Conference Highlights 2022

Hybrid Event in Toronto Comes to a Close

The OAA’s first hybrid Conference, Inspiring Climate Action, took place May 11 to 13, 2022 both virtually and in-person at Beanfield Centre in downtown Toronto. The event was very well-received, with more than 700 virtual participants and over 550 in-person attendees—almost selling out! The Conference welcomed OAA members, intern architects and students, sponsors, expert speakers, and others in the allied arts, science, and industries. It offered a wide range of Continuing Education sessions, alongside a number of special events, tours, and networking opportunities.

With a special March keynote from climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe kicking off registration, this year’s programming focused on how the architecture profession can insert creative thinking into the climate discussion, and showcased innovative ideas and sustainable projects that informed and inspired. Among the case study examples of climate action was the OAA Headquarters itself—which hosted daily tours led by the experts behind the Renew+Refresh project as well as the LAUNCH! Grand Reopening Party that included a special welcome by original project architect, Ruth Cawker.

Coming soon to the OAA YouTube channel will be Conference special events to watch on demand, such as the Plenary, the Recognition Lunch, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and the Celebration of Excellence—where the winners of the People’s Choice Award, the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence, and the Michael V. and Wanda Plachta Award were revealed. Some of the Continuing Education sessions will also soon be made available. (Those who attended Conference live, whether virtual or in-person, are having their hours now uploaded by OAA staff to their transcripts. Members should not enter these hours themselves.)

See below to learn more about the Conference events and see galleries of photos from the week.

Event Highlights

Plenary Encouraged Us to Reach Beyond Net-Zero

WEDNESDAY | MAY 11

More than 750 people attended this year’s hybrid Conference Plenary, “Beyond Net-Zero: Building Positive Futures through Regenerative Architecture and Design” (virtually and in-person), which brought together experts in the field to discuss this new frontier in designing for a flourishing world.

Recognition Lunch Honours Exceptional Leaders

WEDNESDAY | MAY 11

At the sold-out Recognition Lunch, held in the Beanfield Centre and hosted by author and television/podcasting host Andrea Bain on May 11, the OAA recognized exceptional achievements and contributions to the profession. This included the OAA Technology Program Student Awards, OAA Service Awards, 2021 Honorary Members, and the Honour Roll.

LAUNCH! OAA Headquarters Grand Reopening

WEDNESDAY | MAY 11

The OAA was thrilled to finally welcome its members and other esteemed guests back to its Toronto headquarters to show the work accomplished during the Renew+Refresh renovation project that brought the building to meet, a decade early, the 2030 Challenge of net-zero performance. Mini-tours, live music, and special speakers set off an evening of celebration.

Continuing Education and Learning Opportunities

TUESDAY - FRIDAY | , MAY 11 - MAY 13

From sponsored sessions to curated panels, and from hybrid in-person and virtual talks at the Beanfield Centre to sketching circles around the Exhibition grounds, check out some of the learning opportunities at the Conference. Some of these events will be made available for on-demand viewing on the OAA's YouTube channel.

Annual General Meeting

THURSDAY | MAY 12

The OAA hosted its first-ever hybrid Annual General Meeting of Members AGM) on Thursday May 12, welcoming members both to Beanfield Centre in downtown Toronto and to a virtual platform for those wishing to participate in the meeting remotely. Members of Long Standing and past OAA Councillors were celebrated, business conducted, and a preview of the OAA's five-year strategic plan shared.

Celebration of Excellence & Archifête

THURSDAY | MAY 12

This year’s Celebration of Excellence, hosted by Amber Mac, was a precursor to the big Archifête party. In addition to the eight Design Excellence Award winners, other award-winners were revealed to the in-person and virtual audiences. The event, held at the Toronto Event Centre, also allowed the OAA to spotlight its 2022 Best Emerging Practice.

Conference 2023: Designing for Dignity

NEXT YEAR'S CONFERENCE

The 2023 OAA Conference, to be hosted in Sudbury, Ontario, will occur under the theme, Designing for Dignity.

2022 Conference Sponsors

The OAA would like to thank the many generous sponsors who supported this year’s Conference. We are grateful for your ongoing and enthusiastic contributions.