On a recent 80-degree Arizona Saturday, 28 current board members of AIGA AZ attended the Fall 2019 Programming Retreat at MAC6 Conscious Workspace in Tempe. Together we pondered the possibilities of events in 2020 that would engage and inspire our members, our colleagues, and our community. 

And who were these fine folks eager to jump into the all-day planning retreat? Why, you can read more about who makes up the board here.

Jenn Monroy led the meeting with an efficient, thorough overview of our tools and processes. Many new members, including myself, will soon become familiar with the myriad of channels necessary to communicate, contribute, and convene with each other so that we can make things happen! As our President, she also reminded us that we are committed, as volunteers, to help run a corporation and a professional organization. 

After Jenn’s lead, Treasurer, Kathy Morgan led us through the process of doing a budget forecast for a program or event. A firm hand of clarity in what must be total chaos – managing dozens of yearly events and dozens of event budgets…  All hail the artistry of accountability!

And then, let’s give it up for Nicole Norgren, the ultra-organized and energetic Vice President of Programs, who guided us through yet more procedures and processes specific to holding an AIGA AZ event. With style and just the right amount of sass, she also led us through a robust brainstorming session. We plotted many program ideas along logistical and ideological axes to determine which events were most feasible and effective at addressing the pillars of our chapter’s mission: a) improve design ability, b) connect complementary disciplines, c) encourage social impact, and d) promote community excellence. In a timely fashion we had 45 proposed events for 2020 ideated, prioritized, and placed on a loose calendar. A truly admirable performance in facilitation. Bravo, Nicole.

We were right on schedule with a completed agenda at 4pm—and with a great deal of excitement for starting to shape the upcoming year’s event programming! After a warm farewell to our student guests and some of our colleagues from Flagstaff, some of us even had time for a beer at the Boulders nearby.

by Jules Henzerling, AIGA Arizona Content Chair