This year at the AIA 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition there are options for any member anywhere with a computer, an interest, and a bit of time to be part of the action. This page will link to discussion strings on programs as soon as they’ve happened in San Francisco. A running listing of topics and links will appear as they’re posted live on-line.

The Art and Science of Designing to Net Zero
Taking into account the consistent prevailing winds, a large heat sink in the form of a lake with waters always in the 50s, and untapped energy from falling spring waters, the presenters tell of their analysis and conclusions. Read the blog, watch the streaming video, and get into a conversation.

A Rearview Mirror and Fortune Teller—Lessons from This Downturn and Others
ZGF Managing Partner Robert Packard, Assoc. AIA, has seen a lot of market ups and downs as he has been instrumental in steering his firm from regional to national and international powerhouse of design excellence and profitability. This blog condenses his message to the kernel of best practices.

Is It Tomorrow Yet? Megatrends Impacting Your Firm
If there is one shared thought among convention-goers this year, it's "Where's the money?" This session, presided by an associate of the renowned Advanced Management Institute for Architecture and Engineering looks beyond to "Where's the future money?"

Bioregional Design—Creating Region-Specific Vernacular by Designing for Climate, Ecosystem, and Culture
The three elements that have directed design for millennia. Have they become irrelevant, or are they the direction back to the future?