If you have ever wanted to attend a Congress but found travel costs prohibitive, CNU 28.A Virtual Gathering presents an opportunity to explore the program and network with the membership. Whether a student, international urbanist, public servant, or someone just curious about the Congress, this is the year to attend because of zero travel costs and a range of registration packages (and scholarships) to fit every budget.
CNU’s annual Congress has become a must-attend event for planners, practitioners, urban design professionals, and policymakers. Each year, we look forward to reconnecting with old colleagues and networking with new ones. We are exposed to cutting edge solutions to complex problems being faced by cities and towns across the globe. Translating this experience to a virtual one in the era of social distancing has been at the heart of every discussion about building out A Virtual Gathering. Additionally, this will be our first chance – as a movement – to come together and discuss what this international crisis means for our industry, our neighborhoods, and the way we work. More than ever, New Urbanists need an opportunity to come together for discussion and debate, to share and learn, and to support one another in this uncertain time. Below, we have provided some key points that demonstrate the value that CNU 28.A Virtual Gathering will provide.
Benefits of attending:
- Excellent Value. For as little as $250 for four days of full programming, CNU is far more affordable than comparable conferences of its kind. We have designed the Congress to be financially attainable and substantive, knowing that travel budgets are limited at most public agencies.
- Continuing education credits. CNU applies for AIA, AICP, and LAAB (ASLA) credits each year, with most sessions earning credits for at least AIA and AICP, if not all three. At a recent Congress, a total of 125 AIA LU credits and 130 AICP CM credits were offered. Of those who apply, the average credits earned per attendee at the Congress is 15.
- Core workshops that offer foundational knowledge of New Urbanism go well beyond the content of a typical breakout session and are led by thought leaders and innovative practitioners.
- The opportunity to expand your network:
- Learn and meet with hundreds of experts leading sessions and workshops, and hundreds of fellow local government representatives.
- Develop new relationships by networking with professionals inside and outside of your field at events tailored to local governments, alongside the larger Congress events.
- Solidify old relationships.
- Exchange ideas with other attendees to spark new opportunities and even lead to projects.
Talking with your employer
- Focus on what you will specifically bring back to the organization in return for the investment.
- Offer to prepare and deliver a short presentation and/or Q&A to your colleagues post-Congress to share what you learned. That way, your colleagues will get the benefits of your attendance, too.
- Offer to share any collected documents and speaker handouts with your colleagues. As an attendee, you’ll have access to materials such as speaker presentations, handouts, etc. that you can share.
- Be ready with a plan that shows who will cover for you while you are attending the Congress. Offer to share a room to reduce hotel expenses if others are also interested in attending.
- Be sure to check out the registration page where the various registration rates are listed to see if you qualify for any of the lower rates, discounts, or a scholarship.
Need an Invitation to Attend?
If you need an official invitation letter for your employer to attend CNU 28.A Virtual Congress, please contact us at congress@cnu.org.
