New! Pre-Conference Intensive Training (July 8, 2009)

Offered for the first time, two half day educational sessions scheduled one day prior to the start of the convention. The morning session will focus on sustainable design and the afternoon session will teach the use of regulating lines and proportions in residential design. This is a special event and is not a part of the full registration. ~ Available are 7.0 CE credits for the full day.

Welcome Reception at the
Portland City Hall (July 9, 2009)

Built in 1985, the Portland City Hall is on the US National Register of Historic Places. Just a short stroll from the Marriott, meet and great those attending this year’s conference and who knows, maybe the Mayor will be giving away the key to the city.

Opening Session Breakfast and Keynote Address (July 10, 2009)

This year's keynote will be delivered by designer, author and speaker, Fu-Tung Cheng. Known mostly for his innovative technique of using natural concrete for counter tops, Mr. Cheng has studied at UCLA, in Japan, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1975, he purchased his home in Albany, just north of Berkeley and began a 25-year-long "experimental renovation" that continues to define and inform his hands-on, timeless green design. Mr. Cheng will also be presenting one of the hour-long educational sessions later in the morning. ~ Available is 1/2 CE credit for the event.

New! Round-Table Luncheon (July 10, 2009)

Take a break for lunch and learn “Where to go from Here.” The recent downturn in the economy may be causing you to change the way you do business. Learn how others are diversifying by participating in this panel discussion on new business opportunities, restructuring of your existing business, marketing techniques, and any other questions you may have for our panel of design and industry experts. This is a special event and is not a part of the full registration. ~ Available is 1.0 CE credit for the event.

Exhibit Hall (July 10, 2009)

Meet the manufacturers of the products you specify and enjoy a buffet dinner at the AIBD Residential Design Trade Show. Exhibit hall hours – 3pm to 5pm and open again 6pm to 10pm for dinner. Registration for the afternoon session can be done separately without registering for the full convention. Learn about new products and services while networking with other professionals.

Educational Workshops (July 10, 2009)

With a full registration, the choices of six sessions are planned on important and relevant industry topics such as 2009 International Residential Code updates, Design Techniques, Business Management, and more. ~ Available are 3.0 CE credits for the full day.

Architectural Tours (July 11, 2009)

Another special event (not a part of the full registration), the architectural tours will begin with a continental breakfast at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden. From there, enjoy guided tours through two completed LEED certified homes designed by AIBD member Alan Mascord (One of the homes has been featured in Design Lines magazine). After lunch at Deschute Brewery (Included) and a brief "poke-of-the-head" into the Gerding Theater at the Armory, a green certified restoration, visit a newly completed LEED certified home designed and built by Green Hammer Construction. ~ Available are 6.0 CE credits for the full day.

Guest Activities (July 10, 2009)

Your guests are kept active on Friday with a guided walking tour of Portland beginning at the steps of the Marriott. Learn how the city was named by the flip of a coin and many other interesting facts about our host city. The tour concludes at the docks of the boat, Portland Spirit, where guests will board for Two hours of fine dining, live entertainment and the beauty of the Portland skyline.

AIBD National Design Competition Awards Gala (July 11, 2009)

Periodically throughout the convention, attendees will be given the opportunity to view the entries of the American Residential Design Awards (ARDA), formally the AIBD National Design Competition, and vote for the Designers’ Choice Award. Then, Saturday evening, the winners of this premier competition are publicly recognized at a black tie optional awards gathering. Also presented are the Best of Show Award and the prestigious Designer of the Year award. There is a rumor; the evening includes the first induction into the AIBD College of Fellows since 1996.

AIBD Business Meetings (July 9 & 10, 2009)

The AIBD National Convention is the annual opportunity for Committees, Directors and Delegates to meet. This year’s Delegates session will include the adoption of the permanent corporate relocation from California to Washington, DC and a new set of bylaws documents. Delegates must attend to vote and more than half of the delegates must attend in order to conduct business. There is no fee for attending the AIBD committee, board and delegate meetings but it is encouraged that every member attending still registers.