Hybrid Event in Toronto Comes to a Close

 
The OAA’s first hybrid Conference, Inspiring Climate Action, took place last week between May 11 and 13, both virtually and in-person at Beanfield Centre in downtown Toronto. The event was very well-received, with more than 700 virtual participants and over 550 in-person attendees—almost selling out! The Conference welcomed OAA status-holders, sponsors, expert speakers, and others in allied industries, and offered a wide range of Continuing Education sessions, alongside a number of special events, tours, and networking opportunities.

With a special March keynote from climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe kicking off registration, this year’s programming focused on how the architecture profession can insert creative thinking into the climate discussion, and showcased innovative ideas and sustainable projects that informed and inspired. Among the case study examples of climate action was the OAA Headquarters—which hosted daily tours led by the experts behind the Renew+Refresh project, as well as a LAUNCH! Grand Reopening Party, which featured mini-tours, food trucks, and a special welcome by original project architect, Ruth Cawker.

Coming soon to the OAA YouTube channel will be Conference special events to watch on demand, such as the Plenary, the Recognition Lunch, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and the Celebration of Excellence—where the winners of the People’s Choice Award, the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence, and the Michael V. and Wanda Plachta Award were revealed. Some of the Continuing Education sessions will also soon be made available. (Those who attended Conference live, whether virtual or in-person, are having their hours now uploaded by OAA staff to their transcripts—please do not upload these points yourself.)

To learn more about the Conference events and see galleries of photos from the week, visit the Conference Highlights.