AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
AIA Michigan
65th Annual
Mid Summer
Conference

Partnering with
AGC of Michigan

The Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island
August 7-10, 2008

 

 

Mid Summer Conference Links

 

ANNUAL EVENT

Robert Daverman, AIA
Mid Summer Conference Chair


Why do a significant number of building team members set aside their work-a-day world and trek 300 miles north for the Annual Mid Summer Conference? The Conference began 65 years ago when gas was rationed and people drove on bald tires on a two lane road, only some of which was paved, to catch a ferry boat to the island. Is it because Mackinac Island is beautiful and steeped in history? Maybe, architects and constructors have a heightened sensitivity to aesthetics. Is it about the recreation? Golf is great. Tennis anyone? Croquet and bocci, the whole family can play. Education? There is enough to keep the brain engaged and to garner some CES credits.

It is all of the above but it is the intangible spirit of comradery that pervades this event that keeps generations coming back - bringing their children and then their grandchildren. It is a connecting link to the disparate professions that make up the construction industry. Mentoring happens. Contacts are made among and between leaders. Lingering problems are solved. Lifetime friendships are made. The built environment is better in Michigan for it.

This has always been something of an industry wide event. Four years ago, AIA and AGC of Michigan combined resources to put on this conference. Both organizations are better for it.

After 65 years, the Mid Summer Conference has developed its own rhythm. Board meetings on Thursday followed by a reception on the front porch and dinner in the dining room. Thursday Night will be a time to spend with your family at our traditional Family Night.

The bocci tournament and golf scrambles begin in earnest on Friday. Friday’s golf is a competitive scramble paired by handicap but golf on Saturday is an informal event. Bocci winds up with a glorious reception in the Tea Garden.

Friday is also the day for business meetings and legislative updates. Friday morning’s speaker is Kenneth D. Simonson, Chief Economist with the Associated General Contractors of America. He is a respected economist, author, TV personality who has served on presidential commissions and is frequently quoted in the Wall Street Journal. He will share his knowledge of what is happening in the economy and what it implies for construction. Don’t miss this one.

The Saturday morning speakers are John Boehms AIA, LEED® AP, Technical Specialist, Autodesk “Looking for the “I” in BIM? Model Information Sharing.” John Boehms will discuss a practical approach to integrated project delivery & BIM. Next is Ginny Baxter from Herman Miller presenting “Topography: Viewpoints from the World of Work.” She will explore the changing dynamics of the workplace and discuss the major influences and business drivers that should be considered when designing places to work. Saturday morning ends with a cottage tour that you won’t want to miss!

Please join us on the porch of the Grand Hotel. It will be a memorable experience. Mackinac Island is a unique destination and we have a wonderful tradition on the island.

To contact us:

AIA MICHIGAN
553 EAST JEFFERSON AVE.
DETROIT, MI 48226
313-965-4100
Email AIA Michigan

SPONSOR LINKS:     BECOME A SPONSOR FOR THIS PAGE - CALL 313 965 4100
Advanced Solutions,
Louisville, KY
Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association Metro Detroit Chapter (SMACNA) Detroit Brick Distributor Council, Reston, VA Great Lakes Fabricators & Erectors  Association

AIA MICHIGAN - AIA CHAPTERS - CALENDAR - EVENTS & COMMITTEES - CONTACT US