Architects can earn up to 7.5 continuing education credits in one power-packed day of educational sessions and networking opportunities at the 20th Annual ALA Midwest Architecture Conference, to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 8 am to 6:45 pm at Drury Lane Conference Center, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.

The 20th annual conference, hosted by the Association of Licensed Architects (ALA), features a keynote address by John Cuningham, FAIA, founder of Cuningham Group Architecture. A practicing architect since 1962, Cuningham’s leadership, foresight and personal attention has helped grow his firm into a recognized leader in the field of architecture, including being awarded the American Institute of Architects – Minnesota Firm. His firm now has more than 340 employees and offices in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, San Diego, Phoenix, Beijing and Doha.

Cuningham believes that good architecture contributes to community life and says, “Being a good architect — doing good architecture — has to do with being in service to society. The kind of architecture that interests me is the kind that builds community.” He will discuss this community-based approach and his personal passion for sustainable design in his keynote address, titled, “50 Years and Still Having Fun.”

The conference includes more than 80 product exhibits and more than 25 seminars to choose from, with show hours from 10:15 am to 3:30 pm.

Continental breakfast starts at 7 am, with the conference beginning at 8 am and ending at 6:45 pm. A continental breakfast, buffet luncheon and evening social are included with full-day registration.

Full-day packages include the keynote address, seminars, trade show, continental breakfast, buffet lunch and evening social, and are $205 for members and $230 for nonmembers. A special student and recent graduate program starts at 1 pm and ends at 6:45 pm and includes the keynote address, two seminars, product show and the evening social for just $25. Students and new graduate full-day conference registration is $75 and includes the keynote address, seminars, product show, continental breakfast, buffet lunch and evening social. Register online until 11 pm CT on Sept. 25.

In addition, ALA also offers an afternoon conference package, including the product show, keynote address, evening social and two seminars. The package is available to members for $155; nonmembers may register for the modified day package for $180. The modified package is also available to students and new graduates for $25.

Register online until noon on Sept. 25 at alatoday.org or call 847-382-0630. Admission to the trade show, which is open from 10:15 am to 3:30 pm, is free.

“Our ALA Midwest Architecture Conference is in its 20th year,” says Joanne Sullivan, ALA Executive Director. “It offers an outstanding value for our members, with more than 25 seminars, exhibits, a great keynote speaker and networking opportunities.”

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