Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Beyond Technology: Leading Geospatial as an Enterprise System for Community Outcomes

  • When
    September 23, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre - 700 Hespler Road, Cambridge, ON N3H 5L8
  • Spaces left
    69

  Register

  
  

  BeSpatial Ontario is excited to announce the upcoming, in-person event to be held in Cambridge, Ontario on September 23, 2026 at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre.

  BEYOND TECHNOLOGY: LEADING GEOSPATIAL AS AN ENTERPRISE SYSTEM FOR COMMUNITY OUTCOMES

  This is a unique opportunity to gain insight and experience in a variety of fields about the transformative power of location intelligence. Far more than a mere set of tools, geospatial services serve as critical enterprise infrastructure—requiring visionary leadership, strong governance, and intentional design to deliver long-term organizational value.

  This forum challenges leaders to look beyond the technology itself and view GIS as a scalable, enduring enterprise system that aligns perfectly with mission and strategy. Together, we will focus on the practical application of these systems, exploring how leaders can design, govern, and scale GIS to directly support smarter decision-making, efficient service delivery, and impactful organizational outcomes.

  Join us in fostering a community where knowledge is shared, connections are made, and new strategic ideas are born. Your attendance can make a significant impact on driving forward the conversation on how spatial data can empower us all. This full-day event will feature insightful presentations, numerous learning opportunities, and organized networking with local, like-minded individuals.

  Your contribution and support plays a crucial role in supporting this geospatial community event and ensuring its success. 

  Don't miss this unique and informative geospatial event! 

  click here: Agenda and speaker details

  Event Details:

  • Wednesday, September 23, 2026
  • 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre - 700 Hespler Road, Cambridge, ON N3H 5L8

  Breakfast, snacks, lunch, coffee service and social networking is included.

  If you have questions, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs, please contact: Julie Dale - western@bespatialontario.ca

  Not currently a member of BeSpatial Ontario? When you register, you will receive a complimentary 2026 BeSpatial membership!

  Please share this information with your colleagues who may not be aware of BeSpatial events. 

  Benefits of being a BeSpatial member:

  Grow your Geospatial and Information Network

  Being part of the Ontario community connects you to other geospatial and information professionals across multiple sectors. Attending our events, workshops and webinars allows you to meet other users experiencing the same challenges that you face. It's an opportunity to build partnerships and share ideas.

  Receive the Latest News

  As a member of the community, you will receive our regular eNews email blasts, which will keep you up to date on the latest geospatial and information news, events, job postings and more that are happening in Ontario.  

  Earn Professional Credits

  Members earn credits towards professional designations such as the GISP by being members and attending or presenting at Ontario geospatial events.

  Member Discounts and Access to Library of Session Recordings

  Offers discounted member prices to all of our and services such as job postings, webinars and onsite events. Members also have access to past recordings from our webinars and from our annual virtual events (2021-2024).

  Show details
• Open Source GIS Bootcamp: GO VIRTUAL! 2-Day Intensive | Hands-On | Career-Boosting Skills

  • Start
    September 24, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    September 25, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Luna Geospatial
  • Spaces left
    25

  
  

  Open Source GIS Bootcamp
  For those that cannot make in person. Go virtual! 
  2-Day Intensive | Hands-On | Career-Boosting Skills

  Dates:
  September 24th and 25th
  COST: Regular $300 or $250.00 for Bespatial Members|
  DISCOUNT CODE: BESPATIAL26
  LOCATION: Virtual Space

  

  Bootcamp Leader: Cliff Patterson, PhD. CEO, Luna Geospatial, Inc

  Cliff Patterson holds a PhD from the University of Otago’s National School of Surveying (2017) and has over 15 years of experience working with open source GIS. He specializes in spatial database development, remote sensing, and 2D/3D spatial data analysis using spatial SQL. He is an expert with QGIS, GDAL/OGR, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Geoserver, and other open source GIS software. After working for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority for ~4 years, he transitioned to software development and then started Luna Geospatial in 2021. Since then, he has helped dozens of companies and organizations around the world migrate to open source GIS.
  

  Day 1: Foundations of Open Source GIS
  

  • Introduction to the QGIS interface and core functionality
  • Viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data in QGIS
  • Fundamentals of spatial databases with PostgreSQL and PostGIS
  • Writing and executing basic SQL and spatial SQL queries
  • Connecting QGIS to PostGIS for seamless data integration

  Participants will gain practical experience working with real-world data and learn how to build and manage a spatial database environment using open-source tools.

