The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) is hosting its 52nd Annual Technical & Educational Conference in Kansas City, MO on April 12-15, 2011. ADDA is heavily focused on the professions of drafting, design, and graphics. ADDA has a certification program for drafters (mechanical and architectural), civil design drafters, design technicians, and digital designers (which include imaging and editing). Not everyone has heard of ADDA, and that may be intentional. Olen Parker, Executive Director, states,
It [ADDA] is small, yet sets the stage for many changes within the profession. We don’t make noise, we don’t promote ourselves, we are the best kept secret in the profession. ADDA is very involved in the standards and regulations related to our industry.
Best kept secret? Well, maybe not anymore. 🙂 Parker also mentioned that ADDA made final reviews to ASME Y14.5-2009, and has members that are involved in a number of national committees and organizations.
The conference
This year’s Annual Technical & Educational Conference will have sessions that cover ASME and GD&T fundamentals, CAD and drawing standards, building codes, graphics, etc. In particular, they will have sessions for CAD and graphic art applications such as PhotoShop, SolidWorks, Pro/E, AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-Up, Illustrator, and several others. Other sessions of note will discuss sustainability, BIM, and even workplace ethics.
I’m also presenting a talk on establishing company CAD procedures at this year’s conference. Though this presentation will be similar to my breakout session at SolidWorks World 2011, it will be more applicable to the broader audience at the Annual Technical & Educational Conference.
I will write about many aspects of this conference on SolidWorks Legion, including special attention to the quality and depth of several presentations. I also hope to have a least a couple of interviews. I also plan to post tweets on hashtag #atec11 during the event.
This will be my first year attending ADDA’s Annual Technical & Educational Conference, though I’ve been looking for an opportunity for several years. Please note that ADDA is non-profit. Although ADDA is giving me full conference access (including some meals) at no cost, I am sorta earning my keep by being one of the presenters. I am personally paying for all other costs associated with my attendance, including airfare and hotel.
If you are interested in the ADDA, their certification process, or the Annual Technical & Educational Conference, please visit their website for further details.