How do you participate in landscape architecture events?

1 Join a professional association

One of the best ways to participate in landscape architecture events is to join a professional association that represents your interests, values, and goals. Professional associations offer various benefits, such as networking opportunities, educational programs, publications, awards, advocacy, and discounts. Some of the most prominent associations for landscape architects include the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), the Landscape Institute (LI), and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA). Depending on your location, you may also find regional or local associations that cater to your specific needs and preferences.

2 Attend a conference or symposium

Another way to participate in landscape architecture events is to attend a conference or symposium that showcases the latest trends, research, projects, and issues in the field. Conferences and symposia are great venues to meet and interact with peers, mentors, leaders, and influencers from different sectors, backgrounds, and perspectives. You can also learn new skills, gain insights, exchange ideas, and discover opportunities for collaboration. Some of the most popular conferences and symposia for landscape architects include the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture, the IFLA World Congress, the LI Conference and Festival of Ideas, and the CELA Annual Conference.

3 Engage in online platforms and communities

If you are looking for more flexible and accessible ways to participate in landscape architecture events, you can also engage in online platforms and communities that connect you with other landscape architects around the world. Online platforms and communities offer various features, such as webinars, podcasts, blogs, forums, social media, and newsletters. You can also participate in online challenges, competitions, surveys, and polls that test your creativity, knowledge, and opinions. Some of the most popular online platforms and communities for landscape architects include Land8, World Landscape Architecture, Landscape Architecture Foundation, and The Dirt.

4 Showcase your work and portfolio

One of the most rewarding ways to participate in landscape architecture events is to showcase your work and portfolio to a wider audience. Showcasing your work and portfolio can help you gain recognition, feedback, inspiration, and exposure. You can also showcase your work and portfolio to potential clients, employers, partners, and collaborators. There are many ways to showcase your work and portfolio, such as submitting to awards, publications, exhibitions, and galleries. You can also create your own website, blog, or social media account to display your work and portfolio online.

5 Volunteer or donate to a cause

Another way to participate in landscape architecture events is to volunteer or donate to a cause that aligns with your passion, values, and vision. Volunteering or donating to a cause can help you make a positive impact, support a community, and demonstrate your social responsibility. You can also volunteer or donate to a cause to enhance your skills, experience, and network. There are many causes that landscape architects can volunteer or donate to, such as environmental conservation, urban regeneration, social justice, and cultural heritage. You can also volunteer or donate to a cause that supports the landscape architecture profession, such as education, research, or advocacy.

6 Create or host your own event

Finally, if you are feeling adventurous and entrepreneurial, you can also create or host your own landscape architecture event. Creating or hosting your own event can help you express your vision, share your expertise, and build your reputation. You can also create or host your own event to attract and engage your target audience, generate income, and create opportunities for collaboration. There are many types of events that you can create or host, such as workshops, seminars, lectures, tours, or exhibitions. You can also create or host your own event online, using platforms such as Zoom, Eventbrite, or Meetup.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?