CAA - Should I go?

[Mary Pat]

Here's the deal...

Normally, I teach between 4-6 studio classes a semester and don't have time for anything else. In the spring I plan on taking three classes, which I have organized into Monday/Wednesday time slots. Tuesday/Thursdays can become painting days. This should make it pretty feasible for me to get away and attend a conference.

Question: Do you think that CAA is a conference that is worth attending? My reasons for going would be to attend lectures and see work. I am not interested in purposely pursuing "networking" and I am not trying to scout job opportunities. I don't have a ton of money or time, so I want this trip to be worth it. Anyone want to offer the pros and cons?

[Christina]

Look at the conference program and local art listings to determine if the trip is worth the cost. BTW social networking (a.k.a seeing old artist friends f2f) can be very good for your health and can help you keep motivated to work. so don't underestimate the value!

[Mary Pat]

I guess I should have been more specific in my questioning. I have already looked at the offered lectures and events. Anything can look good on paper. I am hoping to hear from those of you who have attended one of the conferences as to what your experience was like. Did you feel that things were organized (went smoothly)? Were the lectures that you attended (overall) exciting and informative, or would you suggest prioritizing a different part of the conference experience higher than these talks? Is there a part of the business meetings that I should consider participating in, although I am not searching for a new job? What is the "Gala Reception" like? I am sure there is a lot more to ask about then what I am covering here...

[Heidi Jensen]

Some panels are fantastic and some are not. If you go to the conference, I would try to do something like the portfolio review -- take advantage of being there. The panels are probably the most informative aspect of the conference if you hit the best ones. I would always have back-ups in mind, so if one was a dud I could duck out and go to my 2nd choice.
From my perspective, other aspects of the conference like the Gala Reception were not always all that useful, unless you already know a lot of people who'll be attending.
I always find that CAA is a great way to stay in touch with colleagues -- but I also heard that the conference was like a ghost town last year because so much travel money was frozen by universities. Hard to say if things have improved substantially this year?
Also, if you haven't been to the Art Institute of Chicago, that might be a pro-reason -- that museum is fantastic! And when you are in a year of intense teaching, getting away and tending to your own mind can be very good for you...