---
title: What A Week! | Report from AIA26
description: "AIA26 Conference in San Diego: what's the growing interest in specs, I Love Specs campaign, why the spec deliverable is finally getting more attention."
---

[Deliberate Words Podcast | conspectusinc.com ](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast)

# [What A Week! | Report from AIA26](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/what-a-week-report-from-aia26)

 Written by [Elias Saltz, Steve Gantner, David Stutzman](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/author/elias-saltz-steve-gantner-david-stutzman) | June 15, 2026 at 6:20 PM

 

 

This week on *What a Week*, Dave Stutzman reports live from the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026 exhibit floor in San Diego, where Conspectus is showcasing its services, software, and the ever-popular **I ❤️ Specs / I 🤮 Specs** campaign. They discuss the growing interest in specifications among architects, students, and manufacturers, along with signs that the profession is gaining greater visibility within the architectural community. From conversations about specification education and industry outreach to booth traffic, swag strategies, and the enduring appeal of puppies on the trade show floor, the episode**......**Get an inside look at the AIA conference experience, hear how architects are responding to specifications today, and learn why education, outreach, and visibility are creating new opportunities for the specification profession.

## Learning Points

##### **Industry Insight**

Specifications are gaining renewed visibility within the architectural community, with growing interest from architects, students, manufacturers, and professional organizations.

##### **Practice Takeaway**

Specifications are one of only two primary construction document deliverables. Giving them the same attention as drawings can improve project communication and outcomes.

##### **Education & Workforce**

Many architecture programs still provide limited exposure to specifications, creating an opportunity for firms, industry organizations, and practitioners to help educate the next generation of professionals.

##### **Industry Opportunity**

Growing conversations within the architectural community suggest there may be greater opportunities for specification-focused education, networking, and professional development in the future.

##### **Marketing & Communication**

Simple, relatable messaging can open meaningful conversations. The **I ❤️ Specs / I 🤮 Specs** campaign proved that even a technical topic can spark engagement when presented in an approachable way.

##### **People & Culture**

Industry events are about more than products and presentations. They create opportunities to build relationships, share knowledge, and introduce new professionals to the value of specifications.

> #### The interest in specifications this year felt different. People want to talk about them.

[View full post](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/what-a-week-report-from-aia26)

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