The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference on Architecture & Design took place in San Diego last week.
This year, they did a much better job of involving exhibitors earlier in the process. In 2025, AIA did a poor job in advertising, failing to inform companies that they could purchase a separate pass for complete access to the exhibition floor. In San Diego, AIA offered a $99 show floor pass, and most exhibitors provided a free pass to register using promo codes listed on their websites. It seemed to really pay off. Not only was the show busier than I expected, but there seemed to be a much more diverse crowd at our booth.
We spoke to a lot of architects, but also many general and glazing contractors. It did seem that fewer exhibitors were there than in years past, but the audience was strong. Of course, the learning lounges and conference lectures continue to be a large part of the agenda. Education is still the main goal for most attendees, and it does slow down the traffic on the exhibitor floor.
What Architects Want from Vendors
As I have reported in the past, it is nice to have your products in the original spec, but most architects that I speak with agree that the subcontractor selected for the job has a lot of influence over what manufacturers can be used. Architects are looking for multiple companies to bid.
Lead times, quality and ease of installation are all big factors in selecting products. If the products are equal to or greater than the required amount, and the correct paperwork accompanies the bid to prove it, architects are willing to accept them. These are all selling points that you need to include in your bids. Also, make sure that your vendors are on the same page.
Several years ago, after a panel discussion I was on at the AIA Conference in Chicago, I wrote this paragraph in my blog:
“One consensus of our panel discussion was that next-generation products, which may cost more today but save much more over time, will continue to be value-engineered out of many projects until the building codes catch up and make them mandatory. Maybe that time is here. One good thing we heard from architects is that when it comes to energy-efficient, high-end products, water and air testing on entrances, and of course, bird glass glazing, they are staying in the projects and not getting value-engineered out.”
Custom Products and Long-Term Performance
Overall, architects want vendors that can educate them on their products, suggest alternatives and do the job correctly and on time. We are seeing more custom requests, and architects want larger doors and open glass areas in general. Working with vendors that have the capacity to design and test custom products is a benefit.
As I say every year, let’s hope all the plans in motion this spring get built.