In times of uncertainty, we understand your travel plans may need to be flexible. You can cancel anytime until October 15, 2021 at midnight (7 days in advance of the gathering) for a refund less transaction costs and incurred expenses.
If we have to cancel the event due to unforeseen events (such as a change in policy regarding social gatherings), your registration fee will be refunded less transaction costs and incurred expenses.

THIS YEAR, THINGS ARE DIFFERENT.

THAT’S PRETTY OBVIOUS, RIGHT?

Traditionally, visual practitioners would meet once a year at the IFVP conference to:

celebrate our work and approach,
make personal and professional connections,
share learning experiences and tools, and
build skills and professional development.

But this year, we’re doing things differently.

IFVP 2019 photo by Steve Weinstock

WAIT… THE IFV-WHAT?

The International Forum of Visual Practitioners has operated as an organization for over 25 years. Since the first gathering as a conference in California in 1995, we’ve grown into an international forum with hundreds of members. The objective of hosting an annual conference is to offer educational, marketing, and networking opportunities for our members, and advance the field of visual practice.

IFVP 2019 photo by Steve Weinstock

WHAT’S THE VISUAL PRACTICE?

If you use visuals to move others, you’re a visual practitioner. Visual practitioners are:

Graphic recorders,
Visual facilitators,
Scribes,
Sketchnoters,
Design thinkers,
Visual coaches,
UX designers,
Visual consultants, and
Anyone who uses visuals to help others think, make decisions, and see their ideas.

IFVP 2019 photo by Steve Weinstock

WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR?

Instead of one big conference, this year, the IFVP is sponsoring several regional gatherings. In Washington, DC, the IFVP regional gathering is being organized by NOVA Scribes. And unlike any other year before, this year is open to non-IFVP members. We’re opening the doors to any visual practitioner to be a part of our learning community.

IFVP 2019 photo by Steve Weinstock

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

At the East Coast Gathering, our theme is REKINDLING. As in, rekindling relationships, rekindling learning, and rekindling our visual practice.

Our format will be Open Space: participants will choose the topics of interest most important to them and form small discussion groups to share their questions and knowledge on those topics. Topics can be anything, but expect to see all aspects of the visual practice, including:

Visuals to facilitate group processes
Graphic recording techniques
Sketchnoting practices
Business advice
Tools of the trade

If you have a workshop to teach or a presentation to share, bring it! At the end of each topic, we’ll share notes at our Knowledge Wall.

We’re also inviting local art suppliers to set up display tables, and we’re holding a swap meet to pass on and pick up your drawing and facilitation gear, books, markers, and more. Once you register, you’ll gain access to a message board to announce any materials, art, gear, easels, or books you’re willing to sell, hoping to buy, or give away. Bring stickers, branded pens or markers, etc. to give away: BYO Swag!

VENUE, SURROUNDS & ACCOMMODATIONS

We are delighted to be hosted by Cobec Consulting, Inc. 500 L’Enfant Plaza SW Suite 1100 (Floor 11), Washington DC 20024

Located just minutes from the National Mall in Washington, DC. Cobec is conveniently located to the Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) and is easily accessible by metro.

There is a security station in the lobby, let them know you are going to Cobec, we will provide name tags upon check-in to facilitate passage with security.

GETTING THERE & PARKING

Airports: Reagan National (DCA) 15(ish) minutes away, Dulles (IAD) 60 (ish) minutes away

Metro: L’Enfant Plaza Metro Stop (Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, Yellow lines). Use the L’Enfant Plaza Mall Concourse Exit, 9th & D St SW.

Parking: 840 D Street SW Washington, DC 20410 - $23 a day. Make a reservation here - https://space.aceparking.com/site/reserve/577ef1154f3240ad5b9b413aa7346a1e

There is also paid street parking available.

NEARBY

The Wharf [https://www.wharfdc.com] is a short walk away with restaurants, bars, and hotels.

The National Mall [https://www.nps.gov/nama/index.htm] and Smithsonians [https://www.si.edu/museums] are also a short walk away.

The Spy Museum [https://www.spymuseum.org] is right outside the building.

RIDE BOARD

Once you register, you’ll have access to a message board to share a ride or ask for a lift!

ACCOMODATIONS

The closest hotel is the Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf

FINDING ROOMMATES & COUCH SURFING

Once you register, you’ll have access to a Finding Roommates & Couch Surfing board to offer up a couch or spare room to share or to find a roommate?

ON LOCATION

We’ll have a potluck snack table, a swap meet table, giveaways by Neuland, and Jenni Bick Journals will have handmade journals and sketchbooks for sale.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

CATERED LUNCH (SATURDAY)

We’re getting Potbelly sandwiches and salads. We’ll provide vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free options.

SNACK POTLUCK

We’ll have a snack table! Bring a snack to share, prepared or purchased. If you’re preparing something, please bring a label listing the ingredients.
Once you register, you’ll have access to a sign up board to share what snacks you’re bringing.

BEVERAGES

Be green: bring your own bottle. You’ll be able to refill it.
We’ll provide coffee, tea, sodas, & sparkling water.

SELF-ORGANIZED DINNER (FRIDAY)

Dinner on Friday will be self-organized. Once you register, you’ll have access to a sign up board to announce plans and make arrangements.

SELF-ORGANIZED DINNER (SATURDAY)

Dinner on Saturday will be self-organized, too. Once you register, you’ll have access to a sign up board to announce plans and make arrangements.

HOW TO PREPARE

BRING YOUR OWN

Sketchbook / iPad
Writing utensils, markers
Swag to share: stickers, branded pens or markers, etc. for our Swap Meet table
Anything you’d like to get rid of or sell for our Swap Meet table
Snack potluck
Water bottle
Optional: a lunch if you’d prefer not to partake in the catered lunch.

COVID SAFETY

COVID safety recommendations change constantly. We’ll follow guidance from the CDC, Washington DC, and our facility.

We’re requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test when you arrive. If you can’t provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, you won’t be admitted or granted a refund. It’s the times we’re in.

INFO PAGE CONTENTS

REGISTRATION

THIS YEAR, THINGS ARE DIFFERENT.

VENUE, SURROUNDS & ACCOMMODATIONS

FOOD & BEVERAGES

HOW TO PREPARE

COVID SAFETY

DIRECTORY

SPONSORS