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The 2018 Annual Conference kicks off next week in Los Angeles! Here are some tips for first-time attendees:

  • We expect between 3,500 and 4,000 in attendance.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. The Convention Center is large and there is a lot of walking. Most people dress business casual.
  • Be sure to talk to other conference attendees. Making connections is one of the most important things about the Annual Conference.
  • 300 ninety-minute sessions on art making and art history topics – many have Q+A sessions at the end. You don’t need to reserve a space for a particular session, however, space may be limited in due to popularity.

Session times are: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM

  • Use the Annual Conference App or the printed program to make your selection as to which sessions you want to attend. Select sessions in your own field, but also attend a session that interests you but you don’t know that much about.
  • Key Conversation sessions- 12:30 to 1:30PM each day. These cover more topical and current art topics.
  • Printed programs are $10. The mobile App for phone is free. There is Wi-Fi throughout the convention center.
  • Book and Trade Fair: Approximately 90 exhibitors by publishers and art supply makers
  • Cultural and Academic Network Hall: Booths by 52 colleges and cultural orgs
  • Interviews between colleges and attendees
  • Idea Exchange
  • Candidate Center
  • Poster sessions
  • There are many off-site events, some of which are free and some of which have a fee. Check the conference website for the list and see if they are sold out.
  • There are professional development workshops and mentoring sessions. Check the conference website or the App for details.
  • Be sure to check out the Media Lounge and ArtSpace, where the Annual Distinguished Artist Interviews take place.
  • If you are a presenter, there is a Speaker Ready Room for you to prep.
  • The CAA Annual Meeting takes place on Friday at 2:00 PM. All are welcome to attend.
  • Other services available include a Business Center, Quiet Room, and Lactation Room.
  • General CAA questions can be answered at the Welcome Booth in the Registration area in Concourse Foyer.
  • Bus service will run between the hotels and the Westin, Biltmore JW Marriott and the Convention Center – mostly in the morning and end of day. Check the Shuttle Bus Schedule icon in the App for service hours.

106th  CAA Annual Conference Schedule Highlights

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

  • Meet and Greet for early arrivals at the Convention Center

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

  • Registration open 8:00AM to 7:00PM
  • Sessions run at Convention Center
  • 6:00 – 7:30PM – Convocation, Awards for Distinction, and keynote speech by Charles Gaines. Reception will follow in the Registration Area.
  • Tour of the Broad Museum – Jasper Johns exhibition (sold out)
  • Hauser & Wirth after party (sold out)

Thursday, February 22, 2018

  • Registration open 8:00AM to 7:00PM
  • Book and Trade Fair opens, 9:00AM-6:00PM
  • Cultural and Academic Network Hall opens, 9:00AM-6:00PM
  • Sessions run at the Convention Center
  • Distinguished Scholar Award and Conversation, 4:00-5:30PM
  • Board of Directors Voting ends, 6:00PM
  • Getty Center Reception at 7:00PM – buses will be provided

Friday, February 23, 2018

  • Registration open 8:00AM to 7:00PM
  • Sessions run at Convention Center
  • Distinguished Artist Interviews, 3:30-5:30PM
  • CAA Annual Business Meeting 2:00PM at Convention Center
  • Receptions run at night at hotels for reunions

Saturday, February 24, 2018

  • Registration open 8:30AM to 2:30PM
  • Sessions run at Convention Center

Click here to see more tips for first-time attendees.

Filed under: Annual Conference