The Landscape Architect’s Guide to ASLA 2025: Beyond Boundaries

The ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) 2025 Conference on Landscape Architecture is coming to New Orleans, Louisiana, October 10–13 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center! CADdetails will be there, and we’d love to see you on the show floor. 

In this guide, you’ll find our picks for must-see sessions and booths, 8 tips to get the most out of your ASLA experience, and a roundup of can’t-miss sights and activities to enjoy while you’re in New Orleans. Let’s dive in! 

Source: The Dirt

Sessions to Attend

Check out our recommended free sessions for each day of the expo, featuring hot topics like climate resilience, equity in design, sustainable materials, and emerging technology. We’ve highlighted a mix of visionary talks to spark big ideas and technical sessions that deliver practical tools you can use right away. 

Pro tip: Choose at least one session outside your usual focus—you might walk away with unexpected inspiration or even a new passion! 

Friday, October 10 

Session	When (Central Time)	Where	Speaker(s)	Sponsored By	Description
General Session	8:00 AM – 9:30 AM	The Great Hall (Level 1)	Mitch Landrieu	Landscape Structures	Join us for the ASLA 2025 Conference General Session, featuring keynote speaker Mitch Landrieu, former Mayor of New Orleans and former Senior Advisor to the President.
Beyond the Minimums: Features to Positively Enhance Park Experiences for All Visitors	9:45 AM – 10:45 AM	Learning Lab 1	Bill Botten, Jennie Sumrell	Playcore	Ensuring inclusion, regardless of age or ability, to independently participate in a wide range of recreation facilities is a critical priority to ensure people of all abilities reap the health benefits of intergenerational play. This session goes beyond the minimums of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the requirements for outdoor recreation facilities, including considerations for site arrival, surfacing, amenities, play areas, and more.
Community Design PPN Meeting				DuMor	Engaging local communities in the design process is vital. Join Community Design PPN leaders for an exploration of innovative approaches to public participation from both professional and academic perspectives. This session highlights case studies from the U.S. and China, offering cross-cultural insights into community engagement.
Paws for Play	10:00 AM – 10:45 AM	EXPO	N/A	BarkPark	Gyms For Dogs, a leading designer and outfitter of dog parks, will provide a state-of-the-art play & agility exercise park for dogs. The dog park will feature high-quality agility products, and several dogs will demonstrate just how much they enjoy the equipment.
Water Conservation PPN Meeting	10:00 AM – 10:45 AM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Michael Igo, Bryce Carnehl, Tamora Lawrence	DuMor	Join the Water Conservation Professional Practice Network (PPN) for a lively, peer-led conversation exploring strategies that prioritize water efficiency, climate resilience, alternative water supplies, and carbon accounting in irrigation.
Campus Planning & Design PPN Meeting	12:30 PM – 1:15 PM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Joseph R. Favour, Tony Catchot	DuMor	Connect with fellow Campus Planning & Design colleagues for a lively conversation. Hear from landscape architects based in the greater New Orleans region as they share insights from recent projects, highlight unique regional design challenges, and discuss lessons learned.
Ecology & Restoration PPN Meeting	12:30 PM – 1:15 PM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Lee Skabelund, Jim Cowan	DuMor	Gather around the campfire with the Ecology & Restoration Professional Practice Network (PPN) for an energizing conversation about the future of ecological design and restoration in landscape architecture.
Inclusive Play in Motion: What GPS and Activity Data Reveal About Playground Use	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	Learning Lab 1	Keith Christensen, Jennie Sumrell	Playcore	This session shares research using GPS and accelerometer data to track where and how third-grade children—with and without disabilities—play during recess. Findings reveal key differences in equipment use and activity levels, with children with disabilities slightly more active overall.
The Evolution of Play: Trends in Outdoor Space Design	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	Learning Lab 2	Sarah Lisiecki	BCI Burke Playgrounds	Explore the vital role of play in human development and well-being, with an emphasis on outdoor play environment design. Examine contemporary trends including inclusive playgrounds, adventure and imaginative play areas, and fitness-oriented structures.
Play Your Way to Better Engagement: A Hands-On Approach for Design Professionals	2:00 PM – 3:00 PM	Learning Lab 1	Joy Kuebler, Cheryl Salazar	Playcore	Discover how playful placemaking can transform community engagement and help you design more meaningful spaces. This interactive session demonstrates the power of play as a tool for visioning and engagement through real-world examples in real time.
Steadying Winds of Change in Urban Parks: Leadership Lessons from Volatile Times	2:00 PM – 3:15 PM	Center Stage – Room 343–345	Catherine Nagel, Mitchell J. Silver, Gina Ford	Greenfields Outdoor Fitness	While the benefits of urban parks are widely recognized, persistent challenges remain: constrained resources, climate change, political winds, and social upheaval. This panel brings three leaders together to share hard-earned lessons and new practices to help manage change.
Optimizing Tree Water Use and Water Conservation: Drought Strategies for Landscape Architects	3:15 PM – 4:15 PM	Learning Lab 1	Wei Zhang	TreeDiaper	How much water do trees need to survive and thrive? Often far less than typical prescriptions because evaporation and runoff aren’t fully accounted for. Review case studies achieving 90%+ water savings during droughts and restrictions by reducing waste and losses—aimed at keeping trees healthy without violating rules or incurring fines.
Revealing Place: Context, Cultural History, and Ecological Memory in Landscape Architecture	3:45 PM – 5:00 PM	Center Stage – Room 343–345	Sarah Zewde, Thomas Woltz, Ken Smith	Greenfields Outdoor Fitness	This presentation challenges notions that land is empty or fallow. Three landscape architects present strategies and studies emphasizing the importance of expressing a site’s historical, cultural, and ecological context—and the benefits derived from this approach.
LABash Block Party (Alumni Tailgate)	4:30 PM – 5:30 PM	EXPO	N/A	Hunter, Bison Innovative Products	Come network with alumni and current students from your alma mater. Celebrate school pride while connecting with exhibitors who will share products, services, and knowledge to help you move projects forward.

