In light of the ongoing Esri User Conference 2024, Esri Eastern Africa decided to bring a slice of the excitement from San Diego, California to their local community. To achieve this, we hosted a User Conference Watch Party at Cinemax, in Sarit Center. The event was designed to give customers and staff members an immersive experience of the conference, featuring a three-hour Plenary Session where attendees joined Jack Dangermond – Esri’s President and other industry experts virtually. 

As the sun set over Nairobi, the Cinemax lobby buzzed with anticipation. Attendees, a mix of Esri enthusiasts, customers, and staff members, gathered to catch a glimpse of the global event. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as people chatted about the latest trends in geospatial technology and their expectations for the evening. 

The lights in the cinema dimmed, and the large screen came to life, transporting everyone to San Diego. Jack Dangermond opened the Plenary Session with a warm welcome. His passion for geospatial development was palpable, and his words resonated deeply with the audience. 

Throughout the session, industry experts took the stage to share the latest innovations in GIS. Exciting demos showcased cutting-edge advancements, from real-time data analysis to advanced spatial modeling. One demo on disaster response captivated the audience, illustrating how quickly GIS technology could provide crucial information during emergencies. Another presentation on urban planning using 3D modeling demonstrated how cities could be designed more efficiently and sustainably. 

The highlight of the session was the impactful stories shared by Esri’s global user community. One particularly moving story detailed a conservation project in Africa that used GIS to track endangered species and combat poaching. The audience at Cinemax was visibly moved, applauding the project’s success and the tangible difference it made in protecting wildlife. 

As the session progressed, the room was filled with nods of agreement, the scribbling of notes, and spontaneous applause. The energy was electric, with everyone feeling a strong connection to the global GIS community. 

When the Plenary Session concluded, the lights came back on to a resounding round of applause. Attendees mingled, discussing the presentations and exchanging ideas on how to apply the new knowledge to their own projects. The event included refreshments, fostering an environment of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm. 

For Esri Eastern Africa, the watch party was more than just a viewing event; it was an opportunity to inspire and engage their community. By bringing the Esri User Conference experience to Nairobi, they provided invaluable learning and networking opportunities. As attendees left Cinemax, they carried with them new insights, ideas, and a renewed passion for geospatial development. 

The watch party at Sarit Center was a testament to the power of technology to connect and inspire, proving that no matter where you are in the world, you can be part of something bigger.