I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the ITAG Conference from June 3-5, 2025, at The Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona, IA. As a first-timer, I was half-expecting the typical tech conference, but the whole Dungeons & Dragons theme was a brilliant touch – it really set the stage for an ‘epic adventure’ in learning and networking, right from the entryway.
For those unfamiliar with this quest, the ITAG Conference is a collaborative annual event brought to us by the Iowa Geographic Information Council (IGIC) and the Iowa Counties Information Technology (ICIT) organizations. It's awesome how they combine their individual conferences into one big, comprehensive technology and geospatial event. They really understand the overlap between IT and GIS and celebrate with nerd within.
I was there as both an exhibitor and a presenter, which gave me a unique and engaging perspective on the entire event. The conference was packed with valuable insights, offering over 50 hours of diverse educational content. The main conference, spanning from Wednesday, June 4, through Friday, June 6, was thoughtfully structured with five distinct educational tracks. Two of these tracks were specifically dedicated to geospatial technologies, while another two delved deep into essential IT technologies. The fifth track provided a more general focus, ensuring there was something for everyone. This variety allowed attendees to really tailor their experience and dive into the topics most relevant to their skills, strength and charisma.
Beyond the structured learning, the emphasis on networking and the exchange of knowledge and professional practices truly shone through. I loved having the chance to connect with so many talented professionals from various fields, sharing ideas, and hearing about different approaches and best practices. It's clear that the primary goal of the conference is to promote education, training, and cooperation in both technology and GIS, and they certainly achieved that, even rolling a 20! (OK, last lame joke)
The conference fostered a very welcoming environment, and it was great to see that attendance wasn't restricted by IGIC or ICIT membership, as I have neither. This inclusivity really broadens the scope of discussions and makes for a richer experience for everyone involved. Plus, the well-organized opportunities for professional networking, combined with pleasant meals and entertainment, added to the overall positive atmosphere, making the entire experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
Whether you're deeply immersed in GIS, passionate about IT, or simply curious about the latest advancements and collaborations in technology, this conference is definitely for you. I gained so much, both in terms of knowledge and valuable connections, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in the field and can’t wait to see the theme for next year.
I had such a positive experience and learned an immense amount. I'm already looking forward to next year and can't wait to see what new insights and connections the next ITAG Conference brings!