Design professionals from across North America and beyond will gather in New Orleans at the AIA 2011 National Convention and Expo, which carries the theme: “Regional Design REVOLUTION: ecology matters.” Convention activities, education and networking events will begin on May 11, and they continue through May 14. There are 200+ planned program offerings, including preconvention workshops, theme presentations, continuing education learning units (CEUs) and expo education - all specifically designed to be convenient, plentiful and well rounded.

Extending the learning opportunities beyond the convention center, AIA New Orleans will host a variety of educational tours that explore the flavor of the city’s architecture - from historic to modern to recently restored.

The Design Exposition is scheduled for May 12 to 14, and AIA Expo 2011 introduces attendees to more than 800 exhibitors to discover new products, technologies and services. The exposition will also house special display areas, educational opportunities, pavilions and association offerings.

For the past dozen years, the exposition floor at AIA Expo has included a designated Stone and Tile Pavilion, which includes a broad range of stone and tile products as well as installation materials. Sponsored by Stone World and Contemporary Stone Design magazines, this pavilion will feature companies from the U.S. and at press time, firms included: Acme Brick Co., Alabama Stone/Vetter Stone, American Marazzi, Avenere Cladding-Swirnow, Bellcomb Technologies, Curtain Wall Design & Consulting, Custom Building Products, Marmomacc/Veronafiere, Motawi Tileworks, Natural Stone Council, Noble Co., Solomon Colors and Tile of Spain/Trade Commission of Spain.

For more information, visit www.aiaexpo.com.