by: Murrye Bernard Assoc. AIA LEED AP
Event: 2008 AIA National Convention
Location: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, 05.15-17.08
Speakers: Go to the AIA Convention website for information on all speakers and events
There were a number of firsts for Associate members at this year’s AIA National Convention. The first AIA Associates Award, the highest award given to individual Associate members who “demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to their component or region’s membership,” went to Jonathan Taylor, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, Regional Associate Director of the New England Region. Vasso Kampiti, Assoc. AIA, Regional Associate Director for the New York State Region, was the first New Yorker selected for the Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship that will pay for her ARE exams. The Associates Luncheon, proceeds of which went to her scholarship fund, featured keynote speaker Amy C. Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management, Harvard Business School, speaking on the value of good business practices.
This year’s convention also marked the debut of the Associates Lounge, sponsored by Kaplan AEC, a space for Associates to connect with each other, learn about the National Associates Committee (NAC), take practice ARE exams, and relax between sessions. Additionally, several workshops on preparation for the ARE were offered, book-ended by welcoming and closing receptions.
Murrye Bernard, Assoc. AIA, is a designer with TEK Architects, freelance writer, and member of the National Associates Committee.