If you study or teach architecture, urban planning, architectural history, or related design fields, the 2026 calendar offers an exceptional range of conferences across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. This comprehensive guide helps you navigate the schedule, identify key themes, especially sustainable design, computational methods, architectural history, and urban development. If you are considering attending any conference in person, remember to explore options for sabbatical housing or short-term rentals in these host cities.
General & Global Architecture: The Premier International Gatherings
These comprehensive conferences span multiple areas of architecture and represent the field’s largest, most influential gatherings for practitioners, educators, and researchers worldwide.
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture 114th Annual Meeting (ACSA)
The ACSA Annual Meeting convenes educators, practitioners, and students from around the world to share research and explore the past and future of architecture and design. Founded in 1912, ACSA represents all accredited professional degree programs in the United States and Canada, encompassing some 7,000 faculty educating more than 40,000 students. The 2026 meeting theme “Convergence/Divergence: Designing Futures in Architecture and Education” emphasizes the transformative potential of design thinking, examining how products and processes can converge toward shared values while embracing plurality and innovation.
- Date: March 26–28, 2026
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Social Media: Facebook: @ACSANational | Instagram: @acsanational
- Hashtags: #ACSA114, #ArchitecturalEducation
UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 Barcelona (UIA)
The UIA World Congress of Architects is the premier triennial gathering organized by the International Union of Architects, uniting national associations from over 100 countries representing more than one million professionals. The 2026 Congress in Barcelona—designated UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2026—marks the first time a city will host the event twice. Under the theme “Becoming: Architectures for a Planet in Transition,” more than 10,000 professionals from architecture, landscape design, and urban planning will gather at multiple venues including the Barcelona International Convention Centre, the iconic Three Chimneys post-industrial site, and the Disseny Hub Barcelona.
- Date: June 28 – July 2, 2026
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Social Media: Facebook: @uia2026bcn | Instagram: @uia2026bcn
- Hashtags: #UIA2026BCN, #BecomingArchitectures
Architectural History & Theory: Scholarly Exchange on the Built Environment
These conferences focus on the historical analysis, theoretical frameworks, and scholarly interpretation of architecture, landscapes, and urban environments across all periods and regions.
Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand PhD Colloquium (SAHANZ)
The SAHANZ PhD Colloquium provides an essential platform for doctoral candidates researching architectural history in Australasia, Asia, and the Pacific. Established in 1984, SAHANZ advances scholarship in architectural, urban, and landscape history with particular focus on Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia. The colloquium offers emerging scholars opportunities to present research-in-progress, receive feedback from established academics, and build networks within the architectural history community.
- Date: January 25, 2026
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @SAHANZ4 | Instagram: @_SAHANZ_
- Hashtags: #SAHANZ2026, #PhDColloquium
Society of Architectural Historians 79th Annual International Conference (SAH)
The Society of Architectural Historians promotes the study, interpretation, and conservation of the built environment worldwide. The 79th Annual International Conference marks the first time SAH will convene in Mexico, reflecting the organization’s commitment to global engagement. The conference features over 50 thematic sessions, keynote talks, networking events, and guided architecture tours throughout Mexico City. SAH welcomes architectural, landscape, and urban historians; museum curators; preservationists; and members from related fields.
- Date: April 15–19, 2026
- Location: Mexico City, Mexico
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @SAH1365 | Facebook: @SAH1365
- Hashtags: #SAH2026, #ArchitecturalHistory
European Architectural History Network 9th Biennial Conference (EAHN)
The European Architectural History Network biennial conference has established itself as a leading platform for consolidating and promoting architectural history research across Europe and beyond. The 9th biennial meeting at Aarhus University explores underexplored periods, geographies, buildings, and texts while reexamining established themes from unconventional perspectives. The conference emphasizes transnational, interdisciplinary, and multicultural approaches, with approximately 25 parallel sessions and focused roundtables on pressing issues in the field.
- Date: June 17–21, 2026
- Location: Aarhus, Denmark
- Social Media: Facebook: @EuropeanArchitecturalHistoryNetwork | Instagram: @eahn_org
- Hashtags: #EAHN2026, #ArchitecturalHistoryNetwork
Urban Planning & Development: Cities, Policy, and Public Space
These conferences focus on urban affairs, planning history, policy analysis, and the development of cities and regions at local, national, and international scales.
