Welcome to your home base for the NSGIC 2022 Midyear Meeting & Innovation Summit!
CLICK HERE for Participant Hub
To gain full access, you must be registered for the event and logged into your Learning Link account with the email you used to register.
Zoom links will be posted on each session in the coming days.
If you have any questions or issues, please reach out to info@nsgic.org.
QUICK LINKS
AGENDA - REGISTRATION - COVID SAFETY - SPONSORSHIP
HOTEL INFO - TRAVEL DETAILS - ABOUT THE AREA - THINGS TO DO - FAQs
ABOUT THE MIDYEAR MEETING
The NSGIC Board of Directors, Conference Steering Group, and staff are excited to welcome many of our members and partners to meet again in person! The 2022 Midyear Meeting & Innovation Summit will be held February 14-17 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, WI, and NSGIC will be leveraging technology to provide for virtual participation as well.
The NSGIC Midyear Meeting provides critical and timely networking opportunities with state and federal officials, industry leaders, and other geospatial organizations. It also offers the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share with colleagues and thought leaders in the geospatial community, as well as to take part in engaging workshops and sessions, such as the Innovation Summit.
The health, safety, and comfort of our meeting attendees are of utmost importance to us as we continue to plan for the hybrid Midyear Meeting. We will be following all guidance in place at the time of the meeting and working closely with venues to ensure full care is given. NSGIC is committed to protecting the health and safety of all attendees.
We understand that not all conference attendees will be able to join us in person. Those participating virtually can expect a rich experience with interactive plenary presentations, access to live chat with other attendees, and additional networking opportunities.
Whether you attend in-person or virtually, the NSGIC Midyear Meeting is the place to continue brewing up geospatial excellence and collaboration for state, local, tribal, and federal GIS policymakers and coordinators, private sector partners and solution-providers, and other leaders in the geospatial ecosystem.
The agenda will consist of:
- Plenary Sessions - presentations by and for the NSGIC community exploring challenges, successes, and new approaches for state GIS
- The Innovation Summit - held Wednesday, February 16, the summit hones in on new and exciting developments in geospatial technology or its applications to keep participants abreast of new trends and future directions (one-day virtual registration for this event is available)
- State Caucus - roundtable discussions with state and local government representatives to talk frankly about current pressing issues; two sessions this year
- GIO Academy - leadership sessions and networking for state government GIOs and equivalents (separate registration is required)
- Speed Networking - the fun and fast-paced activity where sponsors, who have allocated points, will rotate to complete the circuit of visiting with all states
- And much more!
PLENARY KEYNOTE
Ríobart É. (Rob) Breen, Ph.D., Climate Policy Analyst Gloom and Bloom: Climate Change, Useful Technology and Hope: Climate Change science and data trends in the daily news cannot be spun in any honest way to make things look rosy. That is the gloom. And yet, we have been pushing the limits of human cooperation and ingenuity to give us some of the most helpful scientific knowledge and useful digital decision support tools in human history. That is the bloom. We are at the threshold of a new realm of problem solving, and we need to decide together how we will use our new enhanced capabilities in the face of a rapidly changing world. Dr. Breen leads the climate adaptation and communications section responsible for policy, planning and communications at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Climate Change. His team is developing a new online climate adaptation portal with various GIS and other digital tools. Previously, he worked as an environmental policy analyst for the New York State Coastal Management Program focusing on coastal and ocean climate change resilience, and in Arizona, directed conservation programs implementing best practices to address climate-influenced western wildfires via restoring forests, streams and wildlife habitats. He has extensive environmental and natural resources policy and planning experience with local, state, federal and tribal governments, non-profit agencies and academia. His focus areas include climate change adaptation, resilience thinking, behavioral insights, collaborative adaptive governance, and use of decision support tools. He has a Ph.D. in environmental and natural resources policy and administration from Northern Arizona University. Dr. Breen is a lecturer in the Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy Program at the University at Albany (SUNY), where he teaches conservation policy and climate change adaptation. He is a fellow with the ecoregional Anam Circle think tank and is the developer of EarthQuest, a climate change simulation game that uses GIS story maps and digital media to education youth. He lives with his family on a regenerative homestead and small goat farm in upstate New York. |
INNOVATION SUMMIT KEYNOTE
Nursing Home Staff Networks and COVID-19:
Nursing homes account for 40% of US COVID-related fatalities as of August 31, highlighting the urgent need to reduce SARSCoV-2 transmission routes in these facilities. Our large-scale analysis of smartphone location data reports half a million individuals entering a nursing home following the March 13 federal ban on visitors. With 5.1% of these individuals entering two or more facilities, a nursing home snapshot network emerges. More connections, likely arising from contractors and staff working at multiple facilities, are highly predictive of COVID-19 cases, whereas traditional regulatory quality metrics are unimportant in predicting outbreak size. With an estimated 49% of nursing home cases attributable to crossfacility staff movement, attention to highly connected nursing facilities is warranted.
