AIA Announces Keynotes for Its "Conference on Architecture"

The rebranding is intended to "help shape new expectations about an annual event and experience that is about architecture," according to AIA spokesperson Matthew Tinder, quoted at Architect Magazine. "The AIA is making the changes to be more relevant to a larger professional audience and have greater impact on the profession."

From a quick glance at the AIA Conference website, the rebranding does not have any recognizable impact on the event's structure, which still consists of the keynotes, an expo, seminars, tours, and workshops. The theme this year is "anticipate," which is meant to "Harness the collective intellect and entrepreneurial spirit of speakers whose power to anticipate has shaped their careers and our industry. Over three days our keynoters will explore this theme and what it means to anticipate need, challenge, and change in architecture and design."

The three days of keynotes, per the AIA Conference website:

Day 1: Anticipate need
On Day 1, keynoters Alejandro Aravena, Francis Kéré, and Michael Murphy (MASS Design Group) will explore new ways to define and solve project and community needs using thoughtful architecture as a solution and force multiplier.
Day 2: Anticipate challenge
On Day 2, keynoters David Delgado and Dan Goods (both from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory), moderated by Michael Bierut, will explore overcoming challenge through fresh approaches to problem-solving and creative paths to success.
Day 3: Anticipate change
And on Day 3, keynoter Amy Cuddy will explore how anticipating change can help you position your influence and lead powerful change.

The three-day AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 is being held in Orlando, Florida, on 27-29 April.