Let’s Talk GIS

This spring, the Indiana Geographic Information Office (IGIO) is traveling to campuses across the state to host Let’s Talk GIS, a series of informal, in‑person conversations with GIS and geospatial students at Valparaiso University, Purdue University, Indiana State University, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University Indianapolis, and Ball State University.

These visits are the first step toward shaping the 2026 Higher Education Summit, a statewide gathering designed to bring together students, faculty, employers, and public‑sector partners to explore how GIS education, early‑career development, and workforce needs connect in Indiana.

Campus Visit Dates

* Indiana State University, March 23 
* Indiana University Bloomington, April 2 
* Purdue University, April 7 
* Ball State University, April 8 
* Indiana University Indianapolis, April 9 
* Valparaiso University, April 17

Students interested in attending can register here!

Why These Conversations Matter

Indiana’s GIS workforce continues to evolve, and students are in a unique position to help us understand how classroom learning connects to real‑world expectations. By gathering honest student feedback and sharing it anonymously with faculty, employers, and state leaders, we are working to build a clearer picture of:

• what is working well in GIS education

• where skills or experiences may still be missing

• how universities and employers can better support early‑career GIS professionals

• how Indiana can continue to grow and strengthen its geospatial workforce

The goal is simple. We want stronger collaboration among universities, industry, and government so GIS practitioners can thrive at every stage of their careers.

What Students Can Expect

Each campus session will be led by rising GIS professionals from the IGIO and designed to be welcoming, relaxed, and student centered. Students can look forward to:

• free food and refreshments
• a round of fun GIS trivia
• an ESRI raffle giveaway
• open conversation about their academic experiences
• space to share what excites them about GIS and where they still have questions

Looking Ahead

These conversations will help shape the future of GIS education and workforce development in Indiana. We are grateful to every university partnering with us, and we look forward to hearing directly from students across the state.

How You Can Help Spread the Word

If you would like to help us reach more students, you can:

• share this article with colleagues, faculty, and students
• repost our LinkedIn announcement
• pass along the campus‑specific flyer to anyone who may be interested

Your support helps ensure students’ voices are heard as we work to build a stronger, more connected GIS community in Indiana.