Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at NEARC Fall Conference 2026 include Avolve, Beta Group, Inc., Data Axle, Reference Solutions, FUGRO NORWAY AS Attn: Fugro Oceanstar and GEO Jobe.
- Avolve
- Beta Group, Inc.
- Data Axle, Reference Solutions
- FUGRO NORWAY AS Attn: Fugro Oceanstar
- GEO Jobe
Event overview
Overview
The NEARC Fall Conference 2026 will take place from November 15-18 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland, Maine. This event is designed for GIS professionals, educators, and students, offering a platform to explore the latest in GIS technology and its applications.
Attendees can expect a variety of learning opportunities, including technical training, user sessions, and community-building activities. NEARC Fall Conference 2026 takes place in Portland, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: NEARC Fall Conference 2026 runs from November 15-18 at Holiday Inn By the Bay, Portland, Maine.
- 2Scale and Focus: This conference is a key gathering for GIS professionals, educators, and students in the Northeast.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by the Northeast Arc Users Group, dedicated to advancing GIS technology.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include GIS practitioners, educators, and decision-makers from various sectors.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is now open with early bird rates available until October 19, 2026.
Why visit
Attending the NEARC Fall Conference provides valuable insights into GIS technology and its practical applications. Network with industry professionals, participate in hands-on workshops, and gain knowledge from expert-led sessions. This is an excellent opportunity for both new and experienced GIS users to enhance their skills and connect with peers.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the NEARC Fall Conference allows companies to showcase their GIS solutions to a targeted audience of professionals and decision-makers. Gain visibility, generate leads, and engage directly with potential clients who are eager to learn about the latest innovations in GIS technology.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
GIS professionals looking to enhance their skills
Educators interested in GIS applications in education
Students pursuing careers in GIS and related fields
Municipal planners and decision-makers
Environmental analysts and researchers
Technology vendors and service providers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
GIS software developers and vendors
Educational institutions offering GIS programs
Consulting firms specializing in GIS solutions
Technology providers for geospatial data
Nonprofits focused on GIS education and outreach
Government agencies utilizing GIS technology
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
GIS software and applications
Geospatial data services
Training and educational resources for GIS
Mapping and visualization tools
Remote sensing technologies
Surveying and data collection equipment
Location & Facilities
Venue
Holiday Inn By the Bay
Portland, United States
Facilities
Parking
Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Holiday Inn By the Bay for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Professional 3-Day Registration
450Professional 1-Day Registration
325Student 3-Day Registration
300Student 1-Day Registration
225
Who runs the show
Organisers
**YOU)** - 90 minutes
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Portland, United States
Why it matters
Attending the NEARC Fall Conference provides valuable insights into GIS technology and its practical applications. Network with industry professionals, participate in hands-on workshops, and gain knowledge from expert-led sessions.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront
3-star
Downtown Portland waterfront, short walk to the venueHilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
3-star
Downtown Portland waterfront, short walk to the venueDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland, ME
3-star
Portland, approximately 6.6 km from the venueLocal transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00 one-way adult cash fare; a day pass costs a few dollars more - confirm current fares with Greater Portland Metro
Best forPortland International Jetport (PWM) to Holiday Inn By the Bay
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 18-28 for a standard Uber or Lyft ride, excluding surge pricing - confirm the fare in the app
Best forPWM terminal to Holiday Inn By The Bay, High Street, Portland
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-15 metered taxi fare for the roughly 2 mile trip - confirm with the driver
Best forPortland Transportation Center (Thompson's Point Road) to Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
car
Estimated costUSD 30.00 per vehicle, per night (venue quote)
Best forOn-site parking at Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
walk
Estimated costFree
Best forHoliday Inn By The Bay to Old Port dining and downtown Portland
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from BOS to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forBoston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Holiday Inn By the Bay
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Mid-November in Portland, Maine is late autumn on the coast: typical daytime highs of about 7-10 C (45-50 F) and overnight lows near -1 to 2 C (30-35 F), with frost possible and a realistic chance of rain or a raw coastal wind. Pack layers plus a waterproof outer layer for the walk between the Holiday Inn By The Bay and downtown. Conditions vary year to year - check the National Weather Service forecast for Portland, ME in the week before departure. These bands are climatological approximations, not a published organiser statement.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks require a compatible handset; visitors from abroad should confirm roaming or buy a prepaid SIM or eSIM on arrival at Portland International Jetport (PWM). The Holiday Inn By The Bay lists free Wi-Fi among its amenities in hotel search results for the venue, which is usually enough for Sched, email and ArcGIS web demos in sessions. Meeting-room Wi-Fi can be congested during hands-on workshops, so bring a phone hotspot as backup and pre-download data you plan to demo.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
GIS practitioners at NEARC typically dress business casual, often with a polo or company fleece. November on the Maine coast is cold and windy, so bring a warm layer for the walk between the hotel and the Old Port and for cooler session rooms.
