Architects can earn up to six continuing education credits in one power-packed day of educational sessions and networking opportunities at the 21st Annual ALA Midwest Architecture Conference, to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 8 am to 4:45 pm at Drury Lane Conference Center, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

The 21st annual conference, hosted by the Association of Licensed Architects (ALA), features a keynote address by Blair Payson, AIA, LEED AP and Principal of Olson Kundig titled, “Creating a culture of dialog and celebrating partnerships.” Payson, who joined the leading-edge architecture practice based in Seattle in 2004, has worked on both architectural and exhibit design projects, including the Century Project for the Space Needle, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center and residential projects across the Western United States and Mexico. A maker at heart, Payson revels in the details but is able to distill large, complex projects into distinct culminating moments.

The conference includes more than 80 product exhibits with show hours from 10 am to 3:45 pm, and more than 17 seminars on a variety of subjects, ranging from codes and contracts to energy efficiency, performance, practice and sustainable materials. Architects can earn one credit for engaging with exhibitors for one hour.

Continental breakfast starts at 7 am, with the keynote beginning at 8 am and the conference ending at 4:45 pm.

The conference includes seminars, the trade show, continental breakfast and buffet lunch. Early bird registration, which begins in mid-July and continues through Friday, Sept. 20, is $175 for members, $200 for nonmembers and $50 for students/new graduates. From Sept. 21-Oct. 29, conference registration is $200 for members, $225 for nonmembers and $50 for students/new graduates.
Register online until noon on Oct.22 at alatoday.org or call 847-382-0630. Admission to the trade show, which is open from 10 am to 3:45 pm, is free.

“Our ALA Midwest Architecture Conference is in its 21st year,” says Joanne Sullivan, ALA Executive Director. “It’s an outstanding value for our members and exhibitors, with more than 17 seminars, more than 80 exhibits, a great keynote speaker and networking opportunities. It’s nice to see so much conversation going on. The event brings everyone together. It’s vibrant!”

The ALA Midwest Architecture Conference is sponsored by The Association of Licensed Architects and supported by Graphisoft, M.G. Welbel & Associates, a Risk Strategies Company and FinishingChicago.com.