Connect with 12,000+ attendees
Network with the AIA community and the greater AEC industry—all in one place. AIA26 is the ultimate platform to connect with peers, industry experts, suppliers, and potential clients. You’ll build relationships that lead to collaboration and partnerships that move your work forward.
The AEC networking hub
Connect with hundreds of leading brands and explore thousands of products at the AIA26 Expo. CE courses on the expo floor put you face-to-face with experts, while happy hours and receptions create easy opportunities for impromptu conversations and new connections.
New! Braindate
A smarter way to network—right on the expo floor. Braindate—coming soon to the AIA26 app—creates intentional, outcome-focused interactions by introducing you to like-minded attendees and exhibitors for one-on-one or small-group conversations on industry advancements, specification needs, and design solutions.
Events & parties
From award receptions and luncheons to can’t-miss parties, AIA26 offers nearly 100 events designed to make networking feel natural and fun. These relaxed settings make it easy to meet new colleagues—or follow-up with someone you met earlier.
Pre-registration required.
Open studios
Step inside leading San Diego firms, meet the teams behind the projects, and see current work that reflects the city’s design excellence. These intimate, after-hours experiences make it easy to build authentic connections with peers and firm leaders.
Pre-registration required.
AIA Community Hub
Stop by the Sails Pavillion for activations and activities designed to bring industry cohorts together around shared practice expertise. AIA Community Hub is the perfect spot to find your people and build long-term connections to inform your work.
Architect-led tours
These curated experiences offer exclusive access to San Diego’s most inspiring architecture—guided by the architects behind the work. Because tours last several hours or more, they provide built-in time to connect with others on or leading the tour.
Pre-registration required.
Workshops
Highly focused and hands-on, workshops create natural opportunities for conversation and collaboration. Small-group problem solving makes it easy to connect with others who share your interests, challenges, or areas of expertise.
Bookmark your top picks in the AIA26 app!
AIA Booth (#2626)
Swing by the AIA Booth at the center of the expo floor—the conference hub for the AIA community. With social events, games, and resources, it’s an easy, welcoming spot to strike up a conversation and start a new connection.
