Your ASLA 2024 Guide

Your ASLA 2024 Guide

The ASLA 2024 conference on landscape architecture is happening Sunday, October 6 – Wednesday, October 9, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C and we can’t wait to see you there! Our guide provides you with the top sessions you don’t want to miss, our tips for making the most of your time at the world’s largest landscape architecture conference, and some local sights and activities to check out in America’s capital!

6 Sessions You Don’t Want to Miss 

Overwhelmed by the staggering number of sessions at ASLA 2024? No worries—we've identified the ones we think you won’t want to miss!  

Getting a Seat at the Table: Advocating for the Holistic Landscape Architect

Through the lenses of generational shifts, volunteerism, and cultural change, this session explores the nuances of achieving balance and finding success in professional/personal spheres while remaining active in private practice.

Speakers: Jen Cross, Kene Okigbo, & Zak Pierce

When: Monday, October 7th, 2:00pm - 3:15pm ET

Where: Room 146B

From Removal to Reuse: Perspectives on Reclaimed Material in Design

Hear about how three industry professionals are approaching the benefits and challenges of using reclaimed materials in the public realm.

Speakers: Wendy Andringa, Ilana Cohen, & Alexander Bender

When: Monday, October 7th, 3:45pm - 5:00pm ET

Where: Room 151AB

Cool-Kit: Extreme Heat and Equitable Solutions to Promote Heat Resilience

This panel examines the causes and impacts of extreme heat within disadvantaged communities and shares tangible solutions to visualize thermal disparities and promote cool equity in the built environment.

Speakers: Kimberley Garza, Salvador N. Lindquist, & Keenan Gibbons

When: Tuesday, October 8th, 8:30am - 9:45am ET

Where: Room 147AB

BIM VS CAD: Practical benefits for landscape architects

While BIM has been widely adopted in architecture and engineering, its potential within landscape architecture is often untapped. This session seeks to bridge that gap by providing a practical introduction to BIM application in comparison to CAD within the landscape architecture field.

Speakers: Nehama Shechter-Baraban

When: Tuesday, October 8th, 12:45pm - 1:45pm ET

Where: Learning Lab 1

Nothing Special: Fostering Innovation in Learning, Teaching, and Practice

This session demystifies and demonstrates the cultivation of innovative practices from three perspectives: seasoned practitioner turned professor, director of innovation, and aspiring student designing their next career move.

Speakers: Todd D. Johnson, Philip Fernberg, & Addison Martin

When: Tuesday, October 8th, 2:00pm - 3:15pm ET

Where: Room 146A

Women in Landscape Architecture Walk

Join us on a 2-mile walk as we explore public spaces designed by and honoring women while learning about the U.S. capital's history in DC’s Penn Quarter neighborhood and central business district.

Speakers: Kate Ries & Carla Tiberi

When: Wednesday, October 9th, 7:00am - 8:30am ET (please arrive in advance of the 7:00am departure time)

Where: Outside of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at the northeast corner of L Street & 9th Street

6 Tips to Make the Most of ASLA 2024 

  1. Always have the map on hand: ASLA's interactive floorplan will be your navigation salvation and ensure you never get lost.  

  2. Dress for comfort: You’ll be on your feet a lot, so make sure to wear sensible shoes. It’s also a good idea to dress in layers so you’ll be comfortable, no matter the temperature in the convention center.  

  3. Bring a bag: You’re going to need somewhere to stash all your new swag! Stop by our booth to pick up your CADdetails seed packets and tote bags.  

  4. Speak to the speakers: Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, ask your questions, and make connections with the speakers who most interest you. They’ll be delighted to discuss their knowledge with conference-goers just like you.  

  5. Take a break: Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat, drink plenty of water, and use the restroom. Pack a reusable water bottle and take advantage of the refill stations throughout the convention center. Grab a snack and take a moment to relax in the reCHARGE Lounge. 

  6. Be present on social media: Follow the conference’s official hashtag (#ASLA2024) to stay up to date with the events’ goings-on and connect with other conference goers. Take pictures with the people you meet and upload them to the platform of your choice! 

3 Local Musts in Washington D.C.  

Planning on extending your stay in Washington D.C.? The nation’s capital is chock-full of historical landmarks, inviting eateries, and natural beauty. 

1. Must-see: the Tidal Basin  

The Tidal Basin, a human-made reservoir bordered by a loop trail, is the perfect destination for landscape architecture enthusiasts. Take in the sights of numerous national monuments and memorials as you walk along the waterline shaded by the vibrant autumn trees. 

2. Must-try: Washington D.C.’s half-smoke sausage 

Source: Thrillist

You can find Washington D.C.’s signature dish, a smoked sausage traditionally served on a white bun and topped with onions, cheese, and chili, all over town. It was most famously eaten by Barack Obama at Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street. 

3. Must-do: Walk around Georgetown 

Experience the charm of Washington D.C.’s oldest neighborhood, replete with Federal-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and scenic waterfront views of the Potomac River. 

Check out The Best Things to See & Do in Georgetown from Washington D.C.’s official tourism site. 

Come Visit CADdetails at Booth #2448 

We’re thrilled to be attending ASLA 2024. CADdetails is your North American source for high-quality building product information. We offer thousands of free, downloadable 2D CAD drawings, Revit BIM models, 3D models, and product specifications to assist you in your specification journey. Stop by our booth to learn more about how CADdetails has been supporting landscape architects for over 25 years.

If you are a long-time user of CADdetails, we have made some exciting changes to the site we think you’ll love:

  • Search Bar Makeover: Take a tour of our new and improved website, featuring a redesigned search bar that enhances your navigation experience and makes popular searches on CADdetails more accessible than ever. Easily find the right products and design files for your next upcoming project and discover the latest brands.

  • CADdetails Swag: Come meet the team behind CADdetails, and pick up complimentary seed packets and tote bags (which you can now use as your designated swag bag!)

So, make sure to stop by Booth #2448 during your time at the conference—we’re looking forward to seeing you there!  


Author: CADdetails

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