Held from July 13–17, the 2026 Esri User Conference (UC) brought the global GIS community together under the theme “GIS—Creating a more intelligent world.” A major focus this year was the growing integration of AI and ArcGIS, with demonstrations showing how GeoAI, AI assistants and agentic AI can accelerate spatial analysis, automate workflows and improve productivity.

Esri China (Hong Kong) supported Smart City Consortium (SCC) to organize its first-ever Education Tour to the Esri User Conference, giving local participants an opportunity to experience the world’s largest GIS gathering, exchange ideas with the international geospatial community and explore the latest developments in GIS and GeoAI.

Besides, HK Electric received the 2026 Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award (SAG Award) at Esri UC, recognizing its use of ArcGIS Utility Network to modernize grid operations, strengthen resilience and support highly reliable electricity service in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong was also represented at the Esri Young Scholars Award showcase. Mr. Li Tsz Hin of The University of Hong Kong, Champion of the 2026 Individual Application category, presented his award-winning project, “Driving Towards Future – Uneven Distribution of EV Chargers in Hong Kong,” alongside Young Scholars from around the world. Explore the winning StoryMap: https://arcg.is/KO48D2

Participants from Hong Kong also included government officials and academics, highlighting strong local interest in the latest GIS and GeoAI developments.

Participants of Esri China (Hong Kong)’s first-ever Education Tour to the Esri User Conference visited the Young Scholars showcase at Esri UC 2026 in San Diego, where outstanding GIS projects from around the world were presented.

Mr. Li Tsz Hin, Champion of the 2026 Esri Young Scholars Award (Individual Application), showcased his winning project at Esri UC 2026.

Dr. Jack Dangermond, Founder and President of Esri, delivered the plenary presentation at the 2026 Esri User Conference in San Diego.

Representatives from HK Electric received the 2026 Special Achievement in GIS (SAG Award) from Dr. Jack Dangermond (center), Founder and President of Esri, at the Esri User Conference 2026.  

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