Why aren't you a member of the Urban Land Insitute?

My obsession with ULI began when I was 22 and working in Edmonton. The big cheeses would mysteriously show up for work wearing ties and ironed slacks one day a month. Then, instead of playing hockey or curling during lunch, they would head down to the Fancy Pants Skating and Eating Club. What happened during those gourmet lunches anyway?

When I finally was able to go myself, I was in love. A whole hour to eat (the Fancy Pants club has great Nanaimo Bars) and learn about recent trends in land development. Does it get any better than that?

Stantec also had an excellent, but rarely used, reading room downstairs. I would go down there on slow afternoons and thumb through Urban Land, the official magazine of ULI.

What is ULI really about?

Who should join?
I think every single engineer or designer who does anything with Land Development should be a member.

Locally- you can attend meetings, breakfasts, networking, etc. and meet developers, legal professionals and others in your area. Learn about local projects and issues. Build your career.

Nationally- even if you just flip through the magazine you realize that other people in different parts of the US and Canada are dealing with the same issues as you are.

Think of how many of us on the engineering side just hammer through our work and don't take the time to market ourselves, to learn what is really going through our client's minds... this is our chance to differentiate ourselves.

For more benefits click here

WHO ELSE? Lawyers, Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects, Government Employees, and ESPECIALLY STUDENTS.

What an edge students have when they mix and mingle with actual movers and shakers.

What does it cost?
There is no excuse if you are a student or under the age of 35.

There are special fees for those youngsters (or oldsters if you have student ID) that range from $75-$175 per year and includes the subscription to Urban Land, book discounts, etc.

There are various other types of memberships- one for everyone.

To join and learn more- go to: ULI Membership Application and if you do decide to join, please mention me: Dana Probert. I think I get a free t-shirt or something. But more importantly- YOU AND ME NOW BELONG TO THE SAME COOL CLUB!

Some recent and upcoming events in my region to give you an idea of what happens locally:
http://philadelphia.uli.org

ULI Philadelphia Fourth Friday Breakfast
The Pyramid Club, 1735 Market Street, 52nd Floor, center city
Philadelphia

ULI Philadelphia Young Leaders Roundtable - Waterfront Development
Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia

ULI Philadelphia Happy Hour
20 Manning, 261 South 20th Street, Philadelphia

ULI Philadelphia Annual Sponsor Appreciation Breakfast

ULI Philadelphia Major Urban Forum TBD
The Union League, Philadelphia

ULI Fall Meeting
Denver Convention Center