WLIA 2025 Fall Conference
Fall Conference at Park Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin

2025 WLIA Fall Conference – Madison, October 13–15
Get ready to turn ideas into action at the 2025 WLIA Fall Conference, held at the Best Western Premier Park Hotel where innovation meets collaboration in the heart of Wisconsin’s capital city when Madison becomes the hub for land information professionals who are ready to map smarter, connect deeper, and drive bold change.
We’re highlighting WLIA’s key legislative initiatives, giving you the inside scoop on the policies shaping our field—and how WLIA is working to influence them for the better. You’ll also gain practical tools and confidence to engage with your legislators, helping you build the kind of relationships and advocacy network that makes WLIA a strong, united voice for land information in Wisconsin.
Not into Capitol visits? No problem! You'll have the chance to explore the Arthur Robinson Map Library or tour our beautiful Capitol and get a behind-the-scenes look at the work that keeps Wisconsin moving forward.
Our lively sessions are packed with practical tools, new perspectives, and fresh ideas you can take home and put to work. Whether you're solving problems with tech, building better networks, or just looking to recharge your professional spark—this conference has you covered.
And when the learning wraps, the fun ramps up:
🎉 Monday night: Damon Anderson Zero-K Fundraiser then dinner in groups or on your own.
🍕 Tuesday: Legendary Ian’s Pizza + live tunes at Ivory Room Piano Bar
Be sure to purchase your $20 ticket for this event!
🌙 Plus, the State Street nightlife is just steps away for those late-night adventures.
Mark your calendar. Book your room. Rally your team.
This fall, WLIA is bringing the energy—and you won’t want to miss it.
Planning is underway. If you have any questions, please contact Staci Hoffman.
WLIA 2025 Fall Conference - Preliminary Agenda
MONDAY OCTOBER 13TH |
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1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Capitol -RM 412E |
WLIA Board Meeting |
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3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Capitol - Rm 412E |
WLIC Meeting Workshop option? MUGG - novi ticket
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5:00 PM - 5:30 PM |
Networking Opportunities |
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5:30 PM – 5:31 PM Park Hotel - Front |
Damon Anderson Memorial Scholarship Zero-K Fun Run - novi ticket Picture in front of Capitol |
Damon Anderson |
5:31 PM - 5:40 PM |
Photo Scavenger Hunt This was so popular last fall, we needed to bring it back this year! |
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5:40 PM - ?? |
Social Night on your own -choose your own adventure |
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TUESDAY OCTOBER 14TH |
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7:30 AM - 8:00 AM |
Registration |
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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Breakfast LION Meeting - Eric Damkot |
LION |
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM |
Opening Remarks |
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9:05 AM – 9:15 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Welcome Message – Governor Evers?? |
Governor Evers |
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Keynote Speaker - Benjamin Wehmeier The importance of partnerships |
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9:45 AM - 10:00 AM |
Legislative Agenda – Capitol Visit Prep |
Nick Gamroth & Nik Anderson |
10:00 – 10:15 AM |
BREAK |
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10:15 – 10:45 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Presentation – UniverCity Alliance - Vernon County-panel- UW Whitewater This program partners UW–Madison students and faculty with Wisconsin counties and local governments to help them address real-world problems through coursework. |
Name |
10:45 – 11:30 AM |
SharedGEO Learn how Emergency Location Markers (ELMs) based on the U.S. National Grid are improving emergency response times on trails and in parks nationwide, and explore what it takes to plan and implement a successful ELM project in your own community. |
Stephen D Swazee Sr. |
11:30 AM – 12:00 Hall of Wisconsin |
Realtors - CorI Lamont WLTA - Jon Sayas Partnerships |
Cori Lamont & Jonathan Sayas |
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Hall of Wisconsin |
LUNCH Committee Updates & 50/50 Raffle |
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1:00 PM – 1:45 PM Hall of Wisconsin |
Surveyors Association WLIP Member partner |
Name |
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM Hall of Wisconsin |
Jeopardy PLSS Jeopardy, a light-hearted game to recap some of the conference’s key points (David Decker, PLS, Marathon County Surveyor) |
David Decker |
2:15 PM |
BREAK FOR AFTERNOON VISITS |
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2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Capitol |
Capitol Visits DESCRIPTION |
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2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ROOM ### |
Tour of State Departments/capitol/ Arthur Robinson Map Library, (20-minute walk) DESCRIPTION |
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4:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
Catch up on your work, start networking |
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6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 116 W Mifflin Street |
Social Night - The Ivory Room Piano Bar Ian’s Pizza, soda and water provided Doors open to the public at 8PM, you are welcome to stay or visit other great Madison establishments. |
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WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15TH |
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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Registration and Breakfast |
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9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Welcome Message |
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9:15 AM – 9:45 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Using GIS to Develop Affordable Housing Housing costs and available housing stock has been an extremely hot topic for years now. This is not just a struggle for potential home buyers, but also government agencies of all sizes. Many communities simply take the approach of hoping development will come to their communities. With rising costs across the board communities must be more competitive to attract development to their area. The Town of Grand Chute uses GIS to help identify areas for potential development for developers and advertise to them on these potential sites. The Town has even identified areas specifically for affordable housing and created site plans using simple GIS tools most organizations have access to. Sse how your community can do the same! |
Tyler DeBruin |
9:45 – 10:15 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Presentation Outreach Exchange – Updates from the Capitol |
Nick Gamroth & Nik Anderson |
10:15 – 10:45 AM |
BREAK / CHECKOUT |
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10:45 – 11:15 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Assessors - Business Partners The use of GIS and land records in their daily duties. |
Michelle Laube |
11:15 – 11:45 AM Hall of Wisconsin |
Round Table Discussion – Ask your burning questions DESCRIPTION |
You! |
11:45 – 12:00 PM |
Closing Remarks |
Hotel Information: Best Western Premier Park Hotel
WLIA Room Block is Open! Room Rate of $98/night.
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