Keith Chen is a Professor of Behavioral Economics at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. His research blurs traditional disciplinary boundaries in both subject and methodology, bringing unorthodox tools to bear on problems at the intersection of Economics, Psychology, and Biology. In early work examining the evolutionary origins of economic behavior, he has shown that when monkeys are taught to use money, they display many of the hallmark biases of human economic behavior, suggesting that some of our most fundamental biases are evolutionarily ancient. Professor Chen's most recent work focuses on how people's economic choices are influenced by the structure of their language. His work has shown that how a person's language encodes future events influences future-oriented behaviors as diverse as saving, smoking, and safe sex. Professor Chen also advises numerous companies on topics at the intersection of behavioral economics, business strategy, and dynamic pricing. Most recently he was the Head of Economic Research for Uber, where among other projects he designed Uber's current "Surge" pricing model.
AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE
*NOTE: Activities shown in white will be for in person attendees only, the colored programming will be offered hybrid.
**Subject to Change
ON-DEMAND CONTENT
In addition to all the great live sessions delivered during the meeting, all registrants will have access to on-demand programming from the NSGIC community. Descriptions and details will be announced as we get closer.
REGISTRATION
Choose to attend the NSGIC Midyear Meeting and Innovation Summit in person or virtually. A full meeting registration includes access to live plenary sessions and other programming during “core hours,” on-demand content, conference app and networking spaces, and access to all recorded sessions post-event on the NSGIC Learning Link.
NOTE: To register, you will need to be a NSGIC member and logged in to your account. Please note all corporate attendees must be sponsors in order to attend NSGIC conferences.
NOT A MEMBER OF NSGIC?
Use this form to kick off the meeting registration process. Once complete, a NSGIC staff member will reach out to you to help complete the process.
RATES & DEADLINES
NOTE: Full meeting registration costs, whether virtual or in-person attendance, will remain the same for the 2022 Midyear Meeting. We have financial reasons for this decision that have implications for our budget. In order to host a successful hybrid event, extra staff is needed on-site, as well as additional technology and logistics to support the hybrid experience. These come at a cost, and although virtual folks won't be eating meals on-site, their attendance still has a very real cost to producing the event.
JUSTIFICATION TO ATTEND
If you need a little extra help getting approval to attend the meeting, consider downloading and customizing one of these Justification to Attend letters.
CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY
Cancellation of your registration must be received in writing by Friday, January 21 to qualify for a full refund of registration fees paid. Cancellations received in writing between January 22 and February 11 will result in a $50 administrative fee. Fees cannot be refunded for registrations canceled after February 11.
CONFERENCE GRANTS
For NSGIC state representatives faced with funding challenges, NSGIC offers limited conference grants to fully or partially cover reasonable travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and/or meeting registration fees. For more information, please refer to the conference grant policy and travel policy.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
For the 2022 NSGIC Midyear event, we are soliciting abstracts for both live Plenary and Innovation Summit content, which will be selected on a competitive basis. In addition, pre-recorded On-Demand presentations can be submitted.
