Connecting with our past often helps us understand our goals and ourselves more intimately. The Volta Bureau has a special place in our hearts here at AG Bell because it serves as a reminder of all the work that professionals and advocates do to improve the lives of children born with hearing loss and their families. It inspires us to forge the path ahead and serves as a daily reminder of the work ahead of us.
The Volta Bureau shone its brightest on the Friday evening of the Symposium as we welcomed more than 250 guests to the Volta Bureau to experience the building's history and beauty during our event, "A Night in Georgetown." The fun began with a bus ride from the Symposium hotel in Arlington, Virginia to Georgetown. Guests had the opportunity to take a guided tour of Alexander Graham Bell's historic building, including his original table where he worked, see the spectacular view from the rooftop, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while networking with colleagues and friends, and explore the lively yet serene Georgetown neighborhood. I very much enjoyed the opportunity to chat with many guests from our community and hear what is new in the field of Listening and Spoken Language. Everyone who attended really made the event a collegial and jovial addition to this year's Symposium.
Left: A Night In Georgetown
Right: AG Bell
Board Member John Stanton, Esq., with wife Cindy and Joanne Travers
Hearing loss is not only a national issue but also one of international scope. The bonds of collaboration throughout the world become deeper and deeper as we exchange information and share vital knowledge to advance our field. This year's Symposium was also very special because we had nearly 50 attendees who came from 12 different countries. After the reception at the Volta Bureau, the old world charm of the Georgetown Club served as a dinner setting for the international attendees who attended our Symposium. Thanks to
GN ReSound and their generous gift, we were able to spend time with attendees from Spain, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.
Left: Carmen Abascal and Svante Borjesson, of Spain, with Immediate-Past President Meredith Sugar
Right: At the International Dinner, Percival Denham, of Argentina,
speaks with Frances Clark of the United Kingdom.
Once again, I thank all the esteemed guest speakers, the attendees who came from near and far, and the committee members of this year's Symposium for making it such a great success.
Remember to mark your calendars for the 2018 AG Bell Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona from June 28-30. I look forward to seeing you there!
Until next week,
Emilio Alonso-Mendoza
Chief Executive Officer
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
