Trade Associations

There are innumerable trade associations that focus on various aspects of the design and construction industry. We strongly recommend researching your local market to determine which organizations are most active in your territory.

If you’re looking for somewhere to begin, here’s a curated list of the top 25 organizations across various aspects of the design and construction industry. This list balances professional development, industry influence, diversity, and specialization to maximize networking impact and industry reach.

ACI - American Concrete Institute

Focuses on concrete applications, supporting professionals in structural and materials engineering.

AIA - American Institute of Architects

The leading organization for architects, offering extensive resources, events, and networking opportunities.

APTA - American Public Transportation Association

Serves public transportation and infrastructure design, offering insights into transit-focused construction.

ARTBA - American Road & Transportation Builders Association

Focuses on transportation infrastructure, ideal for those involved in roads, bridges, and other large-scale projects.

ASCE - American Society of Civil Engineers

A leading organization for civil engineers, providing networking and certification for professionals in infrastructure projects.

ASID - American Society of Interior Designers

Supports residential and commercial interior designers with education, networking, and certification.

AGC - Associated General Contractors of America

One of the largest construction organizations, offering a wide reach within the contractor community.

BOMA - Building Owners and Managers Association

Represents commercial property managers and building owners, a key group for those in commercial design and construction.

CSI - Construction Specifications Institute

Focuses on standards and specifications, providing networking and certification valuable for product and materials knowledge.

CoreNet Global

Focuses on corporate real estate, providing insights and connections in corporate facility design and management.

DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America

Promotes the design-build project delivery method, widely used in public and private projects, offering certification and events.

IFMA - International Facility Management Association

Supports facility managers, a key audience for those working on corporate and commercial projects.

IIDA - International Interior Design Association

Connects interior designers across sectors, with a strong focus on commercial and corporate spaces.

IWBI - International WELL Building Institute

Provides WELL certification and focuses on health and wellness in built environments, ideal for sustainable design networking.

LCI - Lean Construction Institute

Promotes lean methodologies in construction, fostering efficiency-focused networking for project managers and designers.

NAHB - National Association of Home Builders

One of the largest residential construction organizations, with networking, certification, and advocacy for home builders and remodelers.

NAMC - National Association of Minority Contractors

Supports minority-owned construction businesses, providing resources and networking for contractors.

NAWIC - National Association of Women in Construction

Supports women in construction through education, mentorship, and networking.

NOMA - National Organization of Minority Architects

Advocates for diversity and inclusion within architecture, offering mentorship and career-building events.

PWC - Professional Women in Construction

Provides support and networking for women across all areas of AEC industries, fostering business development.

SHPE - Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers

Supports Hispanic professionals in engineering, including construction and civil engineering fields.

SWE - Society of Women Engineers

Supports women in engineering, including construction, civil, and structural engineering.

ULI - Urban Land Institute

A broad organization covering real estate development, design, and urban planning, ideal for networking across sectors.

USGBC - US Green Building Council

Creator of the LEED certification, focusing on sustainable design across all building types, with extensive resources and events.

WTS - Women’s Transportation Seminar

A global organization focused on advancing women in transportation, with strong networking for design and construction of transit infrastructure.

Tradeshows

Attending industry-specific tradeshows and expos is essential for A&D sales representatives to network, and stay updated on market trends. Here are notable events scheduled for 2025.

International Builders' Show (IBS)

DATE: February 25–27, 2025
LOCATION: Las Vegas, NV

Largest annual light construction show in the world, featuring the latest products and services in residential construction.

LightFair

DATE: May 3–7, 2025
LOCATION: New York, NY

Leading architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, featuring new products and educational sessions.

HD Expo

DATE: May 6–8, 2025;
LOCATION: Las Vegas, NV

Premier event for hospitality design professionals, featuring the latest products and services in the industry.

ICFF

DATE: May 18–20, 2025
LOCATION: New York, NY

North America's leading platform for contemporary furniture, attracting designers, retailers, and manufacturers.

Coverings

DATE: April 14–17, 2025
LOCATION: Orlando, FL

The largest international tile and stone exhibition in North America, showcasing the latest trends and products.

NeoCon

DATE: June 9–11, 2025
LOCATION: Chicago, IL

Major commercial design event showcasing furniture, fabrics, flooring, and technology for workplace, healthcare, hospitality, and retail environments.

AIA Conference on Architecture

DATE: June 4–7, 2025
LOCATION: Boston, MA

Premier event for architects and design professionals, offering educational sessions, tours, and an extensive expo.

International Builders' Show (IBS)

DATE: February 25–27, 2025
LOCATION: Las Vegas, NV

Largest annual light construction show in the world, featuring the latest products and services in residential construction.

Greenbuild

DATE: November 2025 (Exact dates TBD);
LOCATION: TBD

World’s largest conference dedicated to green building, featuring educational sessions, workshops, and a large expo hall.

Healthcare Design

DATE: November 2025 (Exact dates TBD)
LOCATION: TBD

Focuses on the design and construction of healthcare facilities, offering educational sessions and an expo.

Note: Some events have dates and locations yet to be announced (TBD). It's advisable to check the respective organization's website for the most current information.