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AIA Wisconsin Conference + Expo on Architecture
April 22-23, 2026 | Hilton Appleton Paper Valley & Fox Cities Exhibition Center
Our 2026 theme, “Unbound: Architecture's Untold Stories,” invites us to explore the narratives, voices, and ideas that push the profession beyond convention. It’s a call to explore the "untold stories" and ideas that define our work—how we design, collaborate, and influence the communities we serve. This year’s conference will feature four curated educational tracks designed to reflect the evolving nature of architectural practice and the many ways architects engage with the world:
Intersections: Exploring varied pathways in and around architecture
Design: Storytelling through culture, sketches, communication, and space
Evolve: Refining the architect’s role and building trust in the industry
Amplify: Elevating voices, impact, and the value of architects and AIA
Our keynote presentations, seminar sessions, and Learning Lab presentations are thoughtfully selected by our Conference Committee to align with this theme, offering valuable insights and forward-thinking discussions.
REGISTRATION CLOSED: AT-THE-DOOR REGISTRATION AVAILABLE
At-The-Door Registration Pricing:
Member Full Access: $435
Member Wednesday OR Thursday Access: $335
EP Member Full Access: $350
EP Member Wednesday OR Thursday Access: $250
Non-Member Full Access: $660
Non-Member Wednesday OR Thursday Access: $560
Student (Must be an AIA Wisconsin Student Member): $40
Expo Hall Only (No Conference Access): $25
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Conference Registration Page (Registration Closed)
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Full Schedule
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Hilton Appleton Paper Valley
Located in the heart of downtown Appleton, the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley will serve as the home base for our 2026 Conference’s Keynotes and breakout seminars. Just steps from the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Lawrence University, and downtown’s lively dining and entertainment scene, the hotel offers both convenience and comfort for attendees. On-site amenities include several dining options—Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse, Clubhouse Kitchen & Bar, and Blaze Bourbon and Whiskey Bar—along with an indoor pool, fitness center, and airport shuttle service, making it the perfect setting for learning, connection, and relaxation throughout the conference.
Fox Cities Exhibition Center (FCEC)
Connecting to the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley with a skybridge, the Fox Cities Exhibition Center in Appleton will serve as the central hub for our 2026 Expo Hall—where innovation, connection, and discovery come together. Built seamlessly into the hillside of Jones Park, this modern and versatile venue offers an open, light-filled space outside our Expo Hall where exhibitors will showcase building materials, products, and technologies. Attendees can explore the newest tools of the trade in our Learning Lab and NEW Innovation Zone, while networking with colleagues, partners, and new connections from across Wisconsin’s design and construction community.
Book your hotel accommodations by Friday, April 10 at our reduced group rate of $139/night!
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Carl Elefante, FAIA
Principal Emeritus at Quinn Evans
Wednesday, April 22, 8:30-9:45am
In his keynote, “Going for Zero: Decarbonizing the Built Environment on the Path to Our Urban Future,” (1.25 LU/HSW) Elefante will discuss the responsibility architects hold in shaping resilient, low-carbon communities. Drawing from a career focused on building stewardship and adaptive reuse, his talk aligns with our 2026 theme, “Unbound: Architecture’s Untold Stories,” by highlighting the often-overlooked narratives embedded in existing buildings and how they can guide the future of our cities. Click here to learn more about this Keynote Presentation.
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Ghazal Khezri, AIA
Director at Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects
Wednesday, April 22, 5:00-6:15pm
In her keynote, Khezri will expand upon LOHA’s design methodology of “Building in Place,” which centers the lived experiences, histories, and needs of the communities each project serves, this approach elevates local narratives as a driving force in the design process. Khezri's work demonstrates how architecture can reflect and amplify the stories embedded in place, directly aligning with our conference theme by fostering voices and perspectives that too often go unheard. Click here to learn more about this Keynote Presentation.
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MAPLEWOOD INTERMEDIATE & MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM
Bob Morris, NCARB
Senior Design Architect at EUA
Theresa Lehman, LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, ID+
Director of Sustainable Services at Miron Construction Co.
Brian Adesso
Director of Business Services at Menasha Joint School District
Dale Garfield, PE
Senior Mechanical Engineer at EUA
Thursday, April 23, 2:30-3:45pm
Our closing Keynote panel will share the story behind the reimagining of Maplewood Intermediate & Middle School in Menasha, WI—a project that emerged from the district’s need to address aging facilities, shifting demographics, and budget challenges while creating a healthier, more efficient learning environment for students.
The resulting design challenges conventional expectations for school facilities and is anticipated to be the largest net-zero energy intermediate and middle school in the country, according to the New Buildings Institute. Through a user-driven design process and strong collaboration between the district, architects, and builders, the project demonstrates how innovative thinking and strategic partnerships can transform community infrastructure. Conference attendees will also have the special opportunity to tour Maplewood Intermediate & Middle School to experience this groundbreaking project firsthand. Click here to learn more about this Keynote Presentation.
All Tours will take place on Thursday, April 23 at 4:30pm, after the final Keynote Session. Tours fill up quickly--register today to ensure your spot.
Click the photo of each tour for more information.
Tours are available only to Conference Registrants. Please register to attend a tour.
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About the Theme Graphic
The 2026 Conference Theme Graphic embraces collage as a deliberate design strategy to embody “Unbound”—a concept rooted in breaking limits and weaving together diverse architectural stories into a single, collective narrative.
Layered paper elements reference Appleton’s rich paper industry heritage, grounding the composition in place. Interwoven sections, elevations, and floor plans are drawn from past AIA Milwaukee Emerging Professionals Design Competition submissions, highlighting the creativity and technical rigor of emerging talent across our membership.
Featured work is sourced from the following teams and individuals:
YOUR 2026 CONFERENCE CHAIR
Emma Gill, AIA
2026 AIA Wisconsin Vice President
Design Architect at EUA
"I have been fortunate to build a strong foundation of architectural knowledge and learn each day through new experiences, team members and projects. My architectural experiences have been diverse and include K-12, higher education, manufacturing and non-profits. I find it most fulfilling to bring architecture to those who need it and create a huge impact on people. Teammates and clients appreciate my collaborative approach, infectious positive attitude and go-getter approach in designing just the right solution. I am wired to be involved, whether that’s serving on the board for AIA Northeast Wisconsin, coordinating STEM events for young girls interested in our profession, or mentoring a younger generation of architects and fellow team members. When I am not immersed in work, you will find me enjoying the outdoors on hiking trails, hanging with my dog and traveling to explore new places and create new experiences."
Thank you to our 2026 Conference Sponsors for going above and beyond to support our event and the profession at large.
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If you haven't had the opportunity to attend our Expo in the past, we recommend taking a quick look at our 2026 Exhibitor Booklet for more background and to get a better idea of what our Expo offers potential exhibitors in the AEC space.
New in 2026, we're offering 15'x15' Display Islands, which provide more than double the square footage of the 10x10 booth for exhibitors showcasing larger products, creating interactive demonstrations, or designing an inviting lounge-style environment for meaningful conversations with attendees. Or, choose from the ever-popular 10'x10' Exhibit Booth for the traditional expo experience to showcase your products and services, or utilize our Networking Stations for companies wishing to connect more conversationally with our members.
Questions?
Email aiaw@aiaw.org with any questions about our 2026 Conference + Expo on Architecture.
