catalyst: An agent for change
When I set the theme for the 81st Annual Conference + Design Expo last year, I had no idea just how prophetic that word would be. 2020 has been a year of radical change, and previous ideas of the way we live and work have been altered. Out of it has grown the challenge, and opportunity, not only to keep moving forward but also to make things better.
Within this context of change, we have made the difficult decision to hold the 81st Annual Conference + Design Expo as a virtual event. Previously scheduled for October 29-31, 2020 in Dallas, we will now meet for a Virtual Conference + Showcase on October 28-30.
This decision was made after weeks of careful consideration and deliberation. A variety of paths forward were considered, but as we balanced current governmental restrictions surrounding large events, the unpredictability of restrictions in October, the alarming number of rising COVID-19 cases in Texas, and, most importantly, concern for our attendees, we determined a virtual conference was our best solution for 2020.
A virtual conference, carefully planned in coordination with experienced vendors, allows us to continue our association’s important work. The spirit of our conference will remain intact as we continue to offer outstanding keynote speakers, timely breakout sessions, informative tours, engaging networking opportunities, and a fully interactive exhibit experience. AIA Dallas and the members of our local planning committee have been instrumental in the transition to this virtual platform, and we are extremely grateful to them for their collaboration and thoughtful guidance throughout this process.
As the state’s largest community of architects has proven time and again, nothing can stop us from fulfilling our mission. While it will look different, we are going to have an amazing, historic, can’t-miss event, filled with surprises and new opportunities to engage with the association.
Look for more details in the days and weeks to come, and I look forward to seeing you all online at our Virtual Conference + Showcase.
Sincerely,
Connie Rivera, AIA
TxA President
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 81st Annual Conference + Design Expo will take place virtually using a customized videoconferencing platform. The event will be known as the Virtual Conference + Showcase.
Virtual Conference + Showcase Dates: October 28-30, 2020
Registration for the conference will open in August. Attendees will receive detailed instructions and credentials enabling them to access the virtual conference.
Watch for complete details coming soon at conference.texasarchitects.org.
2 Comments
Thank you Connie. We are looking forward to this new experience and appreciate all your hard work. See you at the Virtual Conference!
Will there be an ADA course presentation for the CEU requirement?