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The 2026 MAGIP Big Sky GeoCon is supported by our:
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Thank you to our CONFERENCE SPONSORS!
And Tuesday evening, make sure to attend the Exhibitor/Sponsor Showcase and Map Gallery. Take this time to visit the map gallery, visit with the presenters, and vote for People’s Choice! Learn about products and services at the exhibitor booths and take time to thank our generous sponsors! Enjoy light appetizers and a complimentary beverage while networking with your colleagues in the industry.
 | ConfereNce locationGrouse Mountain Lodge 2 Fairway Dr, Whitefish, Montana Note: The Grouse Mountain Loge is no longer accepting reservations. Alternative Hotels within 1.5 miles of Grouse Mountain Lodge are the: Both offer per diem rate, complimentary breakfast and free shuttle to/from downtown Whitefish and the Grouse Mountain Lodge. |
MAGIP GIVES BACK
MAGIP is once again implementing a "Give Back" program at this year's conference. The organization they have chosen to give back to is the North Valley Food Bank. This food bank provides food assistance to more than 1,200 people weekly. If you have room in your packing to include a non-perishable food item(s), please bring it with you! If not, you can stop by a grocery store along the way and grab something. And, if you are local, please bring what you can. Let's try to fill a large bin to give to the North Valley Food Bank from the GIS Community!
REGISTRATION | WORKSHOPS | KEYNOTE SPEAKER | MEETUP | SCHEDULE | WEB MAPS | AWARDS
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
| Registration Type |
January 28 - March 13 |
Intermediate Rate
|
Late Rate After March 29 |
| MAGIP Member | $425 | ||
| Non-Member | $505 | ||
| Student | $75 | ||
| One Day Only: MAGIP Member | $225 | ||
| One Day Only: Non-Member | $275 |
Registration Fees include Wednesday and Thursday sessions, social/networking events, coffee breaks, and lunch and the awards banquet on Wednesday.
CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP SCHEDULES
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Workshop Schedule and Descriptions
Register here for the 2026 Big Sky GeoCon. The Workshops on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday are in addition to the conference registration. Select Workshops and pricing during the registration process.
Become a MAGIP Member and receive a discount on conference registration and workshops!
** Just added! Stay Thursday evening for the Downtown Whitefish Scavenger Hunt! **
Conference Registration Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made in writing and emailed to Michelle Quinn, MAGIP Administrator. Cancellations made by March 20, 2026, may be issued a full refund. Cancellations made after this time will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to a minimum $100 cancellation fee. "No shows" forfeit entire registration fee.
Note for Presenters: Presenters should have received notification by email of their acceptance to present in February. Accepted presenters are expected to register for at least one day of the conference unless only attending to present.
And you don't want to miss our Keynote Luncheon "Making Maps is just the Best!"
Featuring John Nelson, Maps and UX at Esri
John Nelson is a map maker, software experience designer, and writer at Esri creating fringe geographic data, curious web experiences, marginally educational blogs, and debatably instructional videos. He works in a small woodshed in Michigan and relishes the opportunity to chat with other map folks.
For more information and inspiration visit:
- John Nelson's ArcGIS Blog and the
- John Nelson Maps YouTube Channel
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
View Detailed Conference Schedule in Sched
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
Call for Web Maps and Posters/Maps!
We invite you to participate in the Map/Poster Gallery and/or Web Map Application presentations at the 2026 Big Sky GeoCon. All entries will be evaluated by judges during the conference for possible cash awards.
View the 2026 Guidelines and Policy (pdf)
This year Web Map Presentations are scheduled for Wednesday, April 14 beginning at 8:25 am, immediately following the official opening of the conference.
Our featured judge this year is Esri's own "Adventures in Mapping" icon, John Nelson!
Judges Needed! We are looking for three additional judges to join John Nelson in judging this year's print and web map/apps. You'll need to dedicate about an hour for this endeavor as well as attend the web map presentation session on Wednesday, April 15 @ 8:45am.
Email Selita Ammondt if you have a keen eye for cartographic detail, experience with interactive maps and apps, and a willingness to endure harsh criticism for your decisions.
The deadline for submission ended April 9, 2026
Call for Award Nominations
The Montana Association of Geographic Professionals (MAGIP) biannually presents two awards. The Distinguished Service Award is presented for long-term service and leadership to the Montana GIS community and the GIS profession. The GIS Professional Livability Award recognizes an individual's measurable contribution to the application of GIS, thus improving the quality of life within their community.
The deadline for submission ended March 20, 2026
The awards will be presented during the banquet dinner on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. Learn more about the awards and past recipients.
PAST BIg Sky GeoCon Events
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2025 Big Sky GeoCon: The Delta Hotel, Helena
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2024 Big Sky GeoCon: The Northern Hotel, Billings
- 2023 Big Sky GeoCon: Best Western Plus Grantree Inn, Bozeman
- 2022 Big Sky GeoCon: Holiday Inn Downtown, Missoula
- 2021 Big Sky GeoCon: Online
- 2020 Mini GeoCon: Online
- 2020 Big Sky GeoCon: Holiday Inn Downtown, Missoula (canceled)
- 2019 Big Sky GeoCon: Clarion Inn Copper King, Butte
- 2018 Big Sky GeoCon: Radisson Colonial Hotel, Helena
Contact Michelle Quinn, MAGIP Administrator, Jeff Hedstrom, the Conference Liaison, or Selita Ammondt, the Local Planning Chair for additional information.