Annual Keynote Introductions
Hello Folks, and Happy New Year!
I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and are excited for annual conference season at WLIA! Our fantastic Annual Conference Committee has been hard at work for months, and we are moving into what Coach Vince Lombardi would call “the big push” where everyone is digging deep to make a successful conference. I’m lucky to share some of the great plays we’ve drawn up to get across the goal line in Titletown!
With the privilege of serving as Conference Chair this year, I took to heart the idea of sharing stories. Most importantly, it’s your story that deserves to be brought to the world. Your successes, struggles, hopes, and passions are important to Wisconsin’s land information community. My hope is that this conference inspires you to Leap Into Your Story more often and to reap the benefits!
We announced our keynote speakers last week, and each speaker takes storytelling to heart in their lives. Here are a few reasons why I am excited that they are visiting us in Green Bay.
Xan Fredericks, an ambassador for the National Geospatial Program at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), serves as a guide for geospatial professionals through the GIS Leadership Academy and Mentoring Network at the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA). While explaining the work of USGS, Xan will share lessons she’s learned while becoming the person and geospatial leader she is today.
Michael Perry looks to his hometown of New Auburn, Wisconsin, a 1950s International Harvester pick-up truck and myriad other subjects to spin them into bestselling stories for readers across the globe. His roots in the Chippewa Valley have long introduced the nuances of Wisconsin life to people in print, over the airwaves through nationally syndicated Tent Show Radio, and on the stage with his band The Long Beds. He will share how he draws stories and joy from “the middle of nowhere.”
Ginny Mason leads the mapping team at S&P Global Commodity Insights in sharing news and stories on our planet’s energy resources. I met Ginny while I interned at her previous employer, National Geographic Magazine, where she spearheaded award-winning maps on endless topics. She has also served as a leader in the mapping world through the North American Cartographic Information Society and is a Badger! She will share tales from her mapping journey.
You can read more about Xan, Michael and Ginny on our blog. Conference registration is open, so I encourage you all to make plans to visit Green Bay February 27th to March 1st! Stay tuned for more cozy conference reading in the next few days.
Also, we're in the playoffs! Go Pack Go!
Sincerely,
Colter J. Sikora
WLIA President-Elect & Conference Chair