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The ultimate guide to AIA25 for students & emerging professionals

, Jordan Luther, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, NOMA & Saakshi Terway, Assoc. AIA

 

Whether you’re still in school, navigating your first job, or logging AXP hours, AIA25 is your moment, offering resources, connections, and inspiration to launch your architecture career with confidence or take it to the next level.

Between the two of us, we’ve attended multiple AIA conferences—and have experienced just how transformative they can be. We always leave inspired and ready to do big things.

Female conference attendees from AIA24

What AIA25 offers students & emerging professionals

AIA25 is more than a conference—it’s a launchpad. Whether it’s your first AIA conference or you’re returning with new goals, AIA25 is full of opportunities tailored just for you. You’ll have access to:

Start at the NextGen Lounge

Make this your home base! Located in the Expo Hall, the NextGen Lounge is your go-to spot for all things early-career:

  • Portfolio & resume reviews
  • Professional headshots
  • Elevator pitch practice
  • Career coaching
  • Mentorship meetups & more

Don’t miss:

Top sessions to build skills & confidence

From technical design to professional development, these sessions are tailored to help you grow. Most of these sessions count toward AXP experience hours and might even introduce you to a new passion or mentor.

Connect, network, & get inspired

Your AIA25 experience will be shaped by the people you meet. Take initiative and jump into:

The licensure journey, simplified

Licensure can feel overwhelming, but AIA25 breaks it down. Attend licensure-focused sessions and stop by the NCARB booth to:

  • Learn how to earn AXP hours at the conference
  • Understand the ARE® process
  • Meet real professionals who’ve navigated the path

And don’t miss the Amber Book: ICA Building System Tours on Friday for strategies on building systems:

10 Tips to maximize your experience

Here’s what we wish we knew before attending our first AIA conference.

  1. Connect with your local AIA chapter! Most chapters hold a reception; you can also make plans to grab dinner or drinks or just meet up throughout the conference.
  2. Connect with AIAS, NOMAS, & your state reps from NAC! These organizations and groups have leaders (including me) in attendance waiting to connect with you.
  3. Make the NextGen Lounge your home base during the AIA25 Expo! This space is purely focused on students and EPs, so you will find peers and staff ready to answer any questions you may have.
  4. Check out AIA’s first-timer’s guide! You’ll find helpful information to make the most of your experience, whether it’s your first or you just need a refresher. Also, be sure to attend the AIA First-timer’s Orientation session hosted during the morning on the first day of the conference!
  5. Check the schedule or reach out to your university about alumni events! Alumni come from all over the world and love to connect with current students at their alma mater. This is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make long-lasting connections for the future.
  6. Learn more about AXP & the path to licensure! Stop by NCARB’s booth on the expo floor and check out their sessions hosted throughout the conference.
  7. Attend as many sessions and events as you can! While it may be tempting to skip, you never know which session or event will have the information or connection crucial to your future. Attending sessions is a phenomenal way to learn all about different sectors of the profession that you may not have had exposure to before.
  8. Ask lots of questions! There is no such thing as a silly question. Be bold and ask questions during the keynotes, during your sessions, on the expo floor, and to the new connections you’ll make. Make your voice heard and use this opportunity to learn as much as you can!
  9. Pack your portfolio & resume! There will be opportunities in the NextGen lounge to have your portfolio and resume reviewed. So come prepared and eager to review your materials and get one step closer to finding that dream job!
  10. Come prepared! Bring some comfy shoes, an open mind, and an excitement for connecting with everyone you can. Some business cards are never a bad idea either.

Student rates & EP discounts

Lucky for us, AIA25 is very affordable for students and emerging professionals to attend! A Student Pass is only $35 and includes nearly everything mentioned above: 250+ seminars, three high-profile keynotes, the industry’s largest expo, and so much more. However, you do need to pay a little extra to add tours and some events to your registration.

For our student and emerging professional friends, you have a few discount options to take advantage of:

  • AIAS members: Get an exclusive $5 discount! Connect with your local AIAS chapter or AIAS national for details.
  • New AIA members: If you joined AIA in the last year, your ticket is only $159!
  • AIA members: If the new member rate no longer applies to you, you can still save big with the AIA member discount.
  • Non-members: If you’re not an AIA member yet, may we suggest joining AIA today so you can unlock the $159 price (and take advantage of all the other benefits of an AIA membership).

For more information on registration pricing and discounts, visit the discounts page.

See you in Boston!

AIA25 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, AIA25 has something for you. Come say hello, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions before or during the conference. We’ll see you in Boston! Register today.