The Association for Geographic Information, the membership group for organisations and individuals working in the geospatial sector, has released a first look at the agenda for GeoCom 26. The organisation’s annual conference and flagship event, GeoCom is the only independent event in the UK geographic information calendar that is organised for geospatial professionals by geospatial professionals. Under the theme ‘Sovereign Data, Shared Futures’ chaired by AGI Council Directors Liz Scott and Christine Armour, GeoCom 26 will explore practical, technological, and resilient solutions for the UK geo industry to evolve and maintain global leadership in location intelligence. GeoCom 26 will take place on the 12th November at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) headquarters in London.
GeoCom 26 will open with an address from Professor Chris Johnson, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST). Professor Johnson will set the scene for the day by discussing what sovereignty means for the UK in an increasingly interconnected world. He will explore how investment in UK capabilities, alongside international collaboration and trusted partnerships, can support resilience and long-term prosperity.
With a strong reputation as a thought leadership event, GeoCom 26 will provide multiple opportunities for delegates to get involved and explore a range of topics through focussed panel discussions. These will include ‘The Great Skills Shift’ led by Liz Fox-Tucker, Professional and Policy Manager at the Royal Geographical Society, ‘Earth Systems’ led by Donna Lyndsay of Space4Climate, and ‘Data’ led by Simon McLellan, Head of Data Engagement at the Met Office, Emma Bee, Head of the National Geoscience Data Centre for the British Geological Survey, and Phil Kershaw, Head of Centre for Environmental Data Analysis.
Blythe Crawford CBE, Director Grail at Tiberius Aerospace, a modern defence technology company built to empower the UK, US and their global allies with next generation weapon systems and AI powered solutions, will present the morning keynote. Under the title ‘Risk and Opportunity in a world of Superconvergence’, he will propose that modern infrastructure has no front line and two forces are colliding at once: the accelerating convergence of AI, robotics and autonomy (“superconvergence”), and a resurgence of national sovereignty over data and infrastructure after decades of default openness.
James Cheshire, Britain’s only Professor of Geographic Information and Cartography, will present the closing keynote – ‘Maps you could die for: Spies, Censorship and Cartographic Sovereignty’. Director of University College London Data Institute, James is also a prolific author with titles including The Library of Lost Maps, Atlas of Finance, and London: The Information Capital, and will be available for book signings during the day.
Other speakers include Charles Kennelly, Group CTO at Esri Holdings, David Henderson, Chief Geospatial Officer at Ordnance Survey, and Pascal Coulon, Vice President Consulting Expert at CGI. There will also be an invite only practical discussion ‘Sovereign by Design’ bringing Defence and Intelligence leaders together to examine the balance between control of sensitive data and the need to share it securely at operational speed.
“GeoCom 26 is focused on digital sovereignty in an age of uncertainty, and why geospatial leadership matters,” commented Fergus Craig, Chair of the Association for Geographic Information. “It will explore the tension between sovereignty and openness, the technological challenges in capture, storage, and consumption of geospatial data without compromising resilience, and the impact of a volatile political landscape.
“We are delighted to feature presentations from some of the most authoritative voices from the geo stage, which will sit alongside focused discussion groups, and networking opportunities. And, with the support of our sponsors and the Royal Geographical Society for which we are enormously grateful, GeoCom 26 will also look at the importance of trust and ensuring processes and outcomes, are sustainable, ethical, and legal.”
Registration for GeoCom 26 is already open and tickets, with prices starting at just £115, are selling fast. For organisations wanting to support this event there are a few sponsorship packages remaining although many of these have already been taken and the AGI is keen to express thanks to CGI, Esri UK, Ordnance Survey, AtkinsRéalis, Avineon Tensing, Daclour Maclaren, IDOX Geospatial, Informed Solutions, MGISS, NEC Software Solutions. AGI is also working with its Community Sponsors – GEO Business, British Cartographic Society, Government Geography Profession, OSGeo:UK, and the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), to deliver this event.
Register your place – Early bird closes midnight 9 October 2026.