The ultimate guide to AIA26 for students & emerging professionals
The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design® 2026 is coming to San Diego. If you’re a student or emerging professional (EP), this is your moment to take the next step.
Whether you’re still in school, stepping into your first role, or working towards licensure, AIA26 is packed with the resources, connections, and momentum to move your career forward.
We’ve attended multiple AIA conferences and experienced firsthand how transformative they can be. It’s more than a conference—it’s a launchpad!
Everything AIA26 has to offer
Whether it’s your first conference or you’re returning with new goals, you’ll find opportunities tailored just for you:
- Early-career resources, events, and mentorship
- 125+ Seminars and hands-on workshops
- 100+ Networking events and opportunities
- Licensure-focused sessions and guidance
- Discounted registration—only $35 for students!
Plus, explore our insider tips to help you make the most of your experience.
Start at the AIA NextGen Lounge
This is your home base for early-career connections and resources. Located on the expo floor, the AIA NextGen Lounge offers:
- Career-related micro sessions
- Free professional headshots
- Elevator pitch practice
- Networking and social events
- Mentorship meetups
- Free ArchiPrep® licensure resources
Key events at the AIA NextGen Lounge
- New! NextGen Toast (EV305)
- Early-Career Speed Mentoring (EV311)
- NextGen Mixer (EV320)
- How to Get Involved: NextGen Volunteers Shape AIA
- Small Talk, Big Moves: Networking without Anxiety
- Five Things to Know Before You Start Your First Job or Internship
- How to Navigate the AIA Salary Calculator
- Build Your Bench: Mentorship Strategies for Emerging Professionals
- How to Advocate for the Framework for Design Excellence in Your Workplace
- Demystifying Applying for the AIA Associates Award
- Know Your Worth: How to Navigate Pay, Progression, and Opportunity Early in Your Career
Build your skills & confidence through CE
From technical design to professional development, the industry’s best CE is at AIA26. Many sessions count toward AXP experience hours—and may introduce you to a new passion or mentor. Explore sessions designed to help you grow:
- Framework for Design Excellence Workshop (EV358)
- Architects in Work Boots (WK110)
- Architecture of Community + Social Practice (SE140)
- Art Integration in Architecture: Expression of Culture & Community (SE402)
- Negotiate With Confidence to Build a Career That Works for You (SE205)
- Workshopping Design: Impact of Young Architects (SE365)
- Madame Presidents: Local Leadership, Global Influence (WK218)
- Organizing for Impact: Embedding Sustainability in Structure, Culture & Careers (SE124)
- Accessibility as an Act of Empowerment (SE265)
- Designing Focus: Rethinking the Workplace for Attention & ADHD (NN213)
- Designing for Tomorrow’s Climate: Today’s Standard of Care (NN310)
- AEC Roles from Entry-Level to Leadership for a Transforming Industry (CE215)
- 2 + 2: Achieving Design Excellence (WK106)
- Redefining Balance: Strategies for Mid-Career Mothers in Architecture (WK316)
- Building New Horizons: Advocating for Women & Diverse Leadership (WK118)
Interested in AI, technology, & the future of the profession?
Explore sessions on how emerging tools and evolving practice models are shaping the future of architecture:
- Incorporating Virtual Reality in Early Stages of Design Process (SE126)
- AI & Digital Architecture: Equity, Business & Well-being in Practice (SE211)
- Arch-XR: The Future of Architecture in Virtual & Mixed Reality (SE305)
- Big Firm/Little Firm: Designing Your Tech Stack (SE204)
- Numbers to Narratives: Designing With Data That Changes Lives (SE203)
Looking for a standout session?
How Construction Documents Actually Work (SYM200) is a CDT mini-prep session that breaks down the fundamentals of construction documents and specifications. Delivered in partnership with CSI—offered at AIA26 for the first time—this can’t-miss symposium is ideal for students and emerging professionals looking to gain practical knowledge, contribute more confidently at their firm, and take the next step toward CDT certification.
The best part? Emerging professionals can save 50% on SYM200 registration using promo code AIA26EPDISC during registration checkout! Secure your spot today—seats are limited!
Network & get inspired
Your AIA26 experience will be shaped by the people you meet. Connect with leaders and peers across the AEC industry at these can’t-miss events:
- Bridging Generations: Young Architects Forum (EV356)
- First-Timers Orientation (EV100)
- Architecture Student Meetup (EV304)
- NextGen Meetup (EV319)
- Women’s Leadership Luncheon (EV330)
- Designing an Equitable Future: EQFA Roundtable on Technology, Resilience, & Practice (EV334)
Plus, Open Studios on Friday, June 12, offer the opportunity to visit leading San Diego firms and meet architects where they work.
After, don’t miss The Party! (EV303) at Parq Nightclub—your chance to connect with peers in a fun, dynamic setting. Bonus: Emerging professionals can save $25 on their ticket using promo code AIA26EPDISC at checkout—secure your spot today!
Many universities also host alumni events—check the schedule to reconnect with classmates and meet successful graduates.
Be sure to check the AIA26 schedule closer to the conference—mixers, meetups, and Happy Hours will be added in early June!
Make smarter connections with Braindate
Want a more intentional way to connect? New this year, Braindate brings curated small-group and one-on-one conversations to the expo floor. Connect with peers, exhibitors, and industry leaders to build relationships that extend beyond conference.
Book Braindates by topic—including career advice and resume/portfolio feedback—via the AIA26 app.
Take the next leap in your licensure journey
Licensure can feel overwhelming, but at AIA26, it’s more accessible. Attend licensure-focused sessions and stop by the NCARB booth to:
- Learn how to earn AXP hours at AIA26
- Understand the ARE process
- Explore the 16 competencies
- Navigate your pathway to practice
- Become an NCARB Licensing Advisor
- Ask questions to professionals who’ve navigated the path
Plus, don’t miss the Amber Book workshop and tour: Padres Stadium Tour & Amber Book ARE Building Systems Workshop (ET175)!
Save with student rates & EP discounts
AIA26 is designed to be accessible for students and emerging professionals.
For students:
- Student Pass: Only $35 (includes seminars, keynotes, expo, and more)
- AIAS Members: Use code AIASMBR26 for an additional $5 discount (.edu email required)
For emerging professionals:
- New AIA members: Register for only $159
- AIA members: Save up to $500 with advance rates
- Non-members: Join AIA to unlock the $159 new member rate!
For more information, visit the discounts page.
Conference tips to maximize your experience
Here’s how to make the most of your time:
- Connect with your local AIA chapter—many host receptions and meetups.
- Engage with AIAS, NOMAS, and NAC representatives.
- Use the AIA NextGen Lounge as your home base.
- Check out AIA’s First-Timer’s Guide and attend the First-Timers Orientation.
- Look for alumni events through your school or the official schedule.
- Visit NCARB to learn about AXP and licensure.
- Attend as many sessions and events as you can.
- Ask questions—this is your opportunity to learn.
- Come prepared—bring your resume, portfolio, business cards, comfortable shoes, and an open mindset!
See you in San Diego!
AIA26 isn’t just a conference—it’s your space to be bold, make connections, and find your voice in the profession. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, mentorship, licensure guidance, or just a place to feel seen, you’ll find it here.
Come say hello, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions before or during the conference. We’ll see you in San Diego!