The AIA National Convention and Expo is the building and design industry's staple event for education, information, inspiration and innovation. This year's lineup includes three theme sessions, 148 continuing education programs, 58 tours (including some just for children), 64 special events, and over 600 leading-edge companies exhibiting valuable products, systems and services.

Expo 2003 will feature a full spectrum of products, technology innovations, and services, with a total of six specialized Product Pavilions including the Stone & Tile Pavilion. In addition to being a showcase of new stone products and installation/maintenance materials, the Stone & Tile Pavilion presents architects with many opportunities to earn Learning Units (LUs) on the exhibit floor. At last year's AIA National Convention and Expo in Charlotte, NC, LUs in the Stone & Tile Pavilion were available from the Marble Institute of America and the Italian Trade Commission as well as suppliers of natural stone and installation products.

The convention will include three theme presentations -- one each day -- during the event, following this year's theme, "Design Matters! Poetry and Proof."

On Thursday, May 8 (Day One), Tod Williams, FAIA, and Billie Tsien, AIA will address how their firm translates its passion and inspiration -- its poetry -- into proof for its clients. Their firm's work is well known for its diverse range of projects, high standards and emphasis on the importance of place and exploration of the nature of materials. Both architects maintain active teaching careers and serve on various committees and boards for architecture and the arts.

On Friday, May 9 (Day Two), Fred Gage, PhD, professor of genetics at The Salk Institute, and Thomas Kelley, General Manager of IDEO, will discuss their work as it relates to the "proof." Dr. Gage is an internationally recognized geneticist and expert on nervous system regeneration. Kelley is general manager of IDEO, the industrial design and development firm responsible for the Apple mouse, Polaroid's I-Zone camera, and hundreds of other cutting-edge products and services.

On Saturday, May 10 (Day Three), Robert Ivy, FAIA, Architectural Record magazine's Editor-in-Chief, will moderate a panel discussion with some of the best intellects in the design industry about the design industry's future and its ability to make a positive and compelling case that "design matters" in the redevelopment of lower Manhattan.

For the most up-to-date convention information and to register online, visit www.aia.org.