2008 52nd Annual National Convention
Westin Colonnade Hotel
Coral Gables, Florida
October 15-19, 2008
Wednesday October 15th
Thirty plus SARA members and spouses took a trolley ride and kicked off the 2008 Coral Gables Convention at Villagio Restaurant in Merrick Park. Getting the chance to reconnect with old SARA friends and meet several new ones while enjoying a wonderful sampling of heavy hors d oeuvres made for a wonderful evening.
Thursday October 16th
Seminars and CEU’s were on the agenda for the next day beginning with Damon Lymon from X nth, Brian Griffis and John Edgar of Gate Precast Concrete and Dan Canova and Burleigh Withers, III, of STO Corporation. Luis Fors from Lightolier Corporation conducted a luncheon seminar while everyone enjoyed a buffet lunch.
Thursday afternoon everyone took a bus trip to the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center for tour on our way to the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach and finally to Old Spanish Village. Christine Rupp, Executive Director of the Coral Gables Museum met our group with a wine and cheese reception where we also met Jorge Hernandez, Architect of the new Coral Gables Museum. The new museum is in the process of being constructed.
Friday October 17th
Friday morning began with SARA’s Annual Assembly which was very well attended. President Michael Griffith conducting the general business of the Society navigated the agenda and then opened the floor for general discussion. John Maple shared a new Marketing Campaign for membership recruitment with the group. “Are You a Member” T-shirts were distributed to everyone. More details on this great new idea will be shared through SARAScope and our website. Architectural issues affecting the profession along with CEU’s and upcoming changes in the ADA were among the topics discussed.
McLaren Engineering Group captivated the group with a seminar highlighting their work on Entertainment stages for Cirque de Soleil as well as other Concert venues and their work on bridges across the country. Lunch speaker Ysrael Seinuk, Consulting Engineer, entertained the group with his power point presentation showing Seismic activity across the country. Friday afternoon after lunch Pella Corporation presented back to back CEU seminars related to the Environment and Hurricane Protection.
The Friday evening banquet, A Celebration of Architecture and Design, began with cocktails and congratulating design award recipients on their award winning projects. The banquet guests were entertained with a short belly dancing presentation prior to the announcement of the Design Awards.
Saturday October 18th
Terry Zeimetz from Pella Windows began Saturday morning conducting a CEU seminar on “Window Performance for Commercial Buildings”. David Oshins, Jacobs Global, presented a seminar on preparing for the LEED Certification process to an intense audience.
Saturday afternoon afforded everyone free time to explore Coral Gables and such sites as The Biltmore Hotel, Vizcaya and Merrick Park.
The President’s Awards banquet and Installation of 2009 Officers brought the 2008 Coral Gables Convention to a close. We congratulate Bill Johnson, Gold Medal Recipient, Suzette Stoler, Gregson Leadership Award Recipient and John Maple, on receiving the Boulanger Award. Distinguished Presidential, Presidential Citations and Special Service Awards were also presented to deserving SARA members. The National Association of Cuban Architects (NACA) was honored with a 75th anniversary certificate. President Michael Griffith made the presentation to Felipe Fontanills, NACA President who accepted on behalf of the organization. Adriana Garcia, International Committee Chair and Michael Griffith, National President presented SARA’s 2008 International Award to Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk and Andres Duany, principals of DPZ and Company, Miami, Florida who thanked the Society for the acknowledgement and honor.
Everyone was invited to attend the 2009 Minneapolis Convention next October 7-11 by way of a DVD presentation from the Minnesota Council.