Coping skills for down economy shared at 2009 AIA convention

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition concluded with a theme presentation with a 13-person panel discussing contemporary architecture. Other keynote presentations focused on design and global practice and firm diversity.

The convention attracted 22,400 registrants and over 900 exhibitors. In addition, there were more than 10,000 people who accessed the virtual convention and seminars via a live web streaming option. In order to address the challenges facing architects in the current uncertain economic climate, a comprehensive track of seminars were added to the program that focused on the skills and resources needed in an economic downturn.

“As the world grows smaller, faster and more competitive with every moment, national and political boundaries grow less relevant so the theme chosen for the convention was: The Power of Diversity: Practice in a Complex World,” said AIA President Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA. “The profession of architecture is in the midst of incredible change – from the people it serves and the people who comprise it to the means by which it is practiced. In San Francisco, we turned to a broad representation of the emerging voices in our profession to discover how they face the future and learn ways that the architecture profession can benefit from their perspectives.”

The AIA 2010 National Convention and Design Expo will be held June 10-12, 2010 in Miami. For more information about next year’s exhibition contact AIA Infocentral at 800-242-3837.

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About The American Institute of Architects
 
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.

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