Geospatial Media and European Commission INSPIRE Team, have joined hands to bring synergy and strength to their respective independent, yet complementary programs and activities while serving the larger interest of community adding geospatial value and relevance to human living and world economy.

We are very excited with our ongoing partnership to co-host INSPIRE+Geospatial World Forum that’s is scheduled from 25 – 29 May 2015 at Lisbon and believe this partnership is very unique in terms of the fact that we have been successful in converging scope, coverage and methodologies of both conferences to bring a very unique platform with unique purpose of addressing opportunities and challenges centred around the key issues.

The conference shall witness around 2000+ delegate from around the globe. With the theme CONVERGENCE: Policies + Practices + Processes via PPP aiming to address the need for greater coordination among policy-makers, technology providers and users to benefit the industry, and to highlight geospatial workflows as an enabler for successful PPPs by facilitating more informed decision making among the stakeholders.

As Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are a vital component and form the crucial ‘middle of the pyramid’ in geospatial industry. They are the bridge between the technology manufacturer and end user. Through their local knowledge and expertise, SMEs provide customized solutions to customers by integrating different technologies and adding value that fits different customers needs.

Being a source of employment, competition, economic dynamism and innovation; SMEs have become a key pillar in a country’s economy. However, in this economic trying time, some SMEs are strained and under pressure to keep up with the changing dynamics of the industry. It goes to show that SMEs with cohesive business models and strong value propositions still need both governmental and financial support in order for them to start venturing into new niche and continue their survival.

With an intent to promote and encourage the SME’s at this platform, we have created an “SME Area in the exhibition” with a special offer of Euro 2000 only for the specially created booth. The price includes a built up booth of 4m, carpeted floor, One table, two chairs and a spot light with 2 complimentary registrations (worth Euro 740) 

This shall be an excellent opportunity to :

• Meet with the Global Geospatial Indutry and users (2000 Delegates from 85+ countries)
• Share their success stories of innovative applications 
• Meet new buyers and increase sales
• Raise brand awareness and increase visibility in the marketplace
• Provide a launch pad for new products and innovation
• Strengthen business relationships in a face to face environment
• Network and make new industry contacts

Some time ago, on the blog TANTO a post about the Geographical Information Manager (GIM) new professional figure was published. 

The idea has seemed interesting by the blog friends: hence a questionnaire has been distributed to around 100 Italian GI actors in order to collect opinions on that idea. More than 60 people answered and more or less  90% gave a positive feedback: HERE a short report (in Italian); many of them declared also the interest to continue the discussion on line, about roles, skills and other aspects linked to the GIM's activity. 

Following this positive feedback, TANTO has decided  to open a dedicated web site,   and a discussion group. Perhaps, the GIM  could be a proposal adressed also at other European MSs. You can find  a short English description of the GIM proposal HERE.

If you consider this topic interesting, please, fill in this questionnaire by 20 March if possible (it only need few minutes).

If the GIM get the same favorable feedback within the smespire community, who  will be interested to deepen the GIM proposal could contribute on the debate, within the discussion group.