Each year, over 6,000 landscape architects gather for the largest assembly of landscape architecture professionals and students in the world: the ASLA 2017 Annual Meeting & EXPO. This year’s meeting will be held October 20-23 in Los Angeles. Here are 10 reasons why you should attend.
ASLA 2016 Annual Meeting & EXPO; (Image: ASLA/EPNAC)
1. Learn outside the office (and earn credits, too)
Offering over 130 courses, including education sessions, field sessions, workshops, and general sessions, attendees are able to earn up to 21 professional development hours (PDHs). With the theme of Common Ground, this year’s session topics are centered on how design is able to bring people of difference perspectives together to find common ground for positive change. Beginning with the opening general session, A Glimpse into the Future of Design, the conference explores opportunities for social change, and how we as landscape architects can influence the future. Lecture topics vary from climate change resilience to BIM integration, and even addressing homelessness, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.
Los Angeles; (Image: ASLA)
2. Discover a new city
Held in Los Angeles, the conference provides plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore. Sign up for a field session, including sketching L.A.’s iconic movie locations, biking L.A.’s coastal waterways, or take a trip to Disneyland to learn about the magic of placemaking from Walt Disney Imagineers. Other options include taking a walking tour of the residential gardens of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades, or sitting back for a day at the beach.
ASLA 2016 Annual Meeting & EXPO; (Image: ASLA/EPNAC)
3. Make connections
With over 6,000 landscape architects in attendance, this is a prime opportunity to make connections and gain new perspectives. Reconnect with former classmates at the Alumni Tailgate, held during Saturday’s EXPO reception, or increase your network by attending the PPN Reception, where you’ll be able to meet fellow PPN members in person. If you’re looking for a job or your firm is hiring, visit JobLink LIVE, where employers can host a tabletop display, and job-seekers can participate in interviews.
The Landscape Architecture of Lawrence Halprin (Image: TCLF)
4. Explore the work of Lawrence Halprin
While in Los Angeles, explore the work of one of the most influential landscape architects, Lawrence Halprin. Known for his focus on the social impact of design and attention to human scale, Halprin’s work left a legacy for the profession. Join TCLF for a reception at the A+D Architecture and Design Museum where The Landscape Architecture of Lawrence Halprin, a traveling photographic exhibition about his life and work, will be on view. Or, walk around and see a number of significant Lawrence Halprin postmodernist projects that are in the Los Angeles area, including the Los Angeles Open Space Network and Plaza Las Fuentes in Pasadena.
ASLA 2016 Annual Meeting & EXPO; (Image: ASLA/EPNAC)
5. Find new products and innovations at the EXPO
The ASLA EXPO is the largest trade show in the industry, with hundreds of new products, services, technology applications, and design solutions. There are several opportunities available to walk around and discover new materials to use in your future projects, or you can visit the Learning Labs to preview the latest innovations and technologies offered by exhibitors. While you’re there, take a minute to thank the generous event sponsors and partners!
ASLA 2016 Annual Meeting & EXPO; (Image: ASLA/EPNAC)
6. Get involved
There are numerous occasions to celebrate your fellow colleagues, or donate to those working to elevate the profession. Attend the ASLA Council of Fellows Investiture Dinner to honor the newest members of the ASLA Council of Fellows, or the ASLA Student and Professional Awards Ceremony and LAF’s 32nd Annual Benefit to recognize the accomplishments of top students and professionals. Raise funds for TCLF by attending their 13th Annual Silent Auction, where proceeds will benefit the Pioneers of American Landscape Design initiative. Bid on sketches, paintings, photographs, and other items created by award winning landscape architects, photographers, and allied professionals.
ASLA 2016 Annual Meeting & EXPO; (Image: ASLA/EPNAC)
7. Refine your skills
Whether you’re preparing for the LARE or SITES AP, have questions about LAAB accreditation, or looking to refine your digital skills, the Annual Meeting has a host of workshops catered just for you. There are a number of opportunities to refine your skills, regardless of your level of experience. Students and emerging professionals can visit the Emerging Professionals Portfolio Review to have their résumés and portfolios reviewed on-site, and ensure their making a great first impression to future employers. Professionals can take advantage of the Professional Portrait Lounge, fully equipped with professional photographers and make-up artists. Stop by to have your professional portrait taken, and walk away with your complimentary print for professional use.
8. Land8 Happy Hour
The Annual Meeting isn’t just about workshops and education sessions, it’s also about having a great time. Always a popular event, you won’t want to miss the 10th Annual Land8 Happy Hour. Held this year at Lucky Strike L.A. Live, enjoy bowling, billiards, mingling, and a DJ dance party. It’s a great chance to catch up with old friends and make some new ones in a less formal environment.
ASLA 2016 Annual Meeting & EXPO; (Image: ASLA/EPNAC)
9. Meet your inspiration
With so many distinguished landscape architects in one place, don’t be surprised if you’re a little star-struck. Learn from and get inspired by James Corner, Mikyoung Kim, Thomas Woltz, and Jennifer Guthrie – just to name a few of the well-known landscape architects that will be leading education sessions. You can also meet your design inspiration by stopping by the ASLA Bookstore, where prominent authors will be available to sign books and take photographs.
Getty Center; (Image: ASLA)
10. Get out
While you’re in Los Angeles, get out and explore the city. Check out a concert at the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, get amused at Universal Studios Hollywood, see contemporary art at The Broad, or get a breath of fresh air at Runyon Canyon. Los Angeles has so much to offer that you’re sure to head back to work reinvigorated and ready to create something incredible.
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Register for the ASLA 2017 Annual Meeting & EXPO at www.aslameeting.com. Hurry – early bird pricing ends June 30 MPT, and registration closes September 15th.
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Stephanie Marino is a landscape architect practicing in Washington, DC.