Saturday, October 11 

Sunday, October 12 

Session	When (Central Time)	Where	Speaker(s)	Sponsored By	Description
General Session	8:00 AM – 9:30 AM	The Great Hall (Level 1)	Mitch Landrieu	Landscape Structures	Join us for the ASLA 2025 Conference General Session, featuring keynote speaker Mitch Landrieu, former Mayor of New Orleans and former Senior Advisor to the President.
Beyond the Minimums: Features to Positively Enhance Park Experiences for All Visitors	9:45 AM – 10:45 AM	Learning Lab 1	Bill Botten, Jennie Sumrell	Playcore	Ensuring inclusion, regardless of age or ability, to independently participate in a wide range of recreation facilities is a critical priority to ensure people of all abilities reap the health benefits of intergenerational play. This session goes beyond the minimums of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the requirements for outdoor recreation facilities, including considerations for site arrival, surfacing, amenities, play areas, and more.
Community Design PPN Meeting				DuMor	Engaging local communities in the design process is vital. Join Community Design PPN leaders for an exploration of innovative approaches to public participation from both professional and academic perspectives. This session highlights case studies from the U.S. and China, offering cross-cultural insights into community engagement.
Paws for Play	10:00 AM – 10:45 AM	EXPO	N/A	BarkPark	Gyms For Dogs, a leading designer and outfitter of dog parks, will provide a state-of-the-art play & agility exercise park for dogs. The dog park will feature high-quality agility products, and several dogs will demonstrate just how much they enjoy the equipment.
Water Conservation PPN Meeting	10:00 AM – 10:45 AM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Michael Igo, Bryce Carnehl, Tamora Lawrence	DuMor	Join the Water Conservation Professional Practice Network (PPN) for a lively, peer-led conversation exploring strategies that prioritize water efficiency, climate resilience, alternative water supplies, and carbon accounting in irrigation.

