The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2012 National Convention and Design Exposition kicked off today in Washington, D.C. It brings together leading experts, architects, and designers from various disciplines, as well as addressing the construction industry. The event provides education, networking with colleagues, and new products, technologies, and materials that are now available.

For those unable to attend, AIA offers a variety of social media and up-to-the-minute online tools that will allow people to keep up with what’s going on, participate in courses, and interact at the convention.

One of the events of note taking place at this year’s convention is the release of AIA’S Guide to the International Green Construction Code (IGCC). The guide gives useful information about IGCC; what IGCC means, the formation and technicalities of the code, how it affects architecture, and a brief summarized run down of each chapter in the IGCC.

AIA’s convention will run until May 19. The virtual education page has a wide range of courses including “Regenerative Healthcare Design”, “Designing Healthy Communities”, and “Daylight Design for Code Compliance” among many more. You can still register and access AIA Virtual Convention.

The keynote speakers at AIA Convention include:

  •          David McCullough, a historian who has twice won the Pulitzer Prize;
  •          The Honorable Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and 
  •          Special Ceremony–Architects of Healing, a general session honoring architects who contributed their skill and knowledge to help rebuild Ground Zero. 

Also, if you are at the convention let us know what nugget of information you’ve taken away for the day.