Summary: Recognizing the challenges facing AIA members in today's uncertain economic climate, the AIA Convention Committee created a comprehensive track of programs to give you the skills and resources you’ll need to uncover opportunities in today’s weak economy and position yourself and your firm for the recovery. It’s all part of the AIA 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition in San Francisco, April 30–May 2.

For members who will be in San Francisco April 29 looking for affordable pre-convention networking and learning opportunities, a newly opened all-day session will be of interest. W201 Business Planning in a Weak Economy offers 7.5 AIA CES learning units and examines the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with exercises in developing an individualized business plan. To make the entry-level program affordable, the AIA is lowering the registration fee to $100. The morning will include lessons learned from facilitators who have successfully weathered past downturns. In the afternoon, a business-plan developer will walk attendees through the process of preparing for the coming years of recovery.

A time to learn and grow
During the three days of the convention, there is a wide array of Navigating the Economy programs to introduce attendees to the experts developing the latest strategies and tactics for competing successfully despite tough fiscal times.

Here’s a sampling of what’s in store:

• Learn how to maximize value and return on investments in Firm Valuation in a Turbulent Economy
• Meet procurement specialists and examine the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
• Examine priorities and repurpose your small business during Best Laid Plans: Business Planning for Small Business
• Define your career vision
  
• Expand and diversify your practice
• And much more!

For program information and registration, go to AIAConvention.com.