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!
Kick off Your Meeting
Tuesday, May 21: Ease into it
- Awards Ceremony, 4:00 to 6:00pm. Celebrate your colleagues!
- Exhibit Hall Opening Reception: Welcome to the Hub, 6:00 to 8:00pm (included in registration). After the 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.
- ECPN and CIPP Happy Hours from 7:30 to 9:00pm. CIPP and ECPN members can connect with emerging conservators or private practice peers
Connect with Colleagues
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. Reserve your spot today!
Choose Your Own Adventure
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.
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
host hotels. 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. We have 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.
Drag 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 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 host 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 at the meeting. We'll have snacks and a cash bar to help you relax and rest before your travels.