Grassroots Leadership Conference

Grassroots 2019 is AIA’s annual leadership and legislative event for elected chapter leaders and chapter staff. This year’s agenda emphasizes chapter and community leadership with workshops designed to help elected chapter officers become more effective chapter and civic leaders. Attendees share information, ideas, and best practices with their counterparts from around the country and are given the opportunity to provide input on AIA initiatives. There are also many networking opportunities with peers and AIA national staff.

This year’s theme is “People. Purpose. Partnerships.” We’ll feature content that highlights the voice of the profession, the value of architects in society, and the connections and collaborations necessary to improve the quality of the built environment for all people.

 

Tuesday, March 5

(Available for attendees arriving early)

1-7pm Grassroots registration hours

2–5pm  Institute Open House

Join us to learn more about AIA national operations and AIA headquarters. Meet with AIA staff, attend a Capitol Hill Day prep meeting, join a building tour, visit The Octagon and more. Don’t forget to stop by the AIA Store to purchase books and creative gifts to take home to the family!

5-6pm Institute Open House reception

Meet the AIA Board of Directors, the AIA Strategic Council, friends, and colleagues for informal conversations and networking.

6:30-7:30pm Capitol Hill Day – “Deep Dive” Issue Briefing (optional)

This briefing will focus exclusively on the two issues that attendees will be lobbying on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Led by AIA’s Federal Relations team, this is a great opportunity to ask in-depth questions and receive extra coaching in preparation for your Hill meetings.

7:30-9pm Office Hours: Capitol Hill Day Q&A (optional)

The AIA Federal Relations team will be available to answer questions related to all things Capitol Hill Day.

Wednesday, March 6, AIA Capitol Hill Day

6am-6pm Grassroots registration hours

6:30am Breakfast

7am Capitol Hill Day Briefing – Part 1

Attendees will receive the final version of their congressional meeting schedules, hard copies of issue briefs to use in their meetings, and other important information about the day.

7:30-7:45am  Buses depart

Transportation will be provided from the Renaissance Hotel to the Capitol Visitors Center.

9–10am Capitol Hill Day Briefing – Part 2

Attendees will be welcomed to Capitol Hill by AIA’s leadership and hear the latest update regarding the issues they will be advocating for in their congressional meetings.

10am–noon Late-arrival packet pickup

For those traveling later in the morning, packets may be picked up at the Capitol Visitor Center. Please call Victoria Rose at (202) 697 1777

Lunch

Members will be responsible for their own lunch. The most convenient options are the House or Senate cafeterias.

10:30am–4pm Visits with US Senators and Members of Congress

The AIA federal relations team is responsible for scheduling all visits with federal elected officials on behalf of chapters. Component Executives and volunteer leaders are asked to refrain from scheduling meetings with elected federal officials. Components will begin receiving schedules for their meetings in February. Please reference the “Materials” section below for more information.

4pm Depart Capitol Hill for the Renaissance Hotel

Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation.

5:30pm Buses depart for evening reception

Transportation will be provided from the Renaissance Hotel to the Library of Congress for the evening reception.

6:30-9pm AIA Congressional Reception at the Library of Congress

Please wear business attire and your name badge. Your name badge is your ticket to the reception. This is an exclusive opportunity for attendees to interact with elected officials or their staff outside the confines of their Hill office. All members of Congress and their staff are invited.

Thursday, March 7

6:30am-7pm Grassroots registration hours

7–8am Grassroots welcome breakfast

8:15-10am Opening Plenary Session

Candidates for AIA national office

Mayor’s Panel: Community Building: Mayors & Architects Working Together

10:15-11:15am Plenary Panel: People with Purpose

Hear from three different panelists whose compelling sense of purpose has made a difference in the world.

11:15am-noon Networking lunch

12-12:45pm Lunch program

Featuring “My AIA Stories,” Awards and Component Anniversary recognition

1–2:30 pm  LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) Sessions

View list and info for Grassroots sessions >

1–4 pm Deep Dive Workshops

View list and info for Grassroots workshops >

2–4pm LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) Sessions

View list and info for Grassroots sessions >

4:15-5:15pm CACE meeting (CACE members only)

5:30pm Evening Regional Dinners/Meetings

Friday, March 8

6:45am-2pm Grassroots registration hours

7–8am Plenary breakfast

7–10am Deep Dive Workshop

View list and info for Grassroots workshops >

8:15–9:45am  LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) Sessions

View list and info for Grassroots sessions >

10:15-11:15am AIA: Leading the Profession Forward

11:15am-noon Networking lunch

11:30am-1:30pm  Lunch & Closing General Session

My AIA Story

Keynote: Leadership in Turbulent Times, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Presidential Historian and Author

(A book signing will immediately follow)

1:30pm Wrap-up