Tipping and payments
Prices are in US dollars (USD); cards are accepted almost everywhere, and 15-20% tipping is customary for table service, bar staff and taxis. Portland restaurants in the Old Port get busy on weekend evenings, so reserve.
Arrival and session etiquette
Collect your badge early on 15 November so you do not miss the opening user-to-user sessions. NEARC audiences ask direct technical questions mid-session - that is the culture, not a challenge - and speakers usually welcome follow-up in the corridor.
Local flavour
The venue sits on Portland's working waterfront near the Casco Bay ferry terminal; the Old Port's brick streets, seafood shacks and craft breweries are within walking distance for evening meals between sessions.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Book Portland International Jetport (PWM) as the destination for Fall NEARC - any sample fare showing PDX refers to Portland, Oregon and is not the conference airport. PWM is roughly 4 miles from the waterfront venue. For long-haul international itineraries, compare connecting options through Boston Logan (BOS) or New York, then continue by Amtrak Downeaster or coach to Portland. Mid-November is not peak summer season, so shifting dates by a day or two often lowers fares; verify baggage rules and connection times before booking, and treat all fare figures as indicative snapshots rather than quoted conference rates.
Visa
A foreigner travelling to the United States to conduct temporary business must hold a visitor (B) visa unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. B-1 applicants file form DS-160 and schedule an embassy or consulate appointment.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Portland; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Holiday Inn By the Bay: Portland waterfront, Old Port: Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay; Downtown Portland waterfront, short walk to the venue: Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront; Downtown Portland waterfront, short walk to the venue: Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate in Portland, Maine. A ride from Portland International Jetport (PWM) to the waterfront venue is roughly 10-15 minutes and typically USD 18-28 outside surge pricing; from Portland Transportation Center the trip is closer to 5-10 minutes and USD 10-15. Confirm the fare in the app before requesting, and use the terminal's marked rideshare pickup area at PWM.
Public transit: Greater Portland Metro operates the line 7 bus between Portland International Jetport (PWM) and downtown Portland, useful for reaching the Holiday Inn By The Bay area in about 31 minutes for an approximate USD 2 one-way fare - confirm the current timetable and fare with Metro, since evening and Sunday frequency is limited. The hotel is also about 2 miles from Portland Transportation Center on Thompson's Point Road, which handles regional coaches and Amtrak Downeaster services at Portland Station. For movement between the venue and the Old Port, walking is the practical option.
Parking: Parking is available on site at the Holiday Inn By The Bay; the hotel's published rate is USD 30.00 per vehicle per night, confirmed on the IHG directions page. Alternatives include the public lot on 38 Winter Street and the One City Center garage listed by ParkMobile. Downtown Portland garages are limited during event weeks, so arriving early or pre-booking a space is sensible.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026 (conference window 15-18 November)
Temperature: Approximate daytime highs of 7-10 C (45-50 F) and overnight lows of -1 to 2 C (30-35 F) - coastal Maine in late autumn, with frost possible overnight. Climatological band only; check the National Weather Service Portland, ME forecast before departure.
Seasonality: Mid-November is unsettled on the Maine coast, with rain or drizzle possible on any conference day and raw wind off Casco Bay making it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Snow is unusual but not impossible late in the month.
Packing: Pack layers and a waterproof outer shell, plus shoes with grip for wet cobblestones in the Old Port. Session rooms can be warm relative to the outdoor cold, so a removable mid-layer works better than one heavy coat. Add gloves and a hat if you plan to walk the waterfront in the evening.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at NEARC Fall Conference 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your Fall NEARC registration tier (Professional or Student, 1-day or 3-day) and any session sign-ups on northeastarc.org or the Fall NEARC 2026 Sched site.
T-2
Book your room at the Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay through the NEARC travel logistics page; the venue hotel fills first and the conference sits in the same building.
T-3
Book flights to Portland International Jetport (PWM), not PDX - PDX is Portland, Oregon and a three-hour-plus flight away. Boston Logan (BOS) is the fallback for long-haul itineraries.
T-4
Plan the last leg from PWM: Metro line 7 bus is the cheapest option, rideshare is the fastest, and the venue is roughly 10-15 minutes from the terminal by car.
T-5
If driving, reserve parking at the hotel; the venue quotes USD 30 per vehicle per night, and downtown Portland garages are limited during events.
T-6
Check the National Weather Service forecast for Portland, ME about five days out and pack accordingly - mid-November on the coast is cold and changeable.
T-7
Pack a waterproof shell and shoes suitable for wet cobblestones in the Old Port, plus a warm layer for air-conditioned session rooms.
