USITT Business Meetings & Special Events Sessions

Monday, March 17

A meeting of the elected officers (and at selected meetings office staff, contractors, and invited guests germane to committee discussions) of USITT. Current issues, new topics, study and review of business from Institute areas overseen by officers will be discussed and action proposals developed.

Tuesday, March 18

A meeting of the elected officers (and at selected meetings office staff, contractors, and invited guests germane to committee discussions) of USITT. Current issues, new topics, study, and review of business from Institute areas overseen by officers will be discussed and action proposals developed.

Members of the Steering Committee for USITT's 50th celebration in 2010 will discuss ideas and begin formulating plans.

The USITT Board of Directors, which includes the Executive Committee and Directors at Large, convene at the Conference (one of two annual meetings) to enact the business of the Institute, which may include: approval of the annual budget, adoption of rules and regulations for the conduct of all meetings, establishment of the dues structure, establishment of the policies for any services rendered by the corporation, review and act on all contracts, and advising the President and other officers on matters pertaining to the operation of the Corporation and other duties as may be prescribed by the By-Laws. Board Meetings are open to all USITT members.

Wednesday, March 19

An organizational, business, and planning meeting of Commissioners and Vice-Commissioners of USITT.

The annual meeting of the Design Expo Committee will take place at Stage Expo at the Design Expo exhibit.

The USITT Finance Committee meets to review the current year budget, work on the budget draft for the upcoming year, and review overall USITT finances. Guests are welcome at Finance Committee meetings, unless the committee is in executive session.

Help USITT start its 48th Annual Conference & Stage Expo with a special Keynote presentation by Kevin Rigdon. Mr. Rigdon, well-known for his work in regional theatre and on Broadway, will be just part of this exciting event. Help USITT celebrate the presentation of the Joel E. Rubin Founders Award, kept confidential until the award is presented, the Herbert D. Greggs Awards, and other USITT honors. Be on hand for the Annual General Meeting, a snapshot of the USITT year, and an opportunity to learn or ask questions about the Institute.

Members of the steering committee for USITT's 50th Celebration invites ideas for honoring the Institute during it's 50th year. The session will be an open forum; everyone is welcome.

The committee meets to evaluate grant and fellowship proposals received during this funding cycle and make recommendations to the USITT Board of Directors for potential support.

A continuation of Commissioners IA meeting to discuss organizational and planning issues.

A reception designed to help first-time Conference attendees get the most from their Conference experience and learn more about how USITT works. Representatives from Commissions and interest groups highlight projects and programming. Discussion on the special resources and hidden treasures available at the Houston Conference & Stage Expo. One of the best ways to find out how to participate in and become involved with USITT. Sponsored by the Caucus on Human Issues.

This is the annual opportunity for young emerging professionals to sit down with some USITT Fellows and discuss the issues of entry into the profession, continuing education, internships, resume development, financial compensation and the many issues that confront young designers and technicians when they leave higher education and enter the "real world." Various USITT Fellows will be present representing the many disciplines within the entertainment industry.

Membership Committee discusses membership recruitment, retention, recognition, and accessibility.

Every day we hear about this regulation, that standard, or some code. Ever wonder where these come from and how they might affect workers or work situations? This session is an opportunity to learn from the USITT Standards Chair where these things come from and what you need to known about them. What you do not know could land you in hot water.

Another opening, another show! Mingle with old friends, make new acquaintances. Special thanks to the wonderful sponsors that make this event possible: A V Pro, Inc., Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC), Martin Professional, Inc., SECOA, and Texas Scenic Company.

Thursday, March 20

Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia.

Ohio, Western Pennsylvania.

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia.

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin.

Arizona

Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma.

Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine.

Colorado, Wyoming

Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota.

Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas.

Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington

Members of the publications committee discuss issues related to USITT publications, Sightlines, TD&T, the USITT website, and the Annual Membership Directory & Resource Guide.

A meeting of the elected officers (and at pre-selected meetings, office staff, subcontractors, and invited guests who would be germane to committee discussions) of USITT. Current issues, new topics, study and review of business from Institute areas overseen by officers will be discussed and action proposals developed.

Join USITT member authors as they sign copies of their new works. All publications are on sale at the USITT Boutique at Stage Expo.

Discussion of some of the procedures, processes, and methods involved in research and development featuring a case study that had its genesis in USITT's Grants & Fellowships Program. Mr. Gerlach will provide insight on the study that eventually led to his producing a commercially viable LED lighting fixture. Mr. Terry will provide his expertise as ETC's VP for R&D to the discussion. The session will focus on the process of R&D which is applicable to fields of research where the outcome may be product or knowledge.

This appointed committee accepts and reviews candidate recommendations for the various Institute awards and reviews award criteria. A schedule is set for upcoming awards review processes.

Chapter officers, or those interested in Student Chapters, focus on how to start and sustain an active student chapter. Likely topics include a Student Chapter Officers Roundtable, how to start a Student Chapter, an introduction to Regional Sections and their activities, and how to develop a relationship with campus student organizations.

