AIA Utah Annual Conference
September 16-17, 2026
Park City, Utah
Register for the conference today!
Utah is entering a transformative decade — one defined by unprecedented growth, housing and environmental challenges, the return of the Olympic Winter Games, major development, evolving practice models and a renewed conversation about regional identity. The AIA Utah 2026 Annual Conference positions architects at the forefront of these defining issues, empowering them to lead the conversation and shape the future of our communities.
Curated by Conference Chair and AIA Utah President-Elect Warren Lloyd, the conference offers two days of inspiring tours, thought-provoking discussions, and recognized speakers designed to challenge perspectives and spark meaningful dialogue.
The conference begins Sept. 16 in Park City, where attendees will explore the rapidly evolving Wasatch Back — one of the most active luxury custom residential design markets in the world. Fueled by unprecedented investment and the return of the 2034 Olympic Winter Games across the corridor of 10 major ski resorts stretching from Powder Mountain to Sundance, the region is redefining mountain living.
Participants will enjoy exclusive tours of three exceptional custom homes that respond thoughtfully to their unique environmental settings while pushing the boundaries of mountain modern design. The day concludes with a networking reception at ATI Solus, providing opportunities to connect with colleagues and design leaders.
On Sept. 17, the conference moves to the Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Building at the University of Utah, home of the university’s Executive Education program, for a full day of immersive learning and discussion focused on the forces reshaping Utah’s future. From explosive population growth and the urgent need for sustainable housing to the challenges facing the Great Salt Lake and preparations for the 2034 Olympic Winter Games, Utah stands at a pivotal moment that demands visionary leadership from the design community.
Internationally acclaimed architect and humanitarian Yasmeen Lari will open the conference with an inspiring keynote that demonstrates practical, community-centered models of social and environmental resilience. She will also participate in a panel discussion on designing for wellness alongside Dr. Harland Hayes, FACEP, chief medical officer at Intermountain LDS Hospital, and Valerie Greer, director of graduate studies and faculty member in the University of Utah School of Architecture.
The conference will also feature an important discussion examining how architects can responsibly design within Utah’s fragile landscapes, environmental hazards, climate pressures and unique ecosystems. Panelists include Dr. Ben Abbott, BYU professor and executive director of Grow the Flow, and Don Willey, director of operations for The Point.
The day concludes with an energetic and highly practical session on artificial intelligence for the AEC industry presented by Kristin Kautz, FSMPS, CPSM. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and real-world applications they can begin implementing immediately to enhance their practice.
The AIA Utah 2026 Annual Conference is more than a professional development event — it’s an opportunity to help define the next chapter of Utah’s built environment. Join residential and commercial architects, developers, allied professionals, educators and students as we explore the design strategies, policy conversations and emerging technologies that will shape one of the most consequential periods in our state’s history.
The Utah Moment is here. The question is not whether change is coming — it’s how we, as architects and design professionals, will help shape it.