Urban Affairs Association International Conference on Urban Affairs (UAA)
The Urban Affairs Association is the international professional organization for urban scholars, researchers, policy analysts, and public service professionals. Founded during the 1960s in response to urban challenges, UAA fosters theoretical, empirical, and action-oriented research to understand and shape a more just and equitable urban world. The 54th Annual Meeting in Chicago brings together over 800 researchers for panel sessions, roundtables, poster presentations, and networking events addressing the full spectrum of urban issues.
- Date: April 29 – May 2, 2026
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @uaanews | Facebook: @urbanaffairsassociation
- Hashtags: #ICUA2026, #UrbanAffairs
International Planning History Society 21st Biennial Conference (IPHS)
The International Planning History Society was inaugurated in 1993 and today draws membership from over 30 countries across planning, architecture, urban design, history, geography, and sociology. The 21st Biennial Conference “Atlanta Crossroads” at Georgia Institute of Technology invites scholars to address pressing challenges of past, present, and future in one of America’s most dynamic cities. Coming just after Atlanta helps host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the conference features keynote addresses, scholarly sessions, mobile city tours, and informal exchanges.
- Date: July 19–23, 2026
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Social Media: Facebook: @planninghistory.iphs | Youtube: @internationalplanninghisto829
- Hashtags: #IPHS2026, #PlanningHistory
Computational Design & Digital Technology: Innovation in Architecture
These conferences focus on computer-aided design, digital fabrication, building information modeling, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies transforming architectural practice and research.
Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe 44th Annual Conference (eCAADe)
eCAADe is a non-profit association founded in 1983 promoting good practice and sharing information in computational technologies for architecture. The organization initiated and manages the successful CUMINCAD archive of research publications in Computer Aided Architectural Design. The 44th Annual Conference at Technische Hochschule Lübeck explores “Informed Creativity and Fabrication in Architecture and Engineering,” covering AI and machine learning, building information modeling, parametric design, robotic fabrication, and virtual reality.
- Date: September 7–11, 2026
- Location: Lübeck, Germany
- Social Media: Facebook: @eCAADeAssociation
- Hashtags: #eCAADe2026, #ComputationalDesign
CIB W78: 43rd International Conference on Information Technology in Construction (CIB W78)
CIB W78 is one of the largest and most active working commissions of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction. The scope of W78’s work relates to the integration and communication of data, information, and knowledge throughout the facility lifecycle. The 43rd conference at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi brings together researchers and industry professionals interested in construction informatics, building information modeling, digital twins, and ICT as enablers of productivity improvement.
- Date: October 6–8, 2026
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Social Media: Facebook: @IITDelhi
- Hashtags: #CIBW78, #ITinConstruction
Sustainability & Environmental Research: Building a Resilient Future
These conferences address sustainability challenges at the intersection of the built environment, environmental governance, and climate adaptation.
Earth System Governance Conference 2026 (ESG)
The Earth System Governance Conference represents the world’s largest interdisciplinary research network advancing knowledge at the interface between global environmental change and governance. The 2026 conference “Building Just and Sustainable Futures for Planetary Integrity” at the University of Bath continues a tradition of global gatherings since 2007. More than 500 researchers from around the world gather in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath to share ideas, research, and real-world solutions for tackling global environmental problems.
- Date: September 7–11, 2026
- Location: Bath, United Kingdom
- Social Media: LinkedIn: @earth-system-governance-project | Blue Sky: @esgproject.bsky.social
- Hashtags: #ESG2026, #SustainableFutures
Greenbuild International Conference and Expo (Greenbuild)
Greenbuild is the world’s largest event for green building professionals, organized by the U.S. Green Building Council—the organization behind LEED certification. The conference brings together architects, building owners, property managers, and sustainability professionals from over 60 countries to explore cutting-edge solutions in sustainable design, construction, and operations. The 2026 program features 100+ CE-accredited sessions covering LEEDv5, Passive House principles, resilience, health, and wellness, alongside a major expo showcasing innovative products and technologies.
