Published: 04 Nov 2026
The countdown is nearly over. This Friday, 6 November, the Geospatial Survey Association (GSA) will bring members, collaborators and the next generation of geospatial surveyors together at CLM Conference Centre in Coventry for the GSA Conference and Awards Day. The programme is packed, and the atmosphere promises to be electric.
This is the first conference since the association became the Geospatial Survey Association, which makes it a landmark occasion. It has been a year of real change and ambition for GSA, and Friday is the chance to celebrate that progress together and look ahead to what comes next.
The Geospatial Accord: your chance to get involved
At the heart of the day will be the latest news on The Geospatial Accord, GSA’s national marketing campaign to put geospatial surveying where it has always belonged: first. Members will hear how the campaign is progressing, what it aims to achieve on standards, procurement, skills and recognition, and how they can play their part. For anyone who wants to help shape the future of the profession, this is the place to be.
‘Anything is possible’ when Nicolas Hamilton takes the stage
Delegates are in for a treat with this year’s keynote from racing driver Nicolas Hamilton. Born with a form of cerebral palsy, Nicolas went from wheelchair user to walking unaided by 17. He then became the only disabled driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship since it began in 1958. Now racing for reigning champions Team VERTU, he won the Jack Sears Trophy at Snetterton in May. His story of determination and resilience is one no one will want to miss. It fits perfectly with GSA’s vision and ambition of helping members always strive to “build a better business”.
Celebrating the next generation
Friday is also a day of celebration. For the third year running, GSA will honour the latest delegates to complete The Survey School’s GSA Surveying Course, alongside this year’s geospatial apprentices from colleges across the UK. It is always one of the highlights of the day. The new surveyors get to meet experienced professionals, and members get to see first-hand the talent coming through the profession.
Looking forward to Friday
Commented Rachel Tyrrell, GSA CEO,
“There’s a real sense of excitement building ahead of Friday, and we can’t wait to bring everyone together in Coventry. This is our first conference as the Geospatial Survey Association, marking an important new chapter for our profession. It’s a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come, share our ambition for The Geospatial Accord and, most importantly, inspire our members to help shape what comes next. This is about more than a new name – it’s about the strength of our community and the future we can build together.
“Hearing from Nicolas Hamilton promises to be a powerful and inspiring moment. And celebrating our course delegates and apprentices in front of the profession is always a real highlight — recognising the talent, commitment and next generation of people who will drive us forward.
The volume of members registering has been fantastic, and that enthusiasm shows just how much we can achieve when we come together. Now is the time to turn that energy into action. The Geospatial Accord is an opportunity to shape the future of our profession, raise its profile and make our collective voice stronger than ever. We want every member to be part of that journey. Friday is just the beginning — and together, we can make a real difference.”
The GSA Conference and Awards Day takes place on Friday 6 November 2026 at CLM Conference Centre, Coventry. Registration has now closed following a strong response from members. GSA looks forward to welcoming everyone attending on Friday.
