The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) has released a Call for Papers for the largest and most comprehensive, independent conference in the UK location and geographic information calendar.

Under the theme 'Opportunities in a Changing World' the conference will showcase how geographic information and geospatial solutions are being used to best effect in the current challenging economic and political climates. Abstracts are being requested by 7th May 2010 can be uploaded online at http://www.agi.org.uk/call-for-papers/; a full conference programme is expected to be published the following month.

AGI GeoCommunity '10 will take place from 28 to 30 September 2010, at the Holiday Inn in Stratford-upon-Avon and is for the fourth year running a fully residential conference that has seen a year on year growth in attendance. Featuring a multi stream conference programme that has in the past featured high profile speakers from government, commerce and the world of geospatial solutions including Google, the BBC, Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Transport for London, AGI GeoCommunity also offers delegates a range of free to attend hands on training sessions.

"We are focusing this years conference largely around the basic concept of 'doing more with less' and while we have suggested a number of topics - including Public Policy, Governance and management and Data access and new opportunities - these are meant to spark the imagination of potential contributors," commented Chris Holcroft, Director and CEO of the Association for Geographic Information. "The pattern 'Innovate - Connect - Succeed' should be adopted by all contributors and all papers will be subject to a rigorous selection process and will have to pass a pivotal 'so what' test. If there was ever a time for GI and GIS to contribute to making efficiency savings the time is now."

A selected number of sponsor organisations will be showcasing the latest developments and innovations in geospatial solutions at the event. ESRI (UK) and Ordnance Survey are already on board as Platinum Sponsors and other organisations that have signed up early include Microsoft, Oracle, Pitney Bowes Business Insight, Postcode Anywhere, Getmapping, Cadcorp and Snowflake Software. Remaining sponsorship places are limited.

In addition AGI GeoCommunity '10 will of course feature a range of social and networking opportunities including an icebreaker event on the evening of the 28th September, the exciting new 'soapbox' session introduced in 2009 and the annual AGI conference party which last year had 'Black & White' themed and saw attendees dancing 'til dawn!

For further information and online booking including early bird discounts visit the event website www.agigeocommunity.com or keep up with the latest news at agigeocommunity.blogspot.com or twitter.com/geocommunity.

For further information visit www.agi.org.uk