The Educators and Practitioners Network (EPN), a committee within the AIA's Stakeholder Relations department, is currently developing two collaborative fall conferences—one this year and one in 2002. Both events will be in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for constructive dialogue between the profession and educators.

In mid-October or November of this year, EPN will cosponsor a symposium in San Francisco on alternative careers, cohosted by the California College of Arts and Crafts. This conference will explore alternative visions, trends, and implications for practice and education. It also will address current and future directions in practice that suggest a dramatic expansion of opportunity for professionals educated in architecture. The AIA Young Architects Forum and National Associates Committee, along with the national American Institute of Architecture Students, will serve as cosponsors.

EPN will also be the lead sponsor of a conference on "Models of Collaboration" planned for fall 2002 in Chicago.

By its nature, EPN involves collaboration among multiple constituencies—educators, practitioners, students, interns, and young architects—and, as such, strives to maintain close contact with collateral organizations. EPN has worked on a variety of initiatives supporting its mission, including the AIA/ACSA summer practice institutes, the Civitas Community Design conference, and several practice education summits.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.