Jeffrey Hausman, AIA
Mid Summer Conference Chair
The Annual Mid Summer Conference is the longest running event on the
AIA Michigan calendar and one of its most successful. When it seems
that the world is falling apart, should we make an effort to keep
this program going? After a few deep breaths accompanied by some
nagging doubts, the planning committee once again did what it had to
do to get this up and running. After all, this is our 66th year on
Mackinac Island; could times be tougher now than in 1943? With our
partners at AGC of Michigan we will once again create a perfect
opportunity for fun, one-on-one contact with industry leaders, and
information sharing between the building and construction
industries. This is the place that mentoring happens, contacts are
made among and between leaders, continuing education programs are
provided and lifetime friendships are made.
If you have not
previously joined us on the porch at the Grand Hotel, this is the
year to do so. In an effort to keep the costs down there have been
no increases in hotel prices or registration at this year’s events.
This is the year to vacation in Michigan, pass up London and bring
the family north. Everything that is synonymous with Mackinac will
again return in 2009 with a few additions.
Thursday begins on the
porch of the Grand with a welcome reception sponsored by the Detroit
Brick Distributor Council. After dinner we will once again enjoy an
evening with the whole family at our traditional family night. Join
us Friday morning for “Platinum Makes Perfect” where we discuss the
world’s first Dual Platinum LEED Certified Building. Also, Friday
AGC of America President J. Doug Pruitt presents “Daring the
Industry to Embrace Change”. What does the future of the A/E/C
industry look like and are we prepared to make the necessary
changes? Saturday morning join us for a discussion by Phil Power,
The Center for Michigan - “Share in Michigan’s Defining Moment”
Participate in a public engagement campaign to ignite a movement for
change. The bocci tournament begins on Friday and the informal mixer
Golf Scramble is on Saturday. Bocci winds up with a glorious
reception in the Tea Garden Friday sponsored by the Great Lakes
Fabricators and Erectors Association. One of the highlights Saturday
will be a back of house tour of the kitchens at the Grand Hotel. Few
have had this privilege. As always there is plenty of free time for
golf or tennis. The Saturday evening cocktail party is sponsored by
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA)
and after dinner we will celebrate this year’s conference with an
Afterglo. 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 here. |
