#United States #Open Data #Geospatial #FedGeoDay #Suitland, Maryland

FedGeoDay 2026: Uniting Leaders for Open Data

The highly anticipated FedGeoDay, the foremost federal geospatial conference, is set to take place on April 22–23, 2026, at the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland. This year's event will explore the theme "Building Ecosystems for Supporting Federal Data Stewardship," aiming to facilitate discussions surrounding the responsible management and dissemination of geospatial data across various sectors and agencies.

In light of the immense growth in data managed by federal agencies, the conference focuses on the imperative for developing transparent frameworks for data stewardship. The participants from government, industry, and non-profit organizations will convene to share insights into effective practices and innovative solutions in handling geospatial intelligence—a critical area for advancing public policy and operational effectiveness.

Keynote Speaker and Agenda Highlights

A standout feature of the conference is the opening keynote by Denice Ross, a Senior Fellow at the Federation of American Scientists. Her presentation promises to frame the conference theme effectively, highlighting the importance of creating resilient data ecosystems capable of delivering equitable outcomes across agencies involved.

Day 1

The first day of the conference will include an extensive program encompassing various panel discussions that delve into pertinent topics such as:

• - The future of federal open data
• - The relationship between non-federal data and the broader national ecosystem
• - The interaction of artificial intelligence with open data
• - Secure spatial data infrastructure initiatives

Day 1 will conclude with a networking social event at Jackie's, a popular venue in the Navy Yard district of Washington, D.C., designed for participants to connect and exchange ideas in a more informal setting.

Day 2

The second day will introduce a series of firsts. Notable changes include plenary content scheduled for the morning, allowing all attendees to gather for united discussions, which had been highly requested. Post-lunch activities will feature an 'unconference' where attendees can propose and lead discussions on pertinent federal open data topics. Simultaneously, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will conduct a workshop focusing on the updated National Spatial Reference System, further enriching the event.

Jacqueline Kazil, Director of GIS at Bana Solutions expresses the necessity of the conference by stating, "The geospatial data landscape and technology are constantly changing. Our job is to build resilient, interoperable infrastructure. At FedGeoDay, you'll learn how the geospatial community is tackling exactly that."

Registration Details

Attendees from diverse fields, including government, academia, industry, and non-profits, are encouraged to register for the event at www.FedGeo.us. Additionally, sponsorship opportunities exist for organizations wishing to support advancements in federal geospatial initiatives.

About FedGeoDay

FedGeoDay serves as a pivotal platform for promoting open geospatial ecosystems within the federal government. By harnessing open-source tools, collaborative mapping strategies, and open science principles, it enhances data stewardship, ultimately accelerating mission outcomes for government agencies.

For more information about the event, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.FedGeo.us or contact William Dollins from the FedGeoDay Planning Committee at 240-230-6148 or via email.