AIA’s Conference on Architecture 2019, scheduled for June 6–8 in Las Vegas, is an opportunity to listen, learn, and exchange ideas with other members of our profession, as well as leaders from other disciplines who share our love of smart, sustainable, leading-edge design.
This year’s theme, Blueprint for a Better Future, will encourage and empower architects to go beyond our traditional comfort zones as designers, creators, and trusted advisers and become even more engaged in our communities.
Just as AIA’s Blueprint for Better campaign seeks to hone the innate talent of architects as conveners and problem-solvers, we continue to refine the conference experience to deliver the information and thought leadership that informs and energizes attendees long after they return home.
While the focus of A’19 is architecture and architects, it continues the transformation of the conference into an event that is more inclusive and appealing to everyone along the career continuum, from young professionals to seasoned architects with decades of experience.
Roman Mars, creator and host of the 99% Invisible podcast, will host our main stage sessions. His is one of the most popular architecture and design podcasts today. By pairing his exceptional storytelling skills with his ability to draw connections and highlight important themes, Roman will augment the big ideas we’ll hear from keynote speakers who will help us look at issues in a new way.
This year’s keynote presenters are more than pioneers in their respective fields; their continued success and positive impact highlight what can be created and achieved when preconceived notions and stereotypes are overcome.
The first keynote speaker is Reshma Saujani, CEO and founder of the nonprofit organization Girls Who Code and a trailblazer in the world of technology. Girls Who Code was at the top of Fast Company’s not-for-profit sector list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies for 2019, which honors “the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture.”
Our day two keynote event will feature a conversation with Ryan Coogler, one of the most successful and critically acclaimed directors, writers, and producers in Hollywood. His work on Fruitvale Station won top audience and grand jury awards in the U.S. dramatic competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, and Ryan was included on Time’s 30 Under 30 2013 list. Ryan’s latest work, last year’s blockbuster Black Panther, continues to rewrite Hollywood history and break barriers.
A’19 will include more than 50 events that will link you with colleagues at every stage of their careers, from young professionals to practice leaders to firm owners and partners. In addition, socials, happy hours, receptions, lunches, and breaks between sessions will offer ample opportunity to grow your network by making new professional connections.
The 2019 Architecture Expo will feature 200,000 square feet of the newest high-tech products and materials. More than 700 companies will exhibit at the Expo, which has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Expos in the country by the Trade Show News Network.
The conference is a unique forum that provides information and networking opportunities that help us do our jobs better, make a bigger difference in the communities we serve, and ultimately achieve our vision of a brighter future for architecture. We can do this by positively advancing conversations on essential topics, including stopping or mitigating climate change and ensuring social justice and economic opportunity for all— without regard to race, gender, or nation.
In that regard, joining thousands of your colleagues from around the world isn’t just an investment in your career and the careers of your teammates. It is also an investment in the future of the profession.
