Get ready to attend AIA26
Before you go
Download the AIA26 app!
AIA26 mobile app lets you plan your schedule, favorite exhibitors, book Braindates, add notes, and get real-time updates—all in one place.
Download via the App Store, Google Play Store, or desktop, then log in with the email address you used when you registered for conference. On mobile, you’ll open or install the AIA Events app—then just select “AIA26” to access the official AIA26 app.
Build your schedule
Your pre-registered tours, Open Studios, symposia, and events are already in “My Schedule” in the AIA26 app. To purchase additional tickets or make changes, you can manage your registration directly from the app—you can also customer service or call (864) 342 6385 for assistance. Hurry, events and tours are selling out!!
Use the in-app schedule builder to create your schedule and bookmark your favorite keynotes, seminars, or workshops. Since all seating is first-come, first-seated, we recommend selecting backup sessions in case your first choice is full.
Note: Your pre-registered and bookmarked sessions will both appear in “My Schedule.” Any session with a program code that starts with ET, EV, or SYM is one you pre-registered for and have guaranteed access to. All other program code prefixes are first-come, first-seated sessions.
Pack comfortable shoes & a reusable water bottle
In San Diego, June temperatures are mild and heavily influenced by the marine layer, locally known as “June Gloom.” You can expect daytime temps ranging from the high 60s to low 70s and nights dipping into the low 60s. Pack clothing that will keep you comfortable, especially since convention centers tend to be well air-conditioned.
Although most sessions will be hosted inside the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC), some tours and other events will be hosted outside. Comfortable shoes are a must, and you may want to consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, close-toed shoes, and a rain jacket or umbrella.
Don’t forget your reusable water bottle, too! Refill stations are located throughout the convention center.
Badge pick up
Badge pickup is located at Registration Services.
Registration services
San Diego Convention Center, Ground Level–Lobby D.
Pick up your badge, make schedule changes, check your record of attendance, and add missing credits.
Registration hours:
- Tuesday, June 9: 3–5pm
- Wednesday, June 10: 7am–5:30pm
- Thursday, June 11: 7am–5:30pm
- Friday, June 12: 7am–5:30pm
- Saturday, June 13: 7am–1pm
Information Desk & App Help Desk
Conference questions? Stop by the Information Desk, located in the Hall D Lobby.
- Tuesday, June 9: 3–5pm
- Wednesday, June 10: 7am–5:30pm
- Thursday, June 11: 7am–5:30pm
- Friday, June 12: 7am–5:30pm
- Saturday, June 13: 7am–1pm
Need some help with the AIA26 app? Stop by the App Help Desk, located in the Hall D Lobby.
- Tuesday, June 9: 3–5pm
- Wednesday, June 10: 7am–5:30pm
- Thursday, June 11: 7am–5:30pm
- Friday, June 12: 7am–5:30pm
- Saturday, June 13: 7am–1pm
Details for your AIA26 experience
Conference hashtag!
If you’re posting on social media, be sure to use the conference hashtag, #AIA26.
Seminar seating: How it works
All seating is first-come, first-seated, so please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to grab a seat.
When adding sessions to your schedule using the AIA26 app, remember that you’re bookmarking favorites you want to attend on-site, not registering for them. Select first-, second-, and third-choice options during each time slot in case your first choice is full before you get to the classroom.
Earning CE credit
AIA26 brings together nearly 350 expert-led sessions offering HSW, GBCI, RIBA, and AIA LU credits—developed and delivered by leaders shaping practice today. When you attend a session, be sure to scan your badge’s QR code to track your CE credits.
Keynotes
Thursday, June 11: 9–10:15am
Padma Lakshmi, Emmy-nominated producer & author
Friday, June 12: 9–10:15am
Charlene Li, author & CEO of Altimeter
Saturday, June 13: 9–10am
Sameh Wahba, urbanist & sustainable development expert
AIA Design Shop
Located in the Sails Pavilion of SDCC, the AIA Design Shop is where you can shop curated, conference-only finds—from home decor and design books to office accessories, Father’s Day gifts, and AIA26 gear! AIA and AIAS members save 10%, so be sure to stop by and find something special to remember your time at AIA26.
AIA Design Shop hours:
- Wednesday, June 10: 8am–5:30pm
- Thursday, June 11: 8am–6:30pm
- Friday, June 12: 8am–5:30pm
- Saturday, June 13: 8am–12pm
Parties & receptions
Some of the most valuable connections you’ll make at AIA26 will happen at one of nearly 100 events and parties—designed to help you meet new contacts, partners, and collaborators, and have fun with new friends and colleagues.
Explore all our featured events and find the right one for you. Pre-registration is required.
The AIA26 Expo
Expo hours and location:
San Diego Convention Center
- Thursday, June 11: 10am–6:30pm
- Friday, June 12: 10am–4:30pm
Explore the products, materials, and technologies defining the next era of design and construction at the AIA26 Expo—your unmatched opportunity to get the full product experience from hundreds of top AEC brands.
It’s also a networking hub designed to connect you with the people and brands behind what’s new, now. Connect across four expo zones—Innovate, Design, Build, Prosper—all designed to help explore emerging trends and gain insights that elevate both your design and business strategies.
That’s not all! The expo also features exclusive product launches, the ability to schedule one-on-ones with exhibitors and technical experts, the Puppy Park—back by popular demand—and so much more.
Swing by the AIA Booth, #2626, and discover member benefits and connect with teams across AIA! If you need a break, you can reset with seating and charging stations before heading back into the conference.
New! Braindate
Introducing Braindate: A smarter, more intentional way to network on the expo floor. Connect with like-minded attendees and exhibitors for focused one-on-one or small group conversations that spark ideas, solve project or specification challenges, and build meaningful professional relationships. Learn more in the AIA26 app!
AIA26 Shuttles
Just steps from the waterfront and home to the SDCC, San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter blends Victorian-era charm with a dynamic urban streetscape. With the Gaslamp Quarter’s excellent walkability and proximity to hotels and the convention center, shuttle service between most Gaslamp Quarter hotels and the convention center will not be provided, supporting our commitment to hosting a more sustainable event.
The AIA26 hotel block also includes hotels in San Diego’s Downtown neighborhood. Shuttle service is provided between the convention center and most downtown hotels. Shuttle schedules are available in the AIA26 app.
If you need ADA transportation, please make advance arrangements with the shuttle supervisor by calling (619) 921 0307. Please note: This number is active only during shuttle service hours.
Experience San Diego
San Diego isn’t just the host city for AIA26, it’s part of the experience. Grab last-minute tickets for architect-led tours and Open Studios that showcase the city’s innovative design culture.
Unless otherwise noted in your registration, all tours depart from Lobby H.
Accessibility
Closed captioning will be available in education sessions (including CE theater sessions on the Expo floor).
ASL interpreters will be available at the front of the stage for all keynote sessions. All sessions will have reserved seating for attendees with impaired mobility. For help locating, please ask a staff member or volunteer, and they can direct you.
A limited number of scooters will be available through AIA upon request on a first-come, first-served basis. Scooters can also be secured through Scootaround and delivered to your hotel or the convention center.
For more information, please visit our accessibility page.
AIA Code of Conduct
All participants must abide by the AIA Event Code of Conduct and all other AIA event policies.
We encourage everyone to assist in creating a welcoming and safe environment. Please report any concerns, or suspicious or disruptive activity to the General Counsel at generalcounsel@aia.org and/or AIA Events team at event@conferenceonarchitecture.com. For discrimination or harassment complaints, please refer to the Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Complaint Policy.
Save the date!
AIA27 takes place May 19–22, 2027, in Philadelphia. We’ll see you there!