The final Western Mountain Region conference — as part of the AIA National structure of regions — was named a Regional Summit. This regional summit, Vision 2020(1), was hosted by AIA New Mexico.
The conference kicked off with a tour of the Sawmill Market, which was also the location of the presentation by Robert Alexander Gonzalez. The presentation was followed by comments from Dan Hart, FAIA, who is our AIA National 2021 First Vice President, along with the AIA WMR Board and AIA WMR Fellows. This set the tone for the summit, which was transitioning away from a board leading the regional discussion to a future of regional cooperation led by state board leadership and CACE.
Vision 2020(1) provided an opportunity for leadership, members, sponsors, and exhibitors from across the region to meet and discuss the “vision” for the region with the dissolution of the WMR at the end of 2021. With many great moments over the last 62 years of partnership, there were many memories to share, lessons learned, and areas for growth and improvement. Ideas were discussed and communicated on how to keep connections strong, and continue building relationships with the changes taking place.
The AIA WMR Board meeting was the swan song for the Western Mountain Region, whose history and impact were acknowledged and appreciated by all. AIA Nevada will organize the first call between the former WMR states. The WMR Jason Pettigrew Leadership Scholarship will have until year-end to resolve its structure, or the funds will be distributed to each state for local scholarships. Colorado has offered to keep its place as the next gathering between the former WMR states as we establish what aspects of the WMR Design Awards (and other aspects of the WMR) will continue outside of the structure of the regions. The Western Mountain Region has long been an exemplar of organizational culture and cooperation. To this end, the WMR dissolution was no different, with Mark Ryan and others moving swiftly to complete this transition and provide guidance to states on taking the next steps. There was confidence within each state’s leadership that the future will be bright for our continued fellowship.
In addition to the discussion of the WMR dissolution, Vision 2020(1) offered attendees personal and professional growth focusing on Indigenous architecture, cultural impacts, climate change, building science, mentorship and leadership. Speakers provided new insight on these topics through personal experience, research, and years of refining their craft.
Vision 2020(1) concluded with the conference attendees enjoying the breathtaking colors of hundreds of hot air balloons rising in front of the dawn of a new day. In many ways, the “vision” of the hot air balloon rising at the crack of dawn is an excellent analogy of what is to come for our region and for AIA Wyoming … a new dawn … a new day … a bright light rising to new heights … it will be a beautiful experience different from the one before.
