AIA
Building
Connections
For the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture & Design in Washington, D.C., the American Institute of Architects aspired to create a visually compelling and personalized in-person experience that would expand its core audiences beyond architects and interior designers, to include builders, contractors, and engineers.
Each morning kicked off with a keynote that featured high-profile, inspirational speakers. Calming environmental elements welcomed attendees as ambient images were projection mapped across the 350-ft. long screen spanning the length of the entire stage. Sessions were curated for VIPs, and were an invigorating way to begin the experience.
New Pathways and Destinations
From a design standpoint, we worked with AIA to create a blueprint intentionally using the venue’s environment to enhance the attendee journey. Signage throughout the entrance provided exploratory navigation as visitors moved through the expo hall, and an eye-popping wall encouraged everyone to “Change Your Thinking.”
The expo floor was laid out like a wheel with spokes. At the center of the hub, the AIA booth acted as the expo floor’s North Star. The focal point – a vibrant, overhead 3-meter LED sphere – was a visual stunner and invited attendees to explore new territories.
- AI Solutions
- Attendee Journey
- AV Production
- Event Management
- Keynote Production
In the Zone
Once inside, attendees could choose from five zones personalized by interest – Inspire, Innovate, Design, Build, and Prosper. AIA’s content and education teams wanted to foster networking opportunities right smack dab on the show floor, so they integrated tailored offerings across all formats in each zone.
• Inspire … featured presentations at a continuing education theater, learning lounges, and activations focused on sustainability and social change.
• Innovate … showcased design software and systems, AI/generative simulations, AR/VR, and more tools used to work smarter.
• Design … brought interior designers, engineers, and architects together to share ideas around trends, spaces, and materials.
• Build … emphasized new capabilities such as robotics and automation with hands-on demos and a “Make your own building” activation where each visitor could add pieces to a sculpture that grew throughout the event.
• Prosper … provided career enhancement and development with an interactive, digital personality profiler experience where attendees could take a quiz and connect with others to share ideas.
A Foundation for the Future
The event overflowed with beautiful architectural elements, while also showcasing the importance of intentional planning, audience consideration, and creative infusion in all aspects of design.