Session	When (Central Time)	Where	Speaker(s)	Sponsored By	Description
Witches and Wizards of the Landscape	8:30 AM – 9:45 AM	Center Stage – Room 343–345	Megan Bradley, MaFe Gonzalez, Chip Sullivan	Greenfields Outdoor Fitness	Landscape architecture is witchcraft. We conjure the landscape through visioning in concept design, transform reality with symbology through construction documents, and cast spells through design narratives. Sensing the spirit of the place, stepping into our intuition, and feeding our creativity are essential ingredients to the cauldron of the design process.
Complimentary Breakfast	10:00 AM – 11:00 AM	EXPO	N/A	BCI Burke Playgrounds	Kick off your morning with a warm welcome and a hot breakfast—on us! Join fellow attendees on the EXPO floor for a complimentary breakfast and fuel up before a full day of learning, networking, and exploring the latest innovations from over 300 exhibitors.
Digital Technology PPN Meeting	10:15 AM – 11:00 AM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Eric D. Gilbey	DuMor	Join the Digital Technology Professional Practice Network (PPN) for a dynamic discussion on the digital tools and workflows driving the future of the profession—from AI and AR to BIM, GIS, and beyond. Swap tips, share real-world use cases, and explore what's next in the evolving tech landscape of landscape architecture.
Education & Practice PPN Meeting	10:15 AM – 11:00 AM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Sadik C. Artunc, Emily M. O’Mahoney, Ebru Özer, Paul D. Kissinger	DuMor	Transitioning from professional practice to academia—part-time or full-time—presents distinct challenges and valuable opportunities. Panelists share how practitioners can leverage real-world expertise to enhance instruction, enrich student learning, and better prepare students for professional careers.
Paws for Play	10:00 AM – 10:45 AM	EXPO	N/A	BarkPark	Gyms For Dogs, a leading designer and outfitter of dog parks, will provide a state-of-the-art play & agility exercise park for dogs. The park will feature high-quality agility products, with several dogs on hand to demonstrate the fun.
Game Changer Program	10:15 AM – 12:15 AM	Practice Basecamp	Lance Legel, Ernest Haines, Janet Silbernagel, Eric Vanbergen, Blair Guppy, Clara Jimenez, Erik S. Norwood, Annette L. Contreras Buenrostro, James Barnes	Tournesol	This fast-paced series features nine 10-minute presentations showcasing bold ideas and innovative metrics to support the goals of the ASLA Climate Action Plan.
The Sensory Spectrum: Designing Beyond the Visual and Creating Truly Inclusive Play Landscapes	10:15 AM – 11:15 AM	Learning Lab 2	Jill Moore, Scott Roschi	Landscape Structures	Moving past ADA compliance to universal design principles creates spaces where all children and families can play together. Explore practical strategies for integrating inclusive play throughout the landscape using holistic approaches that blend traditional elements with innovative shade and water features.
Children's Outdoor Environments PPN Meeting	11:15 AM – 12:00 PM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Sarah Williams, Chad Kennedy	DuMor	Gather around the PPN campfire for a lively discussion on overcoming challenges when building vibrant outdoor play environments. Guest speakers will discuss partnerships, challenges, and lessons learned in designing great outdoor spaces for kids.
Visual/ Scenic Stewardship PPN Working Group Meeting	11:15 AM – 12:00 PM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	John H. McCarty, Steve Thomspon	DuMor	Meet, plan, and network with professionals and students engaged in the planning, protection, enhancement, and management of the visual landscape at all scales.
Designing for All Ages: Emerging Trends in Inclusive and Intergenerational Play and Recreation	11:30 AM – 12:30 PM	Learning Lab 1	Kent Callison, Andy Carr	Playcore	Explore emerging practices in intergenerational recreation: inclusive design principles, nature-based integration, personalized play features, and data-driven planning. Through case studies and evidence-based strategies, discover how intentional design can bridge generations, foster belonging, and enhance public health outcomes.
Healthcare & Therapeutic Design PPN Meeting	12:15 PM – 1:00 PM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Jason Beury	DuMor	Explore how the Healthcare & Therapeutic Design PPN can leverage perspectives from other ASLA PPNs to address operational needs of healthcare campuses within healthy, resilient communities—focusing on neighborhood integration and placemaking.
Urban Design and Transportation PPNs Meeting	12:15 PM – 1:00 PM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Lauren Patterson, Taner R. Odzil, Sara Hadavi, Hannah Higgins, Ken A. Ray	DuMor	Join the Urban Design and Transportation PPNs for a two-part session on sense of place and the role of landscape architects in creating identity.
Redefining Rooftops: Understanding Rooftop Deck Systems	12:45 PM – 1:45 PM	Learning Lab 2	Liana Giacherio	Bison Innovative Products	From restaurants and hotels to healthcare facilities and government buildings, rooftop deck systems enable versatile outdoor spaces over any structural surface. This presentation covers system features, surface materials, design options, and recommended planning and installation guidelines.
Creating Vibrant Communities: Combining the Harmony of Music, Sculpture, and Urbanism	12:45 PM – 1:45 PM	Learning Lab 1	Bethany Smisson, Bill Buchen, Gentry K. Lock	Playcore	Outdoor sound sculptures bring music into people’s lives, fostering connection through improvisation. Learn from experts—including a noted public artist/musician—how to integrate artistic expression into the built environment with visually and audibly engaging outdoor music.
International Practice PPN Meeting	1:15 PM – 2:00 PM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Dou Zhang, Ming-Jen Hsueh	DuMor	The International Practice PPN showcases the diversity of landscape architecture work worldwide—range, scale, complexity, and settings—via short, engaging presentations from members.
Planting Design PPN Meeting	1:15 PM – 2:00 PM	Practice Basecamp PPN Room	Jane Beggs-Joles	DuMor	Join ASLA’s Planting Design PPN for a Plant Chat—bring a favorite “solution plant” and be ready to share how and why you used it on a project.
Parkonomics: Exploring the Economics of Our Shared Public Open Spaces	2:00 PM – 3:15 PM	Center Stage – Room 343–345	Jonathon S. Geels, Bryan Tanner	Greenfields Outdoor Fitness	“Parkonomics” examines the economic impact of public parks through empathetic and neuroeconomic theory. Emphasizing access over privatization, it explores emerging funding mechanisms to sustain parks as essential public goods with broad economic, environmental, and social value.
Emergent AI in Professional Practice	3:45 PM – 5:00 PM	Center Stage – Room 343–345	Daniel A. Tal, Jenn Becker, Donnie Longenecker	Greenfields Outdoor Fitness	Findings from ongoing research and testing of AI tools within landscape architecture. Explore the impact of firm-level AI policies, implementation roadmaps, chatbots, generative tools, and specific applied methods for design, production, construction, management, and operations.

