XI GISSA Free State conference

20 August, a cold Thursday afternoon in a beautiful setting was the starting point for the GISSA Free State conference 2009. After coffee, tea and refreshments were enjoyed the event was kicked off by Mr. Albert Kopa with the opening and welcoming of the attendants. The keynote speaker for the conference was Dr. Derek Clark from the Department of Rural development and Land Reform. The GISSA Free State conference was held at Emoya Wildlife and Conference Estate and the theme for this year was “GIS: Open for Everybody”. With about 50 delegates and 7 exhibitioners it was soon evident that interesting topics and different opinions would arise. Other speakers included Marius Burger and Rainier Dennis and at the end of day one all the guests were treated to a delicious dinner and something to keep the cold out at an open fire. Bright and early on 21 August 2009 the conference continued with an interesting topic by Ms. Tsolofelo Setlare on the Urban Renewal of Batho, the oldest township in Bloemfontein. Mr. Jaco Petzer together with Mr. Piet Potgieter spoke about the integration of town planning and GIS and after a debate with Mr. Sam Sosei from NSIF there was a group session on GIS and education. Here a lot of interesting ideas arised as how to inform schools of the value of GIS and the integral part it plays in a lot of major professions. Closure was done by Dr. Herman Booysen, chairperson for GISSA Free State. The eleventh GISSA Free State conference was a great success with positive feedback from the delegates. Let’s go 2010.