The Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems (BNGIS) Centre hosted its first GIS User Conference, November 16-17, 2005, Nassau Beach Hotel, New Providence, Bahamas. The theme was "GIS Technology in and around The Bahamas." The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, officially opened the Conference and proclaimed GIS Day and Week 2005. Carolann Albury, Director of the Centre, reports the conference was a tremendous success which was made possible through the efforts of the Conference Program committee, funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Land Use Policy and Administration Project (LUPAP), corporate sponsorships, and interesting presenters and exhibitors. Over 450 persons attended the conference, exhibition, and map gallery from public and private sectors including various schools. Feedback from attendees was encouraging, particularly as the Centre strives to build vibrant GIS communities throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Prime Minister Christie spoke passionately on the use of GIS technology for land use planning as well as the importance of getting GIS in the school system. He praised the efforts made by The BNGIS Centre in advancing the cause and particularly thanked all those who donated to the Centre's GIS Youth Club initiative.