Amid the noise and kinetic rush towards the conference keynote speeches, panel discussions, tech sessions, and built-to-wow demonstrations, there’s a place where calm beckons. Where the atmosphere is mostly quiet, the muted staccato of individual keystrokes and mouse clicks merging into one ambient chorus. Occasionally a chair leg scrapes softly against the carpet, indicating a (possibly crowd-weary) professional is heading back to the louder agenda. 
What—and where—is this oasis?
All over the place, actually. Found at many Esri and user group conferences held throughout the United States, the Hands-on Learning Lab helps attendees squeeze maximum learning out of their conference experience.
The Hands-on Learning Lab is a dedicated space where you can take free ArcGIS lessons on a variety of desktop, server, and online topics. Each self-paced lesson takes about 45 minutes, and includes a video lecture and a related hands-on software exercise.
The Lab is staffed by one or more certified Esri instructors, who are happy to answer questions and guide learners through any rough spots they encounter. Or just chat (in hushed voices of course).
The next time you attend a conference, why not seek out this great venue to learn something new, get some practical experience with ArcGIS software, and enjoy one-on-one access to an Esri expert? Not to mention, recharge your batteries before the evening social kicks off.
Experience the oasis for yourself if you’re attending one of these upcoming events.
- January 19-21, 2016 — Esri Southwest User Conference
- February 15-19, 2016 — Alaska Surveying and Mapping Conference
- February 22-25, 2016 — GIS/CAMA Technologies Conference
- February 24-25, 2016 — Esri Federal GIS Conference
