The Architecture Expo at A’23

Conference news Education Expo Fun Networking
, by Dawn Scarola

Discover what’s new, next, & cutting edge!

The Architecture Expo is an innovation hub for the AEC industry. It’s where we go to see big ideas on display and for discovery, networking, and inspiration. And it has everything you need—connections, business relationships, knowledge, products, and services—to design a better world.

In a few weeks, the Moscone Center will be buzzing with the energy, excitement, and passion that is a hallmark of this conference. The Architecture Expo will be at the center of it all!

Read on to see what we’re planning.

Expo hours

  • Thursday, June 8: 10am–6:30pm
  • Friday, June 9: 9:45am–4pm

The world’s top building manufacturers

From the newest materials to hit the market to industry-standard solutions, the Architecture Expo has it all. 500+ Top building product manufacturers are bringing some of the coolest things you haven’t seen. This year, more than 100 new brands will be on display offering business services, software, technology, and more.

Start planning your experience now—browse exhibitors and product categories.

Specialty pavilions

Discover the latest advancements, innovations, and trends within specific sectors of our industry, in a focused immersive way.

  • Software & Technology Pavilion:Explore AR, VR, BIM, and other cutting-edge digital tools that are shaping the future of design and construction. Live demos, Q&A.
  • Metal Pavilion:Materials, fabrication techniques, and architectural metalwork are all on display, including structural steel, aluminum systems, metal cladding, and decorative elements. Live demos, Q&A.
  • Wood Pavilion:Discover new timber products, engineered wood solutions, innovative wood construction systems, and architectural designs. Live demos, Q&A.
  • Interiors Pavilion:See the latest trends in interior design, finishes, furnishings, lighting solutions, flooring materials, and acoustic systems, including customizable products. Live demos, Q&A.

One-on-one Q&A

Get free consults and technical advice, on the spot! You can now schedule one-on-one meetings with exhibitors before conference, so your time is guaranteed. View exhibitors and select the + sign to reserve your spot. You’ll be prompted to set up your “My Show Planner” account using your registration email address and badge ID number from your registration confirmation email so you can make sure your one-on-one appointments don’t conflict with your pre-registered sessions.

You’ll also be able to book exhibitor appointments in the A’23 app when it launches next week!

AIA Sample Gallery, powered by Swatchbox

Get inspiration delivered, for free, through the AIA Sample Gallery and Swatchbox. Download the Swatchbox app to get started, then browse an impressive range of gorgeous samples at the AIA Sample Gallery. Scan QR codes to request samples in the gallery and across the expo floor.

Bonus: Swatchbox’s Return and Recycle Program lets you return samples you no longer need, for zero waste.

CE lounges & theaters

Did you know you can take short courses with leading building product manufacturers, right on the expo floor? Five lounges and theaters host 60+ courses on topics including sustainability, wall systems, paint technology, coatings, wood innovations, and much more. These courses are extremely popular—and only a few sessions still have space (registration required). Add them to your schedule now.

Networking made easy

This expo literally opens doors across the AEC industry, connecting you to a diverse range of skill sets and expertise. We’ve intentionally designed the floor to facilitate conversations in comfortable settings. Look for dedicated spaces like parks, galleries, the AIA Booth, and the NextGen Lounge. There’s also social events, happy hours, games, and the Block Party to make meeting people easy and fun.

Your next career stop: The NextGen Lounge

Give your career a boost at the AIA NextGen Lounge. Free headshots, free resume advice, free career coaching sessions, and free LinkedIn profile advice plus meetups, social events, and sessions on finding a career sponsor, mentor relationships, and well-being in the workplace are part of the experience. Use keyword “NextGen” in the schedule to find a complete program list.

The Block Party

Conference’s biggest party is The Block Party, and it’s taking over the expo floor Thursday, June 8, from 5–6:30pm. Visit exhibitors, parks, and themed hotspots for live entertainment, food, and drinks. Catch up with colleagues and friends, mingle with peers, and meet new people.

The entire AEC industry will be there to welcome you.

The Puppy park at the AIA Booth, #1535

For the first time ever, puppies will join us on the expo floor. Why? Dogs bring people together and facilitate social interactions. They can also lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and bring joy to your day. Head over to the AIA Booth for some adorable fun!

The AIA Booth, #1535

Speaking of the AIA Booth, there’s a lot to explore in this year’s experience. Join us for more than seven hours of live programming and discussion on topics including client acquisition, staffing, health equity, and more. Keynote host Mike Chapman kicks off Thursday with a session on bringing the value of architecture and design to prime time. Search “A+ Session” in the schedule for a complete program listing. There’s also a gallery of award-winning projects, and puppies, of course!

Lawn games, bingo, & cash prizes

Take part in some friendly competition with classic lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole, and a putting green.

There’s also expo bingo, with three cash prizes: $500, $1,000, and $1,500. Pick up your bingo card at registration or at the AIA Booth (#1535). Visit all 20 participating exhibitors and collect a stamp from each. Drop off completed cards at the AIA booth, #1535—look for the gold prize drum! We’ll announce the winner at the AIA Booth Friday, June 9, between 3:30—4pm ET. Winner must be present.

Wellness & relaxation

Take in the expo, then take a moment to unwind. A Zen Garden with meditation headsets (Booth #140), the Relax & Recharge Lounge with massage stations and device charging (Booth #5133), and daily meditation and stretch breaks are all part of the experience. There’s even more wellness content at A’23—and this blog post has all the details.
We hope you enjoyed this preview of what’s to come. There’s so much more to experience! Our best advice? Give yourself time each day to wander, discover, and explore everything expo has to offer.

We’ll see you there!