AIA Holds Annual Convention in Atlanta

Words: Dan Kamys

2015 AIA Convention

[caption id="attachment_9779" align="alignnone" width="620"]This year’s AIA Convention featured about 800 vendors, with some 40 masonry-related companies. This year’s AIA Convention featured about 800 vendors, with some 40 masonry-related companies.[/caption] The American Institute of Architects held its Annual Convention in Atlanta in May. The event brought about 800 exhibitors, with some 40 masonry-related companies – a good sign for the masonry industry. This year, the show seemed heavy on building materials exhibitions. Masonry found this show to be educational and informative, regarding building materials and systems that will be coming our industry’s way in the future. President Bill Clinton spoke to a standing-room-only audience about pressing global issues and “low-hanging fruit.” Keynote panels took place throughout the event on topics like building smart, residential design-build, and must-have online tools. AIA elections took place, and awards were bestowed to celebrated projects. Next year’s AIA Convention will take place in Philadelphia, May 19–21. Visit http://convention.aia.org for more information. [caption id="attachment_9778" align="alignleft" width="270"]The ACME Brick booth was bustling with activity during the AIA Convention. The ACME Brick booth was bustling with activity during the AIA Convention.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9780" align="alignright" width="270"]The Veneerstone booth had elaborate, informative displays. The Veneerstone booth had elaborate, informative displays.[/caption]       [caption id="attachment_9785" align="alignleft" width="270"]The Oldcastle Architectural booth was packed with convention attendees. The Oldcastle Architectural booth was packed with convention attendees.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9784" align="alignright" width="270"]The Arriscraft/General Shale booth showcased nice displays of signature products. The Arriscraft/General Shale booth showcased nice displays of signature products.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9783" align="alignleft" width="270"]Architectural Polymers showcased Formliner Systems and Thin Brick Components. Architectural Polymers showcased Formliner Systems and Thin Brick Components.[/caption]      
The Science of a Straight Line: Why Masonry’s Smallest Decisions Make the Biggest Differences
September 2026

There is a unique phenomenon in construction: the human eye can spot an out-of-plumb wall from 50 yards away across a crowded job site. We might not always be able to explain the exact mathematical deviation without a laser level, but our brains instantly

The Utah Masonry Council's Masonry Education Day
September 2026

The 2026 Masonry Education Day at Interstate Brick in West Jordan is bringing together members of Utah’s architecture, engineering, and construction community for a day focused on education, technical understanding, and workforce development. The event r

MCAA Upstate New York: Regaining Market Share Through Education
September 2026

The Upstate New York chapter of the MCAA was established in 2014 by a dedicated group of both union and non-union masonry contractors, producers, and suppliers who shared concerns about the declining use of masonry. T

GEN NXT: Luis Sontay
September 2026

For this month, the MCAA got to sit down with aspiring mason Luis Sontay. From taking an interest in masonry as a kid to placing 1st in a postsecondary competition, Luis’ dedication and passion for the trade is clear. Luis describes his early passion fo