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NACIS News: September 2024

Date posted: September 18, 2024

Important conference deadlines

Be sure to register for our 44th annual meeting in Tacoma, WA by October 4th to get the early-bird discount.

If you need to reserve a room in our conference venue, the Hotel Murano, the special NACIS rate expires at 5pm Pacific time on September 24th.

Voting is open for the 2024 NACIS election

Every year, NACIS holds an election to fill vacant Board seats and as usual, we have a slate of highly qualified candidates for you to choose from. If you’re an active member of the Society, please cast your vote today. Voting ends at 11:59pm on Oct 14th.

VOTE NOW

New merch alert…

The NACIS Shop just dropped some fresh new shirt designs and stylish pint glasses—perfect for any map enthusiast!

Among the latest designs is this year’s 2024 Tacoma conference shirt. It’s is available online in both unisex and women’s cuts (in four colors and a wide range of sizes). Order ASAP to get your t-shirt in time for the conference.

In Tacoma, a smaller selection of conference shirts will be available for sale in person (unisex in aqua and pink in the sizes S – 2XL). If you’d prefer a different color, cut, or size, be sure to buy online.

We’ll also be offering these exclusive items at the conference only:

Map Monster sticker: inspired by our Map Monster t-shirt
Enamel pin: featuring one of our beloved t-shirt Map Monsters
Vintage NACIS conference t-shirts: missed your opportunity to snag last year’s shirt? We got you covered.
Luggage tags: back by popular demand, now in blue

Photos needed for memorial wall

NACIS is organizing a memorial wall in Tacoma in honor of Carl Sack and Dennis McClendon. If you have photos (that you took) of Carl and/or Dennis, and would like to share them in Tacoma, please email Daniel Huffman.

Our 2024 keynote speakers

OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER (OCT 16)

Nick Zentner, “Nick on the Rocks”

Nick Zentner is a distinguished geologist, educator, and award-winning host dedicated to sharing his passion for science beyond the traditional classroom setting. He has been teaching geology at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington since 1992.

His PBS TV series “Nick on the Rocks” has received significant acclaim, including two Emmy Awards, for its informative content and compelling storytelling. Additionally, he hosts an engaging YouTube Livestream Series, which brings joy to the learning process.

BANQUET KEYNOTE SPEAKER (OCT 18)

Dr. Danica Sterud Miller

Dr. Danica Sterud Miller (Puyallup Tribe of Indians) is a distinguished educator renowned for her expertise in American Indian and Indigenous Studies.

Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Co-Director at the Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies (CAIIS) at the University of Washington Tacoma. Her teaching methodologies incorporate immersive experiences such as field trips, captivating storytelling, and hands-on learning techniques.

NACIS Night In

We’re trying something new this year! On Thursday evening, have dinner on your own as usual, then join us back at the Hotel Murano for a low-key evening with carto-pals old and new – we’ll have puzzles, board games, and crafts.

We encourage you to bring your mappy games or host map-related activities at our Night In. If you’d like to host an activity, advertise it on the message board near the registration desk or via the #nacis2024-night-in Slack channel.

We’ll meet at the Map Gallery. Note that, per hotel regulations, outside food is not allowed. However, you can order drinks and food from the hotel bar. If you have ideas or questions, please email [email protected].

NACIS Night Out

The conference committee won’t be organizing a NACIS Night Out this year. You can have dinner on your own, and we encourage you to find fellow cartographers who would love to explore Tacoma’s breweries and enjoy the local nightlife.

We’ll have a message board near the registration desk where you can leave Night Out notices, or organize via the #nacis2024-night-out Slack channel. For ideas, questions, and feedback, please email [email protected].