Know Before You Go #1:
Plan Your Evenings!
Our "Know Before You Go" emails help you navigate your experience and prepare you for the best possible meeting. In this message, we'll be highlighting the evening events that bring together your experiences
throughout the day and help cement new and old friendships.
Evening Events
We can’t wait to see you in Salt Lake City in a few short weeks. The AIC Annual Meeting is many things to many different people – a chance to share your research, a chance to catch up on advances
in the field, the opportunity to connect with colleagues, and to experience the host city in a new way. We all know that the takeaways and memories from the meeting are a mix of planned and spontaneous
experiences. This year we have so many exciting new options!
Four Nights of Fun!
Kick off Your Meeting on Tuesday
Tuesday, May 21: Ease into it
- Celebrate your colleagues at our Awards Ceremony, 4:00 to 6:00pm
- Join us for the Exhibit Hall Opening Reception: Welcome to the Hub, 6:00 to 8:00pm (Included in your registration!)
- CIPP and ECPN members can connect with emerging conservators or private practice peers at the ECPN and CIPP Happy Hours from 7:30 to 9:00pm
After the AIC and FAIC award presentations, we’re kicking off with our Exhibit Hall transformed into a lively hub. Expect the unexpected as we utilize this large convention center space to its fullest,
with numerous exhibitors (including many new vendors), lots of food and drink, a demo stage, and ample opportunities for networking. This will also be an excellent chance to meet AIC Board and Nominating
Committee members at 7:00pm and learn about the impact of volunteering with AIC, board service, or other topics. Our themed happy hours for private practice and emerging professionals follow the reception.
Connect with Colleagues on Wednesday
Wednesday, May 22: Choose from three fun choices
Delve into deep discussions with peers in your specialty area. These focused gatherings are designed to foster meaningful connections and share insights in an intimate setting. The Specialty Group receptions
are on the night of the opening sessions this year. These joint receptions are held from 6:30 to 9:30 pm and include great food and open bars:
Prices range from $55 to $65 for group members and $29 to $35 for students, depending on venue. Not a member of a specialty group or CAN? Add a group to your membership and save on the reception. These events
are ticketed eserve your spot today!
Choose Your Own Adventure Thursday
Thursday, May 23: Five opportunities to celebrate
The night is open to make it your own! Mix and match from our panoply of options, but get tickets in before the events fill up:
- Ticketed dinner in a contemporary art museum ($70)
- WAG reception ($49 regular, $35 students)
- Small-group dining experience in local restaurants (pay your own check)
- Buffalo and UCLA grad school reunions (included for alums)
- AIC & RATS Drag After Party at WhyKiki ($25)
Dinner at Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, 6:00 to 8:00pm ($70)
Secure your ticket for a limited-seat (100 max) vegetarian dinner reception at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. ($70 includes dinner and open bar)
After a fun and informative day of talks, walk next door from the Salt Palace Convention Center to The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art for a delightful evening of viewing the museum's exhibitions on climate
change and relaxing with friends old and new. Visit the museum's website for more information on the exhibitions. In recognition of the climate change exhibitions we will be serving an all-vegetarian
menu. Purchase your ticket today to help support this innovative small museum that makes a big cultural impact.
WAG Reception from 5:00 to 8:00pm ($49 and $35/students)
Join fellow wooden artifacts conservators at Squatters Pub Brewery for a fun evening of companionship, craft beers, and creative appetizers (enough to make dinner out of). Squatters Pub Brewery
is conveniently located within walking distance of all three AIC hotels. Note: The OSG/ASG/RATS reception is happening Wednesday so those with friends and colleagues in both objects and wooden artifacts
groups can now go to both receptions. We even have a combination ticket that offers a $10 savings. We know that OSG and WAG are the party groups in AIC, so we have arranged two nights of events just
for you! Register today.
Buffalo and UCLA Reunions, time TBA
Reconnect with old friends and colleagues in a welcoming environment! More information coming soon.
Dine-Arounds in Local Restaurants, 6:30pm (pay your own check)
Dine-arounds are making an AIC debut, thanks to the Member Engagement Subcommittee's suggestion! Experience Salt Lake City’s vibrant culinary scene with fellow attendees. AIC has made reservations
at the most talked about and recommended restaurants in Salt Lake City. Sign up for a spot at the restaurant of your choosing; you cover your own bill. We have made reservations for 4-6 people at each
restaurant; make new friends as you break bread together. A fun brochure and a signup list will be posted to the Annual Meeting Community on May 2 – watch for your digest and snag your seat.
RATS/AIC After Party at WhyKiki, 8:00pm onward ($25)
Join us for a night of drag shows, drinks, and dancing! Support the local community at WhyKiki, a space where all are welcome. We have set up a special 8:00pm drag show
just for AIC Annual Meeting attendees, which will be followed by the semi-finals of WhyKiki’s annual lip-syncing battle! Stay for the early show or enjoy all WhyKiki has to offer, from dancing
to food and drinks for
the rest of the night. Ticket includes 2 well drinks or 1 specialty drink. WhyKiki is located directly across the street from the Marriott City Creek in Downtown Salt Lake City, making it an easy and
safe walk from all three AIC hotels. Please remember that tipping the Queens is HIGHLY encouraged, so come with ample dollar bills to show your love for all they do!
More About Our Reception Changes
As we shared with members in the AIC News, continued rising costs, especially for food and transportation, and unique local restrictions such as stricter liquor laws and logistical hurdles
with our venue choices, means the all-attendee reception you've come to expect and enjoy on our opening evening was not possible this year. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to keep event
costs low for both you and our organization.
With much resourcefulness and creativity, we've transformed new challenges into great opportunities to bring you receptions and other networking opportunities spread out over four nights. We could not have created such a diverse and dynamic offering without the great work and support from our groups and network volunteers!
Close the Meeting with Friends and Celebrate Sharing
Friday, May 24: Last event of the meeting
The 7th Annual Mistakes session will help us close our meeting from 4:00 to 6:00pm. It's your last chance to meet with friends new and old, commiserate with colleagues sharing their mistakes and trial-and-error
experiences, and reflect on your amazing week with AIC. We'll have snacks and a cash bar to help you relax and rest before your travels.
Adventure Awaits!
Be sure to secure your spots at these events! We look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City for a meeting filled with unexpected surprises and unforgettable experiences!