Pittsburgh, Pa., April 1, 2002 -- Hosted by the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), the International Graphic Arts Education Association (IGAEA) 77th annual conference will be held July 28 through August 2, 2002 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The IGAEA conference offers graphic arts educators a series of technology updates, interactive presentations, and hands-on laboratory experiences in a variety of disciplines. This conference will bring together a diverse group of graphic arts teachers from different high schools, community colleges, universities, and vocational schools, occupying them in study and skill improvement that will affect the quality of tomorrow’s workforce. It is the single best opportunity for professional development in 2002. The conference is a lively mix of technical and professional presentations, hands-on demonstrations and workshops, social activities, and informal gatherings. For educators, it includes a day of training sessions and hands-on demonstrations at GATF. Local Pittsburgh graphics firm, TheNewMediaGroup, will present hands-on Photoshop and other workshops. Attendees will tour local commercial printing facilities, a daily newspaper, and CMU’s renowned Rare Book Display, and the amazing Robotics Laboratory. Elaborate spouse, family, and youth programs are included programs that promise to enlighten and entertain. Highlights of the many scheduled spouse activities include a tour of Pittsburgh on an old-fashioned trolley, a visit to famed Heinz Chapel and the University of Pittsburgh’s famed Nationality Rooms, lunch on scenic Mount Washington overlooking the Golden Triangle, and a visit to Pittsburgh’s multi-cultural market area, the Strip District. Highlights of the many scheduled family activities include an old-fashion picnic in one of Pittsburgh’s historic parks, ice cream social, family movie fests, and attendance to a Pittsburgh Pirate game in the city’s spectacular new baseball stadium. Youth programs include trips to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Sandcastle Waterpark, Carnegie’s Science Center for children, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, home of the world’s largest dinosaur display. Daycare and night babysitting services are also available. The IGAEA conference is open only to IGAEA members, however membership is only $20. Arrangements have been made for participants to stay in modern air-conditioned dormitory rooms on campus or within walking distance at the Pittsburgh Holiday Inn Select-University Center Hotel. IGAEA will award a number of grants to educators who are association members to assist them in participating in their first IGAEA Annual Conference. A Future Educators Grant is available to full-time students preparing to teach graphic arts. And ten conference grants of $300 are available for IGAEA members who have attended a previous IGAEA conference. The fee for educators participating in the conference is $475 or $450 if registered before June 14. Program, lodging at CMU’s dorms, and meals are included in this conference fee. Separate fees are associated with spouses, youth, and their programs. Visit www.igaea.org for more information or call Gwen Martin, GATF conference coordinator, at 800/910-GATF x-116.