This summer, building designers from across the country are heading to Cleveland for AIBD’s Annual Conference at the Metropolitan at The 9, July 29 – August 1, 2026.

If you’re already registered, consider this your “inside track” guide to making the most of your trip. If you’re still on the fence, this is what you’re about to miss.

Why Cleveland is worth the trip

• Four days, one community
  • Education, networking, and recognition in one place—AIBD’s annual gathering is where residential and light commercial designers, design/build pros, and industry partners come together to level up their practice.
• A venue with actual character
  • The Metropolitan at The 9 is our conference hub in downtown Cleveland.
• It’s more than CE credits
  • Between sessions, tours, and evening events, this isn’t a “sit in a ballroom all day” conference. It’s designed to be social, walkable, and very Cleveland.

For those not registered (yet)

Here’s what registration unlocks:

• Two days of Design + Build education
  • Curated sessions focused on residential design, business, and technology—built to send you home with ideas you can put to work immediately.
• Architectural tours
  • Planned tours showcase local architecture and design—from historic fabric to contemporary interventions—so you see how others are solving problems similar to yours.
• ARDA Awards Gala
  • The American Residential Design Awards Gala is our big night: reception, dinner, open bar, and the reveal of ARDA winners and Designer of the Year. It’s where you see the bar being set in our profession.

If you’re not registered, now’s the time:

(Already registered? You can still add tours and Gala tickets to your existing registration—see below.)

For those already registered

You’re ahead of the game—but you can still tune your experience:

Think about your “one goal”

Whether it’s growing your business, sharpening your design process, or connecting with peers in a specific niche, show up with one clear objective. You’ll find the people and sessions to match it.

One trip, multiple wins

You’ll leave Cleveland with:

• Fresh ideas you can apply to your next project
• New connections with designers, builders, and partners
• Inspiration from award-winning residential work at ARDA

See you in Cleveland,
American Institute of Building Design
110 Front Street, Suite 300
Jupiter, FL 33477
info@AIBD.org | 800-366-2423

Our Sponsors & Exhibitors: Our Exhibitors: ​CLICK HERE to find out more about sponsoring and exhibiting.

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