The 2003 AIA National Convention and Expo, to take place May 8–10 in San Diego, focuses on the theme “Design Matters! Poetry and Proof.” In the words of AIA President Thompson Penney, FAIA: “Architects are passionate about design, and architecture’s poetry is the inspiration instilled in those who use the homes, buildings, and communities architects create. But passion and poetry are not enough—not when knowledge is currency. Passion and inspiration must translate into proof. Proof to clients. Proof to the public. And that proof is the positive difference design makes in how families live, children learn, patients heal, businesses grow, and communities thrive.”

The convention will address the challenges of learning how to communicate the value of the magic of good design. This year’s convention offers three theme sessions, 148 continuing education programs, 58 tours (including some just for kids), 64 special events, and more than 600 leading-edge companies exhibiting valuable products, systems, and services.

Continuing education: Learning opportunities at an affordable price abound, and earning valuable AIA learning units (LUs) for membership requirements and state licensure will be flexible and easy. The AIA member registration fee ($185 in advance, $265 after April 11) includes 130 seminars, 3 theme sessions, and admission to Expo2003. If you can arrive early, you can also take advantage of the 18 full- or half-day preconvention programs. Add professional tours to your agenda and explore San Diego, Southern California, and Mexico’s architecture, arts, and communities while earning additional LUs.

Expo2003: More than 600 exhibitors will showcase products, technology innovations, and services. There are opportunities to earn LUs and discover specific solutions to any of your design dilemmas at six product pavilions: High-Tech, Restoration Products, Green Products, Stone and Tile, Fabric Architecture, and Lighting. Explore Expo2003’s special attractions where you’ll earn prizes; see outstanding galleries of architecture, interiors, and urban design; learn about all things AIA; and satisfy your inner shopper at Shop San Diego (AIA San Diego’s upscale gift store) and the AIA Bookstore.

Special events: Adding to the convention’s fun will be breakfasts, receptions, dinners, and parties. Join the Opening Night Party in the exhibit hall or the “5K by the Bay Run/Walk,” where you’ll race, run, jog, or stroll on the waterfront in Embarcadero Park. “Journey to the Wild Side” at the San Diego Zoo and the 2003 Host Chapter Party, where you’ll see tortoises and tigers, lions and llamas, elephants and emus, all while enjoying plentiful provisions. Whet your appetite for San Diego’s fine dining and impressive architecture with the “Dining by Design” programs, where you’ll dine in small groups in extraordinary settings—the San Diego Yacht Club, the Lodge at Torrey Pines, the Salk Institute, or the Hotel Del Coronado. Or tee up at the seventh annual Chancellor's Cup Open. No matter what your interest, you’ll find a wealth of festivities to satisfy even the most devoted lover of fun.

Lots to see: San Diego is the perfect place to experience the poetry of architecture with a climate worthy of the Cote d’Azur. Explore California architecture or Tijuana’s cultural center. Sip a cabernet at a Southern California winery or take on a museum marathon at Balboa Park (home to more than a dozen different museums and the world famous San Diego Zoo). Dive into SeaWorld San Diego or strike out on a safari at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Take a road trip and discover Palm Springs’ 1950s Modernism or Pasadena’s arts and crafts bounty. From affordable housing to military history to high-rise excitement to education to biotechnology, Southern California is rich in architectural heritage and innovation, and there’ll be plenty of tours to prove it.

Register now! You’ll save $80 by registering early and have a better chance of getting the workshops, tours, special events, programs, and travel and hotel accommodations that you want. For the most up-to-date convention information and to register online, visit www.aia.org.

For more information: You can also call MC|Communications toll-free at 888-242-1824 for both details on attending the AIA 2003 National Convention and Expo and booking exhibit space at AIA Expo2003.

Copyright 2003 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.