Full details and instructions for submitting abstracts can be found on the 2022 Midyear Meeting & Innovation Summit Abstract Page.
SPONSORSHIP
For more information about our current sponsorship opportunities, or for current sponsors who would like to register additional colleagues, please contact Amy Holmes at amy.holmes@nsgic.org.
HOTEL INFO
NSGIC has secured a group block of rooms for our attendees at The Pfister Hotel (424 East Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202), where the meeting will be held. Thank you for booking your hotel room through the NSGIC block; it allows NSGIC to keep registration fees as low as possible and negotiate lower room rates for our participants.
The group rate of $128 plus sales and occupancy taxes (currently 15.5%) will be available to book nights from Friday, February 11 through Thursday, February 17, subject to availability at the time you make your reservation. Room rates are at the government rate. There is limited inventory at the group rate. Once the block is full, current market room rates may apply based on availability.
NOTE: You must be registered to attend the conference* in order to receive the discounted rate. Details on how to reserve a room at the group rate will be included in your confirmation email, after you have completed your registration.
*If you have a special case and need to reserve a hotel room prior to registering for the conference, please email Amy Holmes at amy.holmes@nsgic.org.
COVID SAFETY & UPDATED MASK ORDINANCE
All participants attending the meeting in person will be required to attest to being fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC to attend the 2022 Midyear Meeting & Innovation Summit in person. We are very pleased to be able to offer a virtual meeting experience for those unable to join us in Milwaukee.
We are also planning to provide KN-95 masks and hand sanitizer to in-person participants. As much as possible, we will set meeting rooms to provide attendees with extra space to support social distancing.
NSGIC will continue to evaluate the situation and work with the hotel to implement safety practices recommended by local, state, and federal government agencies at the time of the event. Meeting attendees with special needs will be accommodated as best as possible; please contact Amy Holmes (amy.holmes@nsgic.org) with questions or to request accommodation.
The updated mask ordinance details for Milwaukee can be found on the Milwaukee Health Department’s website.
THE PFISTER HOTEL’S HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSE TO COVID-19
As you enjoy everything The Pfister Hotel offers, please be assured of our continued commitment to your health and safety. Our Pfister Hotel CleanCare Pledge incorporates industry best practices and protocols for cleanliness, sanitization, and operations at The Pfister and its restaurants.
We are grateful for everyone’s understanding and cooperation to stop the spread of Covid-19. As guidance continues to evolve from health and government officials, The Pfister Hotel will make additional gradual adjustments with your safety and comfort always top of mind. Read more here or at the Pfister Hotel’s FAQ Page.
HOTEL PARKING
Self parking is available in the hotel structure located on Mason Street, $29 overnight. Meeting attendees will receive a discounted rate at the hotel. Nearby alternate parking is also available.
AIRPORT & TRANSFER INFO
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Distance to hotel: 9 miles, about a 15 minute drive
Other nearby airports include Madison (MSN) (73.4 miles), Chicago O'Hare (ORD) (73.8 miles), Chicago Midway (MDW) (87.3 miles) and Grand Rapids (GRR) (121.3 miles).
The Pfister Hotel does not have an airport shuttle. However, there are Milwaukee airport shuttles located at the airport luggage claim area, as well as taxis available. More information on airport transfers can be found on the MKE website here.
TRAIN
If you would rather take the train, Amtrak has a stop downtown that is only a few blocks from the hotel.
ABOUT THE AREA
A great place on a great lake! Home to craft breweries, world-famous brands, and the Brewers, there's a reason why Milwaukee is known as the “original brew city”. Milwaukee is a city that cherishes its roots; you'll see revitalized architecture throughout downtown as the city is growing and changing. From major construction projects like a brand new arena and streetcar to the revival of streets and neighborhoods around the city, there's a new energy in the air. Visit the Visit Milwaukee website for more info.
