conferences.

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.

“The value of attending the GIS Leadership Academy as a management team cannot be understated. The subjects covered provide our managers a common framework to influence our organization in a cohesive way and gave us tools for making better decisions together. We used the Academy as a management team-building retreat and we highly suggest management teams attend as a group.” - Kevin Haynes, Christy Jacobs and Anita Brown - SC Army National Guard

GPN Member

Nonmember

Early registration rates until April 14

Early $1,500

Regular $1,700

Early $1,700

Regular $1,900

Early rates until October 6

Early $1,500

Regular $1,700

Early $1,700
Regular $1,900

Continue for hotel information and reservation links.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Demonstrate your organization's commitment to professional development for GIS leaders by sponsoring the GIS Leadership Academy. Contact Wendy Nelson if your organization is interested in supporting this phenomenal program. Consider a refreshment break or networking reception sponsorship!

Hotel Reservations


Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown 600 North State Street Chicago, Illinois 60654 This is the venue in which the AGLA took place in 2024. Participants loved the location!	Desoto Hotel Savannah 15 Liberty Street Savannah, Georgia 31401 Another fantastic location to enjoy all that Savannah has to offer!
Group room rate: $259 Includes complimentary made-to-order breakfast and evening reception. Deadline to reserve room: May 16, 2025	Group room rate: $174 (limited # of government rate rooms for those who qualify - email for the link.) Deadline to reserve room: November 7, 2025
online reservations link	ONLINE RESERVATIons link