- Date: October 20–23, 2026
- Location: New York City, New York, USA
- Social Media: Facebook: @Greenbuild | Instagram: @greenbuildexpo
- Hashtags: #Greenbuild2026, #GreenBuilding
Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Architecture Conferences
1. When should I start preparing my conference submission?
Most major architecture conferences have abstract deadlines 4–6 months before the event. For 2026 conferences, many deadlines fall in late 2025 through early 2026. Start planning your research presentation at least 2–3 months before the deadline to allow time for drafting, feedback from advisors, and revisions. Early preparation also increases your chances of securing university travel funding.
2. What’s the difference between a paper session and a poster session?
Paper sessions (oral presentations) are typically 10–20 minutes with Q&A, delivered to a seated audience in a formal session. They showcase more developed or high-impact research and are often organized thematically. Poster sessions allow for more interactive, one-on-one discussions with attendees during designated sessions. Posters are excellent for graduate students and early-career researchers to build networks through extended conversations.
3. How do I maximize my time at a large conference?
Large conferences like UIA or SAH can be overwhelming with parallel sessions. Review the program 1–2 weeks ahead and create a personalized schedule, but build in buffer time for spontaneous conversations. Use conference apps to track sessions and speakers. Prioritize 2–3 “must-see” presentations per day—sometimes the most valuable experiences happen in informal hallway conversations or during architecture tours.
4. What funding opportunities exist for architecture students and researchers?
Universities typically offer graduate student travel grants through departments, graduate schools, or research centers—apply early as funds are limited. Organizations like SAH, ACSA, and eCAADe offer student travel awards, registration discounts, or conference fellowships. Many conferences offer diversity scholarships or fee waivers for students from underrepresented groups. National arts and humanities councils also provide travel grants for international conferences.
5. Should I attend virtual or in-person?
Many architecture conferences now offer hybrid participation options. In-person attendance provides better networking opportunities, hands-on workshops, architecture tours, and impromptu collaborations. Virtual participation is cost-effective and accessible, but networking is more limited. Early-career researchers often benefit most from in-person attendance to build their professional network and engage with the built environment of host cities.
6. Where can academics find affordable housing for extended conference stays?
Many academics extend conference trips for research, site visits, or collaboration. SabbaticalHomes.com specializes in connecting faculty and academic professionals with furnished short-term rentals and home exchanges specifically designed for the higher education community. The platform has served academics since 2000, offering housing options that provide more space and comfort than hotels, often at lower costs—particularly valuable for longer stays.
Comprehensive Global Calendar: 2026 Academic Architecture Conferences
| Conference Name | Acronym | Date | Location | Focus Area |
| SAHANZ PhD Colloquium | SAHANZ | January 25, 2026 | Shanghai, China | Architectural History & Theory |
| ACSA 114th Annual Meeting | ACSA | March 26–28, 2026 | Chicago, IL, USA | General & Global Architecture |
| SAH 79th Annual International Conference | SAH | April 15–19, 2026 | Mexico City, Mexico | Architectural History & Theory |
| Urban Affairs Association International Conference | UAA | April 29 – May 2, 2026 | Chicago, IL, USA | Urban Planning & Development |
| EAHN 9th Biennial Conference | EAHN | June 17–21, 2026 | Aarhus, Denmark | Architectural History & Theory |
| UIA World Congress of Architects | UIA | June 28 – July 2, 2026 | Barcelona, Spain | General & Global Architecture |
| IPHS 21st Biennial Conference | IPHS | July 19–23, 2026 | Atlanta, GA, USA | Urban Planning & Development |
| Earth System Governance Conference | ESG | September 7–11, 2026 | Bath, UK | Sustainability & Environment |
| eCAADe 44th Annual Conference | eCAADe | September 7–11, 2026 | Lübeck, Germany | Computational Design & Technology |
| CIB W78: IT in Construction | CIB W78 | October 6–8, 2026 | New Delhi, India | Computational Design & Technology |
| Greenbuild International Conference | Greenbuild | October 20–23, 2026 | New York City, NY, USA | Sustainability & Environment |
Our “Conference Alert” series of articles will keep you in-the-know about upcoming academic conventions and conferences. Each article in this series previews deadlines for abstracts and proposals for a specific area of study. Conferences are great opportunities to network, meet others who study in your field and perhaps help you make a connection for a research or sabbatical travel experience.
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