A new program year at AIGA Baltimore:

With Pulp Ink and Hops in the rear-view mirror, we can look back fondly on continuing the lively tradition of providing vendors with plenty of designers and "paper-o-philes" as well as providing designers and designer-types with plenty of industry options—whether it's a printer, paper or the always necessary technical support firms. All that and beer to boot: cool stuff...

In the printed newsletter that members received, we pointed out that we'd be launching the event during a low ebb of the AIGA Confidence survey. At it's worst last year this time, we knew it would be a challenge to put the event together. But early on, I saw a billboard which crystallized my thinking about how the team would approach this event—and as it so happens is my approach as we pull out of this recession: "Hope is not a marketing plan." ... True dat, true dat. While hope can help you see the light of day, keep focused on the day-to-day that helps you get through. The board did it with PIH. We plan to keep it going with our events and initiatives. 

Looking forward, at some national events, take your time now to set dates into your calendar by Reserving your spot early for “Gain: AIGA Business and Design Conference (http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/gain-conference-2010) ” you’ll hear business and design leaders from a variety of industries share their innovative approaches to generating greater return on investment, fostering emotional connections and providing positive brand experiences for customers. “Gain” has sold out every year since 2004.