Dear AES members,
We are about to witness the beginning of Virtual Vienna, our first all-virtual convention. The AES recognizes the great work of audio innovators, developers and practitioners everywhere, inclusive of all backgrounds and interests.
It is with this in mind that we are heartbroken by the recent tragic events in the United States, the killing of unarmed Black citizens including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. These events are affecting our members and the broader audio community directly and indirectly. Many in the US are feeling angry and hurt and confused.
We condemn racism and brutality in the strongest terms and appreciate the outpouring of concern and support that has come from our international community. We support the Black community, we believe that Black lives matter, and we stand with those who are affected by systemic and institutionalized racism.
We are a community of passionate people spread around the globe, from many different cultures and walks of life and we are working hard to help weave a global audio community. There is no easy way to solve all our problems or reconcile any potential differences between people but we are committed to continue working on your behalf, to learn from each other and to foster a healthy AES.
Virtual Vienna aims to showcase the wonderful things that bring us together. We are in the business of communication and in using technology to bring people together to share experiences. As you navigate the program at Virtual Vienna, upcoming conferences and events, we hope you can take care of yourselves and each other.
We think you will come away from these events enlightened, inspired and connected – with an ever greater sense of community.
AES Leadership