WEATHER
Bring your parka! And if you will be joining us virtually, wear something cozy so we are all feeling comfortable regardless of the weather in our location. The weather in Milwaukee in February is cold with temperatures below freezing. Some days of rain and/or snow in Milwaukee during the month of February can be expected. It’s a good idea to bring along your umbrella so that you don’t get caught in poor weather and to get out your snow boots and mittens to stay warm while you explore the area.
THINGS TO DO
Official Visitors Guide - Milwaukee Map - Milwaukee Deals - COVID-19 Resources
Deer District
Developed on 30 acres of land that formerly was home to the Park East Freeway, Deer District is more than Milwaukee’s premiere location for sports and entertainment, it is Milwaukee’s newest neighborhood – a neighborhood built for Milwaukee to live, work AND play. Featuring Fiserv Forum at the center, the Deer District is a 365-day destination, featuring 150+ events a year and a myriad of dining and entertainment options.
Disney on Ice presents Into the Magic! at Fiserv Forum - February 10-13
Discover why no dream is too big at Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic! Seek adventure in the great wide somewhere with Belle as she explores the Beast’s enchanted castle, experience Moana’s courage to embark on a voyage with demigod Maui to save her island, and sing-along with Miguel from Coco as he follows the music in his heart. Be inspired by Anna’s devotion to her sister Elsa on her journey to the North Mountain to stop the eternal winter, and watch Rapunzel and Flynn go to great lengths to make her dream come true. Celebrate the magic of courage, love and adventure at Disney On Ice! Tickets on sale now!
Sporting Events at Fiserv Forum
If Basketball is your thing, one of the following games might interest you! Upcoming events and ticket sales.
Milwaukee Art Museum
Set along the lakefront, the Milwaukee Art Museum’s far-reaching holdings include more than 25,000 works spanning antiquity to the present day. With a history dating back to 1888, the Museum houses a collection with strengths in 19th- and 20th-century American and European art, contemporary art, American decorative arts, and folk and self-taught art. The Museum includes the Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion, named by Time magazine as “Best Design of 2001”.
Harley-Davidson Museum
Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie and love for the sport. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Theatre District
Milwaukee boasts a theatre district with a lively calendar of performing arts events to rival any city. Take your pick from Shakespeare and Broadway to African dance and international superstars at the new Milwaukee Theatre.
MILLER HIGH LIFE Theatre - Milwaukee’s newest addition transformed a historic building into a legendary attraction.
PABST Theater - From jazz and blues to World music, this venerable theater has it all.
RIVERSIDE Theater- This downtown theater hosts everything from pop to renowned touring productions.
Marcus Performing Arts Center - Ballet, musicals and so much more make this another Milwaukee favorite.
Nightlife
You can dance the night away, take a sunset cruise on the Milwaukee River, or just socialize with friends at Milwaukee’s watering holes. Capitalizing on Milwaukee’s rich history rooted in beer, there is a bar for every taste, from traditional Irish pubs to German-style beer halls to more modern upscale clubs.
Anime Milwaukee (AMKE 2022) is a three-day anime convention held February 11-13, 2022 that operates at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and Wisconsin Convention Center. The event will celebrate and educate fans about anime, manga, Asian culture, music and gaming.
STICKER SWAP
If you will be joining us in person, don't forget about the Sticker Swap! There will be a table setup next to registration. Bring some stickers from your organization to share with members. Take a few, leave a few!
FAQs
Will live sessions and presentations be available to registrants post-event?
Yes! Recorded sessions will be available after the event on the NSGIC Learning Link to registered attendees.
In what time zone will the event be hosted?
All times are posted in CT unless otherwise noted.
Why can’t I view the registration form?
If you have already completed your conference registration and attempt to register again, the page will tell you that you are ineligible to fill out the form. If you have not registered yet, but are still unable to view the form, you may not be an active NSGIC member. Please use this form to kick off the registration process instead.
QUESTIONS?
For all registration, sponsorship and/or membership inquiries, please contact Amy Holmes, Membership Associate, at amy.holmes@nsgic.org.