The 2016 North American Theatre, Engineering, and Architecture Conference (NATEAC) will be taking place on Sunday and Monday, July 17 and 18, 2016 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. NATEAC will be offering more than 24 sessions ranging from flexible theaters and electrical infrastructure requirements to gender identity accommodations and “green” initiatives in performing arts venues. NATEAC is the only conference of its kind in North America, focusing solely on performing arts venue design, construction, and renovation.

Several ASTC members will be participating as panelists and moderators for many sessions, including Millie Dixon, Todd Hensley Jack Hagler, Jules Lauve, Jim Niesel, and Peter Scheu. Many prominent performing arts venue architects and engineers will also be on hand, as well as well-known theatrical equipment manufacturers and systems designers. This very diverse mix will no doubt lead to important and informative discussions about North American trends in our industry.

NATEAC takes place every four years, leap-frogging with its sister conference ITEAC in London. NATEAC seeks to “promote communication between the architects, engineers, consultants, and manufacturers responsible for designing and building new theaters and renovating existing facilities in North America.” ASTC members play a vital role in these endeavors and ASTC’s Bronze Level sponsorship of this conference represents the organization’s commitment to NATEAC and its goals.

At the last conference in 2012, NATEAC attracted over 280 industry professionals, as well as venue owners and end users from 10 countries on 4 continents. The conference was very well received and offered an excellent forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences.

In addition to the informative sessions is a little fun too. On Saturday evening, July 16^th, all attendees are invited for a three-hour cruise of New York City’s beautiful harbor aboard Sprit Cruise Lines while enjoying a cash bar and a selection of hors d’oeurves. Also, an optional “private” dining experience is planned for Monday night at the famous Sardi’s restaurant. Both of these events offer great networking opportunities as well as catching up with old friends and colleagues.

Registration opened April 1^st and includes:

• One ticket for NYC Harbor Cruise
• Admission for one to the conference
• Breakfast and lunch at the Roosevelt on both conference days.

The ASTC is also planning to hold its 2016 Annual Forum gathering immediately following the conference on July 19. Members’ presentations and New York City venue tours are on the agenda.

For complete information about NATEAC sessions, registration, and accommodations, please visit www.NATEAC.org.

By Peter Scheu, ASTC