Asheville – The 2024 AIA Aspire Conference is set to make waves in Asheville, North Carolina, from September 15-17, with the renowned environmental activist Erin Brockovich as its keynote speaker. This year’s event promises to be a vibrant gathering of architects, designers, and industry leaders from across the southeastern United States, all eager to delve into pressing topics surrounding architecture, design, and climate science. With its innovative “Talks and Chats” format, the conference will take place at various walkable venues throughout downtown Asheville, creating an immersive experience that highlights the city’s unique charm.
A Milestone for Asheville
Bringing the AIA Aspire Conference to Asheville is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the city’s rich culture and community spirit. Organizers are excited to showcase local businesses and services while providing attendees with an unforgettable experience. From Brockovich’s inspiring keynote at The Orange Peel to over 30 educational sessions and events focused on climate science and sustainable architecture, this year’s conference is poised to be the largest yet, thanks to record-setting early bird registration.
Giving Back to the Community
In a heartwarming twist, young professionals attending the conference will also engage in community service through a partnership with Homeward Bound of WNC. Participants will be seen throughout Asheville, helping to clean up and beautify the streets while making vital donations to support citizens in need. This initiative aims to assist individuals and families in Western North Carolina transitioning out of homelessness and into stable housing. It’s a perfect blend of professional development and community engagement that underscores the conference’s commitment to social responsibility.
A Collaborative Effort
The AIA Aspire Conference is organized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapters from Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. With thousands of members across the region, AIA Aspire aims to elevate the profession through education, advocacy, and community engagement. The collaborative nature of this event fosters a sense of unity among professionals who share a passion for architecture and design.
Voices from the Conference
Megan Bowles, AIA – 2024 AIA North Carolina President, expressed her enthusiasm for the conference’s impact: “As a multi-state conference, Aspire not only provides really wonderful content but it expands the reach of our network as professionals. It is large enough to create high energy and spread voices across the region, and it’s small enough to create meaningful connections with people outside of your normal network,” she said.
Nathan Speck, AIA LEED AP, echoed this sentiment: “Aspire is a unique opportunity… I saw many familiar faces and made several new acquaintances. Asheville is a great host city, and the intimate nature of the Aspire conference enables a wonderful shared experience,” he noted.
Melanie Reddrick, AIA – 2024 AIA North Carolina President-Elect, added her perspective on the conference atmosphere: “It’s a really chill time to hang out with colleagues from different states; you can talk about high-level topics in architecture and communities that will excite everyone,” she said.
Join the Conversation
With its focus on innovative design and climate science, the 2024 AIA Aspire Conference is set to be a pivotal event for professionals in the field. Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and a chance to contribute positively to the Asheville community.
For more information about the conference and to purchase public tickets for Erin Brockovich’s keynote address at The Orange Peel, visit [aspirexp.com](https://bit.ly/3SxvRt7). This is an event that promises not only to inspire but also to foster connections that will resonate long after the final session concludes.