About this Event
In PALS, we believe it’s vital that creative education places sustainability at its core.
We prepare artists and designers to lead in shaping a more sustainable future.
That’s why we host the PALS Summit, a 2.5 day in-person and virtual gathering for faculty and academic staff to connect with the broader PALS ecosystem. Participants leave the Summit with ideas, tools, and connections we can bring back to our home institutions to advance sustainability within our schools’ curriculum, programming, and materials, contributing to industry-wide impact.
2027 Theme: RSVP - Be Here Now
The ground is shifting under our feet. How do we center our practice when the terrain is constantly in flux? RSVP will explore ideas around resiliency, sustainability, values, and place-based learning as a way forward.
Participants will gain:
- Personal and professional development opportunities – learning, skill-building, and networking experiences
- Exposure to PALS activities and initiatives – such as the ongoing working groups, PALS Presents events, and potential funding opportunities- allowing participants to get involved in the broader PALS partnership beyond just attending the summit.
- Connection to the PALS community – PALS is the people that show up. The summit allows participants to engage with and become part of the PALS partner community. This community aspect and sense of collaboration is a key benefit of the summit.
JOIN US AT THE SUMMIT |
Virtually - February 27, 2027
In-person at Otis/ArtCenter - March 11-13, 2027
In-Person Registration Deadline: February 5, 2027
Registration Fee: $200 (Includes access to the Virtual Summit)
Online Gathering
Online Registration Deadline: January 15, 2027
Registration Fee: $90
We plan to provide meals and gathering space for the in-person experience. We have done our best to design the event so you get just as much value and meaningful connections, regardless of your format for participation. These low fees have been made possible by the generous support of AICAD and the Frankenthaler Foundation.
Attendance Guidelines
The PALS Summit resembles more of a "think tank" than a traditional conference. While key presentations will be delivered at various points throughout the event, attendance across the entire 2.5-day duration is stongly encouraged for all participants. This ensures that each attendee fully benefits from the comprehensive agenda designed to stimulate discourse, introduce actionable themes, facilitate participation in working groups and enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing among attendees. This commitment to attendance allows the PALS Summit to be co-created by each attendee; we become an active collective learning community imagining and designing a transformational future for sustainability in higher ed art and design.
Lodging
We have secured a block of rooms at the Custom House Hotel, adjacent to Otis College of Art and Design. You can book your room HERE
Funding Support
We want to remove cost as a barrier to participation. We have a limited pool of funds available to assist with travel and registration fees. If you are seeking support, please complete this application.
Learn more about PALS
Feel free to reach out to the PALS Leadership team with any questions: Carolyn Shafer ([email protected]), Natalie Salvador ([email protected]), and Ryan O'Keefe ([email protected])
Event venue & nearby stays
Hosted by Otis College of Art & Design and Art Center College of Design at Custom Hotel, 8639 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.