Special Events 2025

Conference special events include an Opening Plenary that explores how one practice transforms communities through a participative design process as well as Happy Hour and Blueprint for Innovation: the Ask the Experts Luncheon, where you will also have the opportunity to engage directly with product-knowledge experts to address your most pressing architectural challenges. There is also the Opening Night Party, hosted by the Ottawa Regional Society of Architects (ORSA), which takes place inside the Ottawa Art Gallery. Be sure to check out the President’s Reception and SHIFT2025 Challenge event as we celebrate our winning selections and the chosen teams present their exciting ideas. You also don't want to miss the annual Archifête party inside the Canadian Museum of Nature. The Conference closes with a Closing Plenary that celebrates some member achievements before examining the reimagining of a heritage building as an Indigenous cultural space.

Opening Plenary: Transforming Communities through a Participative Design Process

WEDNESDAY | MAY 14

Kick off the Conference with a welcome from OAA President Ted Wilson before a deep dive by Jan Knikker, partner and director of strategy at MVRDV, who explores the Reshaping Communities theme through the work of the award-winning Rotterdam-founded architectural and urban design practice.

Blueprint for Innovation: Ask the Experts Luncheon

WEDNESDAY | MAY 14

In this interactive luncheon, engage directly with product-knowledge experts in intimate roundtable discussions. This unique Ask the Experts session offers you the opportunity to address your most pressing architectural challenges, explore cutting-edge solutions, and gain invaluable insights from seasoned architectural/construction/engineering professionals.

Happy Hour

WEDNESDAY | MAY 14

Join your colleagues and Conference sponsors in the Lounge for networking, socializing, and a chance to learn about architectural tools and cutting-edge building materials right from the experts themselves.

2025 Opening party banner featuring art gallery of Ottawa image

Opening Night Party

WEDNESDAY | MAY 14

Presented by the Ottawa Regional Society of Architects (ORSA), the OAA’s Opening Night Party takes place at the Ottawa Art Gallery. Experience this incredible space while networking with delegates as Conference gets underway.

President's Reception & SHIFT Challenge

THURSDAY | MAY 15

After a reception welcoming valued sponsors and delegates, get ready to learn about the six SHIFT2025 Challenge selections picked by our jury for best showcasing how architectural thinking can offer new approaches to societal issues. The teams behind the chosen projects will share their exciting ideas in brief presentations.

Archifête

THURSDAY | MAY 15

Immediately after the SHIFT event, join us for our annual Archifête party inside the Canadian Museum of Nature! Mingle among peers amid incredible displays and interactive exhibits.

Closing Plenary: Reimagining Heritage: A Net-Zero Indigenous Cultural Space

FRIDAY | MAY 16

To bring Conference to a close, join OAA President Ted Wilson as the Association celebrates past Councillors. Then, a special session reflects on the Reshaping Communities theme by examining the reimagining of a heritage building as an Indigenous cultural space through extensive rehabilitation and addition.