2017 IATC Convention & Annual Meeting
June 15th through 18th
Kalamazoo.
More than a convention – it’s a destination.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
June 15th – 18th
The Kalamazoo Torch Club will be hosting the 2017 IATC Convention and Annual Meeting: June 15th through June 18th. The Convention will be held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan, located in southwest Michigan, about two hours from Chicago.
Kalamazoo features a vibrant and progressive downtown that sets the stage for quality dining, eclectic shops and galleries, and live entertainment. Plus, you’re never far from lakes and outdoor recreation, festivals, and world-class attractions.
RADISSON PLAZA HOTEL
The Radisson Plaza at the Kalamazoo Center is an unbeatable downtown hotel within walking distance of the Kalamazoo Mall, Bell’s Brewery, and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The hotel has four restaurants and a lobby bar. There’s also a 24/7 business center and several unique retail shops. Premium amenities like free Internet, an indoor pool with waterfall, and an onsite spa and fitness center are offered.
Radisson Plaza Hotel Kalamazoo
100 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
Room Reservations
1-800-395-7046
(269) 343-333
THURSDAY, JUNE 15TH
Convention check in is 9 am to 5 pm daily, Friday registration starts at 8 AM, lower level,
Radisson. Pick-up a schedule, name tag, and swag bag – it’s really good.
"Why Kalamazoo?"
Before an Opening Session and Welcome from Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell, we’ll kick off with the history behind Kalamazoo’s unique name from our favorite historian, Tom Dietz, Curator Emeritus Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
Opening Reception and After Glow Party
Enjoy the opening hors d’oeuvres reception and performance by Crawlspace Eviction – a local improv group. We’ll finish with an After Glow Party at the historic Park Club.
Thursday is Mentor Night
Help us “Pass the Torch” to a new generation. For $50 per person, introduce students and young professionals to Torch when you bring guests to the Thursday night festivities.
FRIDAY, JUNE 16TH
“The Bronson Healthy Living Campus:
Collaboration, Redesign, Sustainability and Success Through Food"
Join Dr. Dean McCurdy, Associate Vice President for Instruction, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, as he gives us an in-depth look at this innovative, program that focuses on the relationship between food and health.
“The Kalamazoo Promise:
How Every Kalamazoo Public High School Graduate Can Go to College for Free"
Von Washington, Jr., Executive Director of Community Relations, Kalamazoo Promise, will present the program that provides resident graduates of the Kalamazoo Public Schools with to up 100 percent of their tuition at Michigan's public universities and community colleges.
“Foundation for Excellence”
Benefactors have offered to give the city of Kalamazoo $70 million to eliminate recurring budget deficits and create a "Foundation for Excellence" to fund city services and improvements. Let Bobby Hopewell, Kalamazoo City Mayor, introduce you to this program.
Pick up a boxed lunch before you board the bus for a tour of the Air Zoo or Gilmore Car Museum. Later, join us at Cityscape for a cocktail reception and Awards Dinner accompanied by music from The Tom Knific Quartet. We will be awarding IATC Gold, Silver and recognizing outstanding clubs and their contributions.
Crawlspace Theatre Productions
Check the Schedule page for more information.
Kalamazoo.
More than you bargained for...
Attractions in Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas make us a popular destination – especially in the summer. For information visit:
SATURDAY, JUNE 17TH
Torch Foundation Annual Membership and
Torch Foundation Board of Trustees Meetings
“Inside Torch Magazine”
Start the day with an inside look at publishing with Dr. Scott Stanfield, Editor.
Dr. Barry Ross, Professor Emeritus of Music, Kalamazoo College and former Assistant Conductor of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, will explain the intricacies of conducting an
orchestra using excerpts from great symphonic literature. Audience members can participate.
“A Million Guitars and Still Pickin’ ”
Hear the real story behind Heritage Guitars from Rendall Wall – he was there. Rendall is one the original Kalamazoo luthiers, and has been making guitars for 48 years—26 with Heritage and the previous 22 with Gibson.
Lunch, Walking Tour – Reception and Dinner
Enjoy a buffet luncheon before our local walking
tour. Visit the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and Glass Art Kalamazoo (transportation available). In the evening, join us for cocktails before the Paxton Banquet at the Radisson. The 2017 Paxton winner will be announced and will present the winning paper.
Sunday Adventures
Sunday is a great day to explore the area. Here's a few of the many possibilities:
Battle Creek, MI – Binder Park Zoo
Grand Rapids Art Museum – GRAM
Saugatuck, MI – Star of Saugatuck Cruise