By: Dan Culhane, USITT President

February arrives and I start to look forward to my time at the USITT Conference. The USITT Conference has always been a personally fulfilling gathering for me. I enjoy seeing old friends and catching up. I enjoy meeting new colleagues and making new friends. I enjoy connecting people; introducing friends to other friends that have a shared passion. Living in Minnesota, the Conference is often a welcome excursion away from the cold and snow of winter.  

The Conference and Stage Expo is a tangible representation of the scale and scope of USITT and the centerpiece of our year. Four days during which students, entertainment professionals, and industry vendors come together to share and network. This year, more than 300 educational sessions, hands-on demos, and learning opportunities will be available throughout the week. Brush up or learn new skills at the Make-up and Hair Artistry Studio or the Digital Media / Projection Studio. Students, come compete in the Technical Skills Challenge or participate in the Design Expo. There is truly something for everyone.

This year’s Conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston should be an especially memorable one as we gather to celebrate USITT’s 60th Anniversary. The party will be bigger than ever. If you are attending, be sure to help celebrate the event at the closing night celebration. There will be cake!

2020 marks my 35th consecutive year (well, missing only 1997 for the birth of my son!) I’m really looking forward to it. And I hope to see you there.