GEO Business breathes life into the sector with tech, engagement and ideas

Alongside the latest tech, GEO Business 2026 provided a platform for the conversations, collaboration and knowledge-sharing that continue to drive the sector forward.

Over 6,200 professionals headed to Excel London on 3 and 4 June, cementing its position as the UK’s leading event for geospatial technology and location intelligence. 

This year’s edition featured more than 160 expert-led sessions, over 100 exhibitors and a range of interactive networking and learning experiences, bringing together the people working across surveying, GIS, data, planning and industry.

More than 160 expert-led seminars unpacked the technologies and trends transforming geospatial. From geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) and digital twins to Earth observation, reality capture and location intelligence, the event was home to the conversations shaping the future of the sector. And the message was clear: geospatial is no longer supporting decisions from the sidelines – it’s helping lead them. 

The evolution of AI

Artificial intelligence was a major theme throughout the programme. Will Cadell, CEO of Sparkgeo, explored the evolving relationship between AI and GIS, while Usama Shamma, director of software engineering at Mastercard, examined how AI is reshaping software engineering roles, skills and workflows. 

Visitors rolled their sleeves up for the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team’s live Mapathon, contributed to discussions through the Hot Topic Roundtables and discovered emerging ideas at the GeoAI Pitch Sessions, where innovators showcased practical applications of geospatial AI. 

Together, the sessions reflected a sector focused on practical outcomes and using technology to solve problems, improve decision-making and deliver measurable value.

Smarter decision-making

Over a hundred companies put their latest technologies front and centre, demonstrating how geospatial data is helping organizations make smarter decisions across infrastructure, construction, utilities, transport and environmental management. 

The show floor brought together established names with Bluesky International, Esri, G2 Survey, Ordnance Survey, RIEGL and Topcon among the line-up, showcasing the technologies helping organizations extract greater value from location data. 

Start-ups in the spotlight

Just a few aisles away, the Start-Up Village turned the spotlight on emerging innovators, offering visitors a first look at new solutions spanning agriculture, climate resilience, land use and environmental management. 

New in 2026, the Korean Pavilion added an international dimension to the show floor, bringing together companies at the forefront of AI-powered satellite imagery, 3D spatial modelling, drone technologies and advanced mapping. For many visitors, it provided a valuable insight into the innovations shaping geospatial on a global scale. 

Strengthening networks

GEO Business continues to serve as a meeting point for the geospatial community, bringing together professionals to exchange ideas, share expertise and build new connections. Simon Hamlin, chief executive of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), commented: “Without Geo Business you wouldn’t have the engagement, you wouldn’t have the articulation of ideas between organizations and individuals, and that breathes life into the sector which you wouldn’t get without this event. It’s essential.” 

“Technology is always moving at a rapid pace, but it feels like even more than usual things at the moment have been shifting,” noted Katie Hall, Esri UK’s head of education. “Being able to come together with peers, being able to discuss these problems, to network, to see the latest and to hear about what’s up and coming, it’s a fantastic opportunity.” 

The Women in Geospatial+ Networking Session and AGI Early Careers Networking Session created dedicated spaces for professionals at every stage of their careers, while the GEO Connect Meeting Hub hosted countless conversations between suppliers, practitioners and decision-makers. Meanwhile, the GEO Drinks Trail and evening networking events kept conversations flowing long after the seminar sessions ended. 

Appetite for innovation

This year’s event demonstrated not only the pace of innovation across the industry, but also the strength of the community behind it. Annie Reardon-Smith, GEO Business event manager, said: “GEO Business 2026 was our biggest and most ambitious event yet. The energy across the show floor, the quality of conversations and the appetite for innovation were exceptional.” 

“What stood out most was the willingness of people to share ideas, learn from each other and work together. Geospatial technology is playing an increasingly important role across so many industries, and we’re proud to provide a platform where the community can come together and move the sector forward,” she added.

GEO Virtual

In the next activity related to GEO Business, GEO Virtual will bring free on-demand webinars to the geospatial community’s screens on 29 and 30 September. 

GEO Business will return to Excel London on 23 and 24 June 2027.