Annual Conference Spotlight: Workshop 9 - Building your GISP Portfolio

Here is a workshop to focus on building your GISP portfolio whether it’s for becoming a GISP or recertifying as a GISP. You'll dive into each of the submission areas: Education, Experience and Contributions to the Profession, as well as spend some time on ethics and professional certification.
Anyone interested in learning more about creating their portfolio is encouraged to attend.

This GISP workshop will be led by Kent Park, of the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI).

Kent’s four-decade career in geospatial science reflects both the evolution of the field and his own wide-ranging impact. Active in the geospatial community for more than 40 years, he has worked on projects around the world, from base mapping in support of U.S. Department of Defense operations to applying imagery and LiDAR to identify invasive species in the western United States and monitor forest health for the timber industry. Beyond his professional work, Kent’s love of geography carries into his personal life—he spends winters skiing in the Rocky Mountains, summers fishing on Lake Erie, and time in between hiking and photographing landscapes in U.S. National Parks and along Iceland’s renowned Laugavegur Trail. 

Recently retired from Woolpert, Kent shows no signs of slowing down. He now serves as Program Director of the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), where he continues to champion professional excellence and ethical standards in the GIS profession. Through GISCI’s internationally recognized GISP® (Certified GIS Professional) certification program, the organization promotes proficiency, community engagement, and mentoring among GIS professionals worldwide.

In his upcoming session, Kent will focus on helping professionals build a strong GISP portfolio—whether they are pursuing initial certification or recertification. The session will explore each submission area, including Education, Experience, and Contributions to the Profession, while also addressing ethics and the value of professional certification. Anyone interested in strengthening their portfolio or learning more about the GISP process is encouraged to attend.

Learn more about the 2026 Annual Conference in Wisconsin Dells by checking out the Event Page!