For some aspiring designers entering the profession, financial and cultural barriers present a greater obstacle to participating in professionally nurturing activities like the Practice + Design Conference. While we are doing our best to keep pricing attainable for all attendees, even as event production costs rise substantially, we are working to affect financial barriers through a pilot conference support fund.
For 2023, we are asking AIA Members, Allied Members, and Non-Members to voluntarily contribute $25, or more, towards a Practice + Design Fund for Emerging Professionals and Students, in addition to the expense of conference Event Pass, lodging, and travel expenses. Our goal is to help make the AIA more inclusive by decreasing the barriers to entry.
Recipients must be first-time conference attendees who are Associate or AIA members in good standing or currently enrolled full-time architecture students at the University of Colorado Boulder or Denver.
A special emphasis will be placed on supporting applicants who can expand the representation of architects into historically disadvantaged populations of the profession.
If you are someone who would be a deserving recipient, then you're in the right place. Please complete the subsequent form and wait to hear from AIA Colorado staff. We will convene a sub-group of Conference Committee members to review the applications and select attendees.
This is a pilot program for AIA Colorado and we're hoping to generate enough funds to potentially send 5 emerging professionals and 5 students to this year's Practice + Design Conference in Keystone, CO.
The 2023 AIA Colorado Conference is scheduled for Nov. 15 - 17 in Keystone, Colorado. This annual event gathers 600 architects and design industry professionals from across the state for three days of education and networking.
In previous years we have been fortunate to host both nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers such as Bjarke Ingels, Julie Snow, Tod Williams, Billie Tsein, and many more. Apply to present for 15-Minute Mini-CES at your Booth!
*Please note that your individual application window is 5 days total, beginning the day you purchased the opportunity to present at the Conference Website. If we do not receive a submission within your 5-day window, we will refund your purchase and you will no longer be in contention for a Mini-CES Presentation.
This year’s theme, ENGAGE, is focused on the big topics and discussions that face our industry, our practices, and our communities. We’re interested in conversations where the stakes are great and the opportunities are real, creating chances for us to propel our profession forward, right here in Colorado. Topics such as housing, technology, artificial intelligence, the environment, sustainability, advocacy, and of course, design. 2021’s Practice + Design Conference was themed PLACE, 2022’s was CONNECT, and this year’s theme of ENGAGE continues the progression outward as we seek topics that allow us to roll up our sleeves and dig into the future of our profession.
For this year's conference Mini-CES submissions, the title and corresponding topic of your presentation should relate back to the theme, and your presentation can be open to your interpretation of the way we “engage” with architecture.
Presentations will be selected and reviewed based on the following:
- Relevance and Impact: The proposed session is current and practical; addresses the needs, challenges and/or opportunities of today's architects; and encourages attendees to consider personal/professional application and continued exploration.
- Approach: The following should be clear - the session description and objectives; how the session adds value to the conference and serves attendees; what modes of facilitation the presenters will use; and what takeaways the participants can expect.
- Creativity and Innovation: The session presents a new perspective and/or shares information in a compelling way.
- Demonstrates Expertise: Speakers are experts in their field - the session proposal demonstrates original research, applied knowledge of (others') recognized research or theory, or personal capability/proficiency.
- Learning Objectives: Presenters are able to articulate what participants will gain from witnessing the presentation.
*Please note that your individual application window is 5 days total, beginning the day you purchased the opportunity to present at the Conference Website. If we do not receive a submission within your 5-day window, we will refund your purchase and you will no longer be in contention for a Mini-CES Presentation.
We will no longer be accepting applications for Mini-CES Presentations on Friday, August 31 at 5:00 p.m.
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Contact Amy Blagriff (amy@aiacolorado.org) to learn more about our exclusive vendor-led CES opportunities in Keystone.
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Technical questions related to this submission? Contact Jon Bell at jon@aiacolorado.org