USITT’s Fellows, the men and women recognized for life for their truly outstanding contributions to the theatre and the work of the Institute, have selected Alexandra Bonds, USITT Vice President for International Activities and Leon I. Brauner, USITT Past President and head of the United States Centre for OISAT, the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians to present USITT Internationally: Here, There, and Everywhere, the 2008 Fellows Address. Mr. Brauner plans an overview of USITT’s international involvement, and how to enhance our world participation as an organization with Ms. Bonds focusing on members of USITT who are making a difference with their overseas research, productions, and educational programs. Come be inspired to become engaged in the global theatre context. After the Address, the Fellows will introduce and induct members who have been chosen as new Fellows of the Institute, names not revealed until the ceremony. After honoring members for their long-time commitment to the profession, the event concludes by honoring younger practitioners just starting their careers when the USITT Awards for Young Designer & Technicians in the Performing Arts are presented. The grand conclusion will be the introduction and induction of newly-elected Fellows of the Institute, and the presentation of the USITT Awards for Young Designer & Technicians in the Performing Arts.

Exhibitors take center stage to present and demonstrate their new products. Get a taste of what's new during the Showcase, then visit Stage Expo for a more in-depth look at the products. Don't miss this fun-filled event.

Anyone interested in human issues is welcome to take an active part in determining how this caucus may help address problems or areas of concern in our profession.

Friday, March 21

This special breakfast honors and thanks USITT's Contributing and Sustaining members for their ongoing generous support of the Institute. The buffet-style setting provides a friendly atmosphere for informal conversation.

Regional section editors and webmasters share common problems and extraordinary solutions in keeping section members up to date on regional activities.

The committee represents student interests in USITT, participates in the recruitment and renewal of Student Chapters, and assists with Tech Olympics. Students are encouraged to attend.

This session will feature the exciting and innovative design work of George Tsypin, the subject of this year's Golden Pen Award for the book: George Tsypin Opera Factory: Building in the Black Void. Through a visual presentation, Mr. Tsypin, will introduce his work from some of the seminal opera houses of our time from New York to Milan. His "maximalist" creations fill the stage with an exciting blend of Russian constructivism, sculptural and architectural elements in ways only he has imagined. Please attend and expect to see the empty stage as a void waiting to be filled.

A continuing discussion including reports on conversations with other committees in the Institute.

The USITT Finance Committee meets to review the current year budget, work on the budget draft for the upcoming year, and review overall USITT finances. Guests are welcome at Finance Committee meetings, unless the Committee is in executive session.

A closed session where USITT Fellows meet to discuss issues relevant to their work within the Institute. Discussion includes projects, programs, and activities of the Fellows and the ways they may provide support for USITT. The annual group photo will be taken at this session.

The subject of USITT's newest monograph about the "godfather of sound" will be available along with the author, Rick Thomas, to sign copies of the book - on sale at the USITT Boutique at Stage Expo.

The USITT Board of Directors, which includes the Executive Committee and Directors at Large, convene at the Conference (one of two annual meetings) to enact the business of the Institute, which may include: approval of the annual budget, adoption of rules and regulations for the conduct of all meetings, establishment of the dues structure, establishment of the policies for any services rendered by the corporation, review and act on all contracts, and advising the President and other officers on matters pertaining to the operation of the Corporation and other duties as may be prescribed by the By-Laws. Board Meetings are open to all USITT members.

The Tech Expo Committee meeting is open to everyone, but especially those interested in organizing or participating in the next biennial Tech Expo, 2009. If you have wondered what Tech Expo is all about, come join us with your questions and ideas. One item on the agenda this year is creating a style sheet for submissions to the Tech Expo Catalog.

Come and watch a fun and instructive competition as student members test their skills in events such as shifting props, focusing a light, wiring, and more! See the message boards for more information. Students are especially encouraged to attend. Tech Olympic awards will be presented at Stage Expo on Saturday.

Saturday, March 22

Commissioners and Conference programming representatives will meet to discuss and outline preliminary plans for programs at the 2009 Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Business meeting of the USITT Exhibitors Committee.

All Stage Expo exhibitors are invited to meet members of the Exhibitors Committee and receive updates on plans for upcoming Stage Expos.

Begin the Conference day at Stage Expo with a continental breakfast. Take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee while talking to more than 170 wide-awake exhibitors and viewing special exhibits.

This meeting is to discuss the Tech Olympics, what worked, what didn't, and suggestions for future Tech Olympics.

Members of the publications committee continue discussing issues related to USITT publications, including publications-related documentation, Publications Available and booklist, new avenues and ideas for publications, and publications awards.

Booth exhibitors are encouraged to reserve exhibit space for Stage Expo 2009 while in Houston. Exhibitors will be able to select the best possible booth location and save money by booking in advance. Those who have not already signed up for the priority space selection process, please see Helen Willard, Stage Expo Sales Manager. Space selection for 2009 takes place in the Show Office just inside the entrance. (NOTE: Table exhibitors will be contacted about selecting 2009 table spaces following the Conference).

The 2008 Golden Pen winner, George Tsypin Opera Factory: Building in the Black Void, will be autographed at this time in the USITT Boutique at Stage Expo.

The committee will be completing a slate of candidates for the 2008 election. This meeting is for committee members only.

Publications Committee meeting of the TD&T editors to discuss plans for covering USITT's 50th anniversary

Spend a few minutes, as the Annual Conference & Stage Expo concludes, at this cash bar happy hour. All are welcome.

As the 2008 Annual Conference draws to a close, the annual Awards Banquet provides a fitting end to the celebration of theatre and live entertainment design with awards to distinguished achievers and outstanding industry professionals. Tickets are needed and must be purchased by noon on Wednesday, March 19, prior to the event.