  Day 2: Publishing and Sharing Geospatial Data

  • Overview of the Geoserver interface and capabilities
  • Publishing raster and vector data using Geoserver
  • Introduction to LunaMap for web-based data visualization
  • Best practices for sharing geospatial data on the web
  • Integrating QGIS, PostGIS, and Geoserver into a cohesive workflow

  By the end of Day 2, participants will be able to publish and share geospatial content online, enabling collaboration and data accessibility across teams and organizations.

  Keep the Momentum Going!
  

  The learning doesn’t stop when the bootcamp ends. To support your continued growth and exploration, each participant will receive 15-day access to a cloud-based GIS server, fully pre-configured with all the software and tools used during the course. This extended access allows you to:

  • Reinforce what you’ve learned through hands-on practice
  • Explore additional features and workflows at your own pace
  • Apply your new skills to real-world projects
  • Continue your Open Source GIS journey with confidence

  Whether you're looking to solidify your understanding or take your skills to the next level, this post-course access ensures you have the resources to keep learning, experimenting, and building.

  Interested in offering a Webinar?  Contact Clifford for details.
  
  This BeSpatial Program is brought to you by our Volunteers, our Sponsors and Members Like You. Thank You.

  Show details
• The Executive Influence Lab: For Future Leaders

  • Start
    September 29, 2026
  •  
  • End
    October 01, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Workshop
  • Spaces left
    36
  • Registered
    7 registrants

  Register

  BeSpatial Leadership Academy is pleased to offer:
  The Executive Influence Lab For Future Leaders
  

  Hosted by: Izabela Miller — Growing Curiosity

  Cohort  A: Sept 29th, 30th & Oct 1st
  Tailored For Future Leaders and Managers 

  About the Executive Influence Lab

  The Executive Influence Lab is a hands-on, build-along training series designed specifically for GIS professionals (and future leaders) who are ready to stop being the best-kept secret in their organizations — and begin the journey towards leading with the clarity, strategy, and influence their programs deserve. Built on the framework from The Science of GIS Leadership and 50+ interviews with GIS leaders across government, enterprise, and consulting, this program addresses the three patterns that hold GIS professionals back most consistently:

  • The Translation Gap — how to communicate GIS value in the language executives actually respond to.

  • The Isolation Problem — how to build a strategic roadmap that gives direction, protection, and focus.

  • The Hero Mode Trap — how to build a high-performing team without burning yourself or your people out.

  This is not a passive training. Participants come to each session with pre-work and leave with finished drafts they can use in their organizations the very next day.

  
  What to Expect

  

  

  

  • Three 90-Minute Live Sessions - three sessions per cohort, delivered virtually via Zoom by Izabela Miller. Hands-on build-along format with live hot seats and open Q&A.
  • Participant Workbook - a complete fillable workbook covering all three sessions - pre-work, build-along exercises, homework, and a signed 90-day commitment. Delivered digitally before Session 1.
  • Three Bonus PDFs - the Executive Influence Toolkit, the 90-Day Roadmap Builder, and the Burnout-Proof Leadership Blueprint - delivered to every participant.
  • Hard Copy Book - one copy of The Science of GIS Leadership per participant. 
  • 1-Hour Private Coaching Session - each registered participant receives a complimentary 1-hour 1-on-1 coaching session with Izabela, scheduled individually after the training series concludes

  
  
  About Izabela Miller - Why I Lead This Work

  Today, I use more than 20 years of experience in GIS and IT to help others make that same transition.

  I do not just teach leadership. I teach stewardship - how to lead systems, people, priorities, and vision with clarity and courage.

  My work is grounded in:

  • Experience - 20+ years leading cross-functional teams and enterprise business systems.
  • Education - dual Master’s degrees in Geography and Public Administration, where science meets policy.
  • Mission - helping GIS professionals move from being the best-kept secret in the organization to becoming trusted leaders within it.

  I am not here to help you chase a title. I am here to help you step into your role as an architect of clarity.

  Whether you are mapping your career or shaping an organization’s digital future, the path is the same.

  It’s time to Lead Beyond the Map.

  
  
  

  Interested in offering a Webinar?  Contact Clifford for details.
  
  This BeSpatial Program is brought to you by our Volunteers, our Sponsors and Members Like You. Thank You.

  Show details
• The Executive Influence Lab: For Current Leaders and Managers

  • Start
    October 06, 2026
  •  
  • End
    October 08, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Workshop
  • Spaces left
    39
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  BeSpatial Leadership Academy is pleased to offer:
  The Executive Influence Lab For EXISTING Managers