Our Annual Conference

November 19–20, 2025

Howard University
Washington, D.C.

Theme: Our Impact. Our Legacy. Our Future.
Emerging Theme for 2026: Legacy Building: Mapping the Next 100 Years

Our flagship event brings together GIS professionals, educators, community leaders, and advocates to reflect on Black impacts in GIS, explore what’s next, and shape a shared future.

A woman with short curly hair wearing a patterned jacket, speaking at a presentation, standing in front of a NorthStar GIS banner.
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Three women seated on wooden chairs in a panel discussion. The woman in the middle is speaking into a microphone, wearing a black and red outfit. The woman on the left is dressed in a brown blazer with a striped turtleneck, while the woman on the rig
Panel discussion with five women seated on a stage, holding microphones. The background features flags, bookshelves, and a large screen displaying graphics. Audience members are in the foreground.
Three people standing together at an event, smiling, with a black backdrop that has the logos 'NorthStar of GIS' and the words 'Melanated & Mapping' in pink and white text.
People attending a presentation or lecture in a classroom or conference room, facing a speaker at the front with a large screen behind them.
People attending a formal event or seminar, sitting in a room with wood-paneled bookshelves, listening attentively.

Why Attend

Connect with Black professionals and allies shaping GIS and mapping across industries.

  1. Learn from keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions on equity, technology, and community impact.

  2. Shape the Future by contributing to NorthStar’s strategy and the 2026 theme Legacy Building: Mapping the Next 100 Years.

  3. Belong to a supportive network celebrating Black brilliance and addressing systemic barriers in geography and technology.

Why We Are Taking Applications

This is not a traditional “sit and listen” conference. It’s an immersive experience — and space is intentionally limited — because we are asking participants to commit their time, energy, and creativity to help us design our shared future.

We also recognize the hard truth:

Too often, members of our Melanated & Mapping Community are the last ones chosen by their organizations to attend conferences in geo, tech, and impact spaces. Asking for applications can feel like yet another barrier. That’s why we are also seeking partners and sponsors to help us change the equation.

With the right support, we can provide:

  • More Space – so physical limits aren’t the reason someone can’t join us.

  • Travel Grants – so cost isn’t the reason someone can’t be in the room.

  • Stipends – to honor the time and labor it takes to contribute meaningfully.

This is what stewardship looks like. In a time when investments in Black communities, equity, and justice are shrinking, we are determined to be good custodians of every dollar entrusted to us.

Your application ensures that those who join us are ready to engage fully. Your partnership ensures that more of us have the chance to be there.

Agenda

Day 2 – Focusing On Impact

  • Welcome & Opening

  • Keynote

  • Breakout Sessions

  • Lunch (Meals Provided)

  • Panel Discussion

  • Closing Session

Day 1 – Focusing on GeoTech

  • Welcome & Opening

  • Keynote

  • Breakout Sessions

  • Lunch (Meals Provided)

  • Panel Discussion

  • Reflection & Wrap-Up

Group of diverse individuals attending a formal event or conference, seated in a row, paying attention to the speaker or presentation.

Apply to Attend Our Annual Conference

Date: November 19th & 20th, 2025 / 10:AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Howard University Interdisciplinary Research Building

Justification Letter

For participants to share with employers/sponsors

Subject: Request to Attend the NorthStar of GIS Annual Conference

Dear [Manager/Supervisor’s Name],

I am requesting approval to attend the NorthStar of GIS Annual Conference, taking place November 19–20, 2025, in Washington, DC. This year’s theme, Our Impact. Our Legacy. Our Future., focuses on how Black contributions to GIS and mapping are shaping industries and communities.

The conference will provide:

  • Exposure to innovative GIS practices and cross-sector applications.

  • Opportunities to engage with experts in technology, education, health, and public sector mapping.

  • Hands-on breakout sessions where participants co-create strategies and tools relevant to organizational and community impact.

  • Networking with professionals and changemakers committed to equity and excellence in geospatial fields.

Attending will directly support my professional growth, bring back best practices for our organization, and expand our connections in the GIS and tech ecosystem.

Thank you for considering this request. I believe the insights and collaborations gained will provide immediate and long-term value to our team.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

 FAQs

  • November 19–20, 2025, at Howard University’s Interdisciplinary Research Building in Washington, DC.

    • Black folks of all backgrounds and fields cuz maps matter in all industries

    • Geo professionals, students, educators, public sector leaders, nonprofit advocates, health innovators, and explorers of all backgrounds

    • Enthusiasts interested in how mapping and technology shape communities.

  • No. Registration is free, though space is limited.

  • Our Impact. Our Legacy. Our Future.

    • Reflecting on the contributions of Black folks in GIS, the impact of geo-practices on our communities, and envisioning what’s next together.