In light of the rapidly evolving Coronavirus situation, the IABSE British Group Executive Committee has taken the decision to postpone the Future of Design event scheduled to take place in Manchester on 17th April. It will be held in April 2021 instead. The Future of Design organising committee are exploring options for hosting an online event on or around 17th April and a separate communication has been sent to British Group members to this effect. Details will be published in due course.
In line with the advice from the UK Government, we will not be holding any meetings of group activities in person for the time being. It is likely that the Annual Lecture, due to be delivered by Sam Price at the Institution of Structural Engineers on Tuesday 26th May, may also need to be cancelled. The Henderson Colloquium, scheduled for early July, may also be affected. We will keep the situation under review and issue notifications accordingly.
However, while we wait for normality to resume, there is nothing to stop us exploring other ways to hold virtual events and activities. Already there are those among us (a lot younger than me!) who are suggesting a variety of options for online meetings and activities. I am sure that we will grow through this crisis and emerge stronger than before with a greater diversity in the events we offer to our members. So watch this space, and if you have any suggestions let’s hear them.
Kind regards
Ian Firth
Chairman, British Group of IABSE