2026 Conference, Expo, and Design Awards

CONFERENCE AND EXPO INFORMATION

Join AIA Central Pennsylvania on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Hershey for one of our signature events of the year—the 2026 Conference, Expo & Design Awards.

This annual gathering brings together architects, emerging professionals, industry partners, and members of the broader AEC community for an afternoon and evening of education, exploration, networking, and celebration. From behind-the-scenes architectural tours and continuing education to a lively Expo & Happy Hour, keynote presentation, and the highly anticipated Design Awards reveal, the day offers something for every career stage.

The main event will take place at The Englewood, 1219 W. End Ave., Hummelstown, PA 17036, with architectural tours taking place at select locations in the Hershey area.

Whether you are looking to earn AIA continuing education credits, discover new products and resources, connect with colleagues and industry experts, or celebrate the outstanding work being produced throughout Central Pennsylvania, we invite you to be part of this exciting day.

All members of the Central Pennsylvania architecture, engineering, construction, and design community are welcome. Come for a tour or educational program, stay for the Expo and networking, and finish the evening celebrating the people and projects shaping our region.

Schedule

TOURS

Begin the day with an exclusive architectural tour and continuing education opportunity.

2pm – 3:15pm | 1.5 AIA LU|HSW Submitted

JST Corporation Commercial Facility | 3700 Chambers Hill Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17111
Step inside one of the region’s most distinctive mass timber buildings. This corporate headquarters building completed in 2021, co-designed by the Japanese firm Ryuichi Ashizawa Architects & Associates with a partner firm NJ based architect of record Arcari + lovino Architects. Designed with a striking branching form and soaring 30-foot roof, the 52,000-square-foot JST Corporation headquarters showcases innovative timber engineering, daylight-filled workspaces, and nearly 5,000 precision-crafted wood components. Discover how this award-worthy facility seamlessly integrates architecture, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing within its wooded setting.

3:45pm – 5pm | 1.5 AIA LU|HSW Submitted

Hershey Gardens Addition and Hershey Hotel Historical Tour | 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, PA 17033

This guided architectural tour explores the Hotel Hershey, built in 1933 under Milton S. Hershey, highlighting its distinctive Spanish and Mediterranean influences, craftsmanship, materials, and relationship to the surrounding landscape. Attendees will examine the hotel’s principal public spaces, courtyards, detailing, and spatial organization while considering how its historic architectural character has been preserved within an active hospitality environment.

The tour continues at Hershey Gardens, where architect David McNally will discuss the inspiration and design of the original garden building and the recently completed Rose Pavilion addition. Participants will explore how new architecture can be thoughtfully integrated into an established historic and landscape context through careful consideration of materiality, scale, circulation, site relationships, and existing architectural character.

5:00pm Event Begins at Englewood

5:00-6:45pm Happy Hour & Vendor Expo

Connect with fellow professionals and explore products, materials, technologies, and services from our industry partners in a relaxed networking atmosphere.

6:45-7:30pm Keynote Speaker | Jeremiah Woodring, AIA

Gather for an engaging keynote designed to inspire new ideas and perspectives on the role architects can play within their profession and communities. In this keynote, architect and civic leader Jeremiah Woodring, AIA shares his journey from professional practice to elected office, demonstrating how the skills architects use every day balancing competing priorities, engaging stakeholders, and transforming complex challenges into workable solutions can translate directly to public service. Drawing from his experience with AIA advocacy, grassroots campaigning, and service on the Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners, Woodring offers a firsthand look at the path to civic leadership.

Woodring will also introduce ArchElect, an initiative created to inspire and support architects interested in public service. Attendees will explore practical ways to become more civically engaged and gain insight into campaigning, messaging, mentorship, and the process of pursuing elected office.

7:30-9pm Design Awards & Special Awards Reveal

Close out the evening as we recognize and celebrate outstanding architectural work from across Central Pennsylvania and announce the recipients of the 2026 AIA Central Pennsylvania Design Awards. Meet our design awards jury.