President’s Letter
June 2021
Dear Colleagues,
The beginning of summer sees a mixed improvement in the worldwide coronavirus situation, with some countries on an apparent road to recovery and others in the middle of serious difficulties.
The AIA IR Spring Conference was a resounding success, with speakers and attendees from around the world. The entire conference is available on-demand for continuing education credit. We have moved it back onto the IR website here, so there will no longer be any of the registration issues that many faced during the live conference.
Planning for the annual IR conference in Dubai on November 11-14, 2021 is underway. This will be an in-person conference with some portions available virtually. The IR conference coincides with the Dubai Expo and Dubai Design Week. Registration opens in the Autumn. More info here.
One positive aspect to come from the coronavirus is the sharing of virtual events within the International Region. There are more than 100 events now available on-demand, which include some phenomenal presentations and building tours. Have a look here.
Former AIA National President Bill Bates, FAIA, NOMA was the visiting speaker with the AIA IR Board and Country Representatives earlier this month, discussing his time as AIA leader, where the profession has come, and what work still needs to be done in areas such as climate change, social justice, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
The IR committees for Emerging Professionals and for EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) are going strong, and coordinating efforts between the 7 IR chapters and the Unassigned Members. If you are interested in being involved, please email me.
Finally, there will be several IR positions becoming available with terms starting on January 1st. These include Vice-President/President-elect, Treasurer, Director for Unassigned Members, and Representative to the Strategic Council. Please consider getting involved. Watch out for the upcoming announcements with more details.
I hope to see you all in Dubai in November!
Regards,
Lester Korzilius; FAIA, RIBA
President, AIA International Region
lester.korzilius@aiainternational.org