T-8
If travelling from outside the United States, confirm B-1 visa or Visa Waiver Program eligibility on travel.state.gov and carry your registration confirmation to any interview.
T-9
Download the Sched agenda and shortlist two tracks per slot - municipal GIS, utilities, data management, ArcGIS Pro or Indoors workflows.
T-10
Note the sessions you want to record: many NEARC presenters share slides and project files after the conference.
T-11
Arrange a phone or eSIM plan for US data if you need Sched and email during the conference; the hotel lists Wi-Fi but a backup is useful.
T-12
Block an evening for the Old Port restaurant district, a short walk from the waterfront venue.
T-13
Leave room in your bag for vendor literature from Esri partners and regional GIS service firms exhibiting in the hotel meeting space.
T-14
Set a post-conference follow-up list for the peers and exhibitors you meet, before the December workload takes over.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Holiday Inn By the Bay
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2NEARC Fall Conference 2026 registration concourse
Holiday Inn By the Bay
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Holiday Inn By the Bay
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · Professional 3-Day Registration
USD 450 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Professional 1-Day Registration
USD 325 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Student 3-Day Registration
USD 300 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Student 1-Day Registration
USD 225 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Professional 3-Day Registration | USD 450 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Professional 1-Day Registration | USD 325 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Student 3-Day Registration | USD 300 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Student 1-Day Registration | USD 225 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether NEARC Fall Conference 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For NEARC Fall Conference 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a specific GIS workflow or data-management challenge that another agency has already solved.
Best for
GIS practitioners, municipal and state analysts, and ArcGIS users who want user-to-user sessions on ArcGIS Pro, Indoors, 3D and reality capture rather than a large trade-show floor.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
Book hotel and travel 6-10 weeks out; NEARC's Travel Logistics page is the first stop once registration opens.
Risks
Conference hotel inventory is limited and reserved through NEARC's Travel Logistics page.
exhibit
Your product solves a documented pain point for municipal, state-agency or utility GIS teams in the Northeast.
Best for
Esri-partner and GIS software, data, survey and 3D-scanning vendors wanting access to New England and New York GIS teams on Sched's Fall NEARC 2026 directory.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
Plan 3-6 months out: sponsorship packages, staff travel to Portland, Maine and any session speaking slots.
Risks
The venue is a waterfront hotel conference centre, not a convention hall, so exhibit space and booth formats differ from large fairs.
Pricing and packages are not published in this research pass; confirm directly with NEARC.
skip
Your offer does not map to Esri GIS workflows or Northeast public-sector GIS buyers.
Best for
Vendors targeting non-GIS software buyers or national consumer audiences, since Fall NEARC is a focused GIS user conference.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- NEARC
- Northeast Arc Users Group - an independent volunteer organisation for Esri ArcGIS users across New England and New York that runs a Spring and a Fall conference each year.
- Fall NEARC
- The autumn NEARC conference, held at the Holiday Inn By The Bay in Portland, Maine on 15-18 November 2026, built around user-to-user GIS sessions organised into tracks rather than a vendor-led trade floor.
- ArcGIS
- Esri's geographic information system software family; Fall NEARC sessions cover ArcGIS workflows such as Indoors, ArcGIS Pro dashboards and 3D/reality capture.
- ArcGIS Pro
- Esri's 64-bit desktop GIS application replacing ArcMap. At NEARC it appears in hands-on workshops and user presentations on map production, dashboards and data management.
- ArcGIS Indoors
- Esri's indoor mapping product for space planning, wayfinding and facilities management inside buildings - one of the newer workflow topics on the Fall NEARC programme.
- GIS
- Geographic information systems - the practice of capturing, storing, analysing and mapping spatial data. NEARC attendees are GIS analysts, coordinators and managers in municipal, state, utility and academic settings.
- User-to-user session
- The core NEARC format: a practitioner from a member organisation presents a real project, workflow or problem, and the audience of peers asks questions and shares fixes. It is deliberately not a sales pitch.
- Esri
- The vendor of ArcGIS software. Esri staff and business partners attend NEARC, but the conference programme is set by the volunteer NEARC organisation and member submissions.
- Sched
- The online agenda and exhibitor directory platform used for Fall NEARC (fallnearc2025.sched.com, fallnearc2026.sched.com). Attendees build a personal schedule there before travelling.
- Reality capture
- Turning photographs, drone imagery or laser scans into 3D and GIS-ready data. It appears at NEARC alongside ArcGIS Pro and Indoors topics as agencies modernise asset inventories.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- GIS conference Portland
- Northeast Arc Users Group
- NEARC 2026
- GIS technology conference
- NEARC Fall Conference 2026 Portland
- NEARC Fall Conference Portland 2026
- NEARC Portland 2026
- Portland United States
- Conference In-Person Portland
- GIS software and applications
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.