ESRI UC: Like Going to Camp

In discussing the ESRI User Conference with my colleagues I realized something: the event is a lot like going to camp! I don’t mean the short-sheeting of beds and the terror of forced swimming lessons, but rather the idea that there’s a known schedule and rituals. If you heard the recently repeated This American Life episode called “Stories from Camp” you know what I mean. In among the stories of campers is a camp director noting how the way to get campers back is to insure there’s a comfortable sameness and ritual.

ESRI UC is like that. If you’ve been there once you know the rhythm:

Monday: Long day of all plenary sessions.
Monday night: Map Gallery.
Tuesday: Sessions begin
Wed: 5k run (good luck!)
Thurs night: Party
Fri: Closing session

(Don’t look for me in San Diego; I’m home manning the fort/magazine.)