The ASLA conference also offers ticketed field sessions available for purchase, and they sell out fast! Here are 2 we recommend checking out:  

• Business Executive Lunch sponsored by GameTime on Sunday, October 12 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT. 

• President's Lunch, Honors and Awards, Installation of Officers sponsored by BCI Burke Playgrounds on Monday, October 13 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT. 

Learn more about field sessions here. 

8 Tips to Make the Most of Your 2025 ASLA Experience 

1. Set Your Goals 
Decide what you want to get out of the conference, whether it’s professional growth, inspiration, networking, or sharpening your technical skills, and prioritize sessions that align with those goals. 

2. Have a Map on Hand 
The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is big! Use ASLA’s interactive exhibition hall map to plan your route between sessions, booths, and networking events so you don’t miss a thing. 

3. Pace Yourself 
Don’t try to do it all. Attend the sessions that matter most to you, but remember to leave space for exhibit hall exploration, impromptu meetups, and breaks. Sometimes the most valuable conversations happen in the hallways. 

4. Take Care of Yourself 
Drink water, eat regularly, and take breaks to recharge. Join Affinity Group Meetups to connect with others who share your interests, backgrounds, or experiences. ASLA also provides dedicated spaces to support your well-being and help you find moments of calm during the conference: 

• Quiet Room – A peaceful space to step away from the noise and lights of the busy convention center. Relax with calming tools or unwind with adult coloring pages. 

• Reflection Room – A self-led, welcoming environment where you can practice religious or spiritual traditions or simply take time to refocus your mind. 

5. Dress for Success 
You’ll be walking and standing a lot, so wear comfortable shoes. Layer your clothing to stay comfortable no matter the temperature in the convention center. 

6. Bring a Swag Bag 
You’ll collect plenty of swag as you explore the show floor. Make sure you have a bag handy, and don’t forget to stop by our booth for CADdetails tote bags and customizable vinyl stickers! 

7. Connect with the Speakers 
See a speaker who inspires you? Introduce yourself, ask questions, and start a conversation. Most presenters love chatting with attendees and sharing their knowledge. 

8. Engage on Social Media 
Join the conversation online! Follow the official hashtag #ASLA2025 to keep up with updates, connect with fellow attendees, and share your own experience.  

Exploring NOLA 

Don’t forget to enjoy the host city! From food and music to cultural landmarks, exploring New Orleans will round out your ASLA experience. Whether you’re extending your stay or carving out time between sessions, here are some of the top sights, sounds, and flavors you won’t want to miss during your visit: 

Explore the French Quarter

Stroll through the city’s most iconic neighborhood. Discover the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street, the charm of Royal Street galleries, and the beauty of Jackson Square. 

Catch Live Music

Music is everywhere—from brass bands on Frenchmen Street to jazz clubs tucked into the Quarter. Spend an evening soaking in the sounds that define the city. 

Sample the Local Cuisine 

No trip to New Orleans is complete without its world-famous cuisine. Try gumbo, jambalaya, beignets at Café du Monde, or fresh oysters at one of the city’s renowned seafood spots. 

Ride the Streetcar 

Hop on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar for a scenic ride past oak-lined streets, Garden District mansions, and charming neighborhoods. 

Source: New Orleans Tourism

Cruise the Mississippi 

Looking for a relaxing way to end a busy conference day? Take a steamboat cruise for a unique view of the city from the water. 

Relax in City Park 

As a landscape architect, you won’t want to miss City Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the U.S. Explore its lush landscapes, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. 

Visit CADdetails at Booth #1837

CADdetails is your trusted source for free, high-quality building product design files, and we’re excited to see you at the 2025 ASLA Expo! Swing by Booth #1837 to see how we’ve been supporting landscape architects for more than 25 years. While you’re there, grab some CADdetails swag and explore some featured pieces from Maglin site furniture—if you love what you see, head over to Booth #1141 for more. 

Ready to join more than 750,000 North American AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) professionals who use CADdetails to discover and specify products? Get started at CADdetails.com. 

See you at the show! 

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Author: CADdetails

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Cover image by Rosie Kerr on Unsplash