The Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) is inviting designers and organizations with an interest in presenting at the Banff Session 2026 conference to submit a brief session outline for consideration.
The biennial event, taking place from May 1 to 2, 2026, at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, brings together over 400 interior designers, architects, academics and students from across Canada and beyond.
Throughout two immersive days, attendees will be able to experience presentations, cuisine, and a trade show in one of Canada’s most stunning settings.
Past speakers include Zaha Hadid, Omar Gandhi, Omar Gandhi Architects; Primo Orpilla, Studio O+A, Flora Lee, MAD Architects; Alison Brooks, Alison Brooks Architects; and Juliane Wolf, Studio Gang.
This year’s Banff Session theme, “Origin Stories,” challenges attendees and speakers to explore how their own history and our collective narratives shape interior design and architecture, and how our past can be the catalyst for future innovation and creativity.
“Everyone has an origin story that shapes their values, processes and designs. Our stories differentiate us, but they are also the thread that weaves us together in our shared journeys. Founding narratives aren’t limited to personal history—they are also formed by the socio-cultural experiences and built environment around us,” reads the AAA’s website.
Presentations will be relevant to the practices of interior design and architecture with a focus on at least one of the following structured learning educational topic areas. These include legal issues and legislation, safety, health, accessibility, fire protection, and energy conservation, planning, design and technology, practice, project and business management, and energy and the environment.
The deadline for submissions is 4:00 p.m. MST on December 18, 2025.
To read the presenter information and guidelines, click here.
All applicants will be contacted by the AAA in late January 2026 to inform them of the selection results.
