Time to Share Stories and Knowledge!
by Sam Olbekson, AIA, AICAE, NOMA, AIA Minnesota president
The start of autumn brings a season of gatherings and celebrations of many types. From the beginning of the school year, to fall harvest ceremonies and feasts, to diverse traditional holidays celebrated by the many cultures that make up our communities. These cultural and social traditions are an important way for our communities to stay connected, share stories and knowledge, and to create experiences that give us a sense of identity and belonging.
As members of AIA Minnesota, we belong to a committed community of professionals that value lifelong learning and professional growth. Coming together to share experiences, to learn, and to connect with each other is one of these valuable fall traditions we share every year. With registration now open for the AIA MN Conference on Architecture, I invite each of you to join our community in our most important gathering of the year.
This year’s conference, being held November 13-15, brings us to a new space – The Renaissance Minneapolis Depot Hotel & Event Center – and new exciting opportunities to connect as community members and to grow as professionals. What will stay the same is the high quality and motivational presentations our members always offer. We will continue to have important discussions about our impact on the profession, our communities, and the environment. We each have unique reasons for attending and we each bring unique experiences and valuable perspectives to share and I look forward to inspiring, meaningful, and reflective discourse.
We will also have fun! Connecting during the many planned and informal social events is an important aspect of building a strong design community and I look forward to hearing the laughter, stories, successes, and challenges of the past year. We are a stronger profession when we stay connected.
I encourage everyone to consider staying at the conference center hotel if possible, to enjoy a more immersive and connected experience. The Depot located near Owámniyomni (“turbulent waters” in the Dakota language, or Saint Anthony Falls in English), the Stone Arch Bridge, and many great dining opportunities and other cultural institutions along Ȟaȟa Wakpá (Mississippi River).
We are grateful for new conference attendees and for those that continue to return to this important gathering. I am thankful to the generous sponsors and vendors that support our work. I look forward to an energizing experience and am excited to see our amazing Keynote speakers, presenters, new products and especially to connect with old friends, colleagues, and to make new long-lasting connections.
