As we prepare to gather in Seattle for the 2024 Annual Meeting (2024AM), we want to share some important news about future EERI meetings. In recent years, EERI has responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating meeting costs by experimenting with different formats for the annual meeting, from a fully virtual event to a one or two-day technical program to the 12NCEE national conference in Salt Lake City. It’s time for us to take a step back, assess what we have learned, and develop a model for future meetings. EERI has chosen not to hold an annual meeting in 2025 in order to focus on this process while also preparing for the 13NCEE in 2026 and bidding to host the 2028 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering.
This was not an easy decision. The annual meeting is the highlight of EERI’s calendar, and we always cherish the opportunity to come together in person. But skipping it for one year will allow us to develop a new model for our future meeting cycle, including national conferences and annual meetings, that best meets members’ needs in the longer term. Annual meetings have frequently operated at a financial loss, which we consider a worthwhile investment in the EERI community. With rising fixed costs for venues and services, that has resulted in registration prices that can be a barrier to participation. Going ahead, we want to ensure that meetings can be both sustainable and accessible.
We also want to assure you that although the meeting cycle will pause next year, the 2025 Seismic Design Competition will still take place in person at a location to be determined. We will also work with our regional chapters to create opportunities for members to gather for in-person activities, including workshops, training events and social gatherings, and provide ongoing opportunities for learning and networking through our webinar program and other online events.
We will miss seeing you all next year, but we hope you won’t miss the chance to join us in Seattle this spring for the 2024AM. And stay tuned for a 13NCEE save-the-date announcement revealing the location chosen for the 13th national conference, which we look forward to sharing soon!
Janiele Maffei, President
Ellen Rathje, President-Elect
