March 27, 2017

Registration is open for the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) Grassroots Leadership Conference. The four-day event will be held in Washington, D.C., July 6-9, 2017. Coinciding with the 61st anniversary of the National Organization, the conference highlights critical attributes for thriving as an architecture student today.

Grassroots brings together leaders in design from various stages: students, educators and professionals. Through tours, workshops, sessions, keynotes and more the conference exposes students to their leadership potential and opportunities within education and the profession. Grassroots serves as both formal training and informal exposure to various aspects of leadership. Students across the country share goals, visions, ideas, perspectives, successes and struggles of both managing a thriving AIAS chapter and promoting successful student life. Inspiring keynote speakers and sessions will instill values that all students can learn from.  

Student leadership ability is often misrepresented as extracurricular — not a critical component of academic or professional success. Grassroots will establish that leadership and communication skills are at the core of strong personal, academic, and professional growth. AIAS members lead by example and entire chapters, schools, and communities benefit from their efforts.

Through the tracks — Leadership, Freedom By Design, Innovation, Career, and Lifestyle — the Grassroots Leadership Conference encourages attendees at all stages of their education and AIAS involvement to explore their interests and go beyond their typical understanding of architecture education through sessions, workshops, and events.

The conference kicks off on Thursday, July 6th with a keynote from Jeanne Gang at the National Building Museum. Friday is filled with educational sessions in each of the tracks to learn and share about specific ideas and skills. Saturday delves into workshops to apply those skills.

After attending Grassroots, students will have gained the perspective to lead by example in their own chapters and in a global profession. It’s the experience that every student needs at least once in their profession.

Learn more and Register!