---
title: Why the AIA Show Floor Matters More Than Ever
description: Explore how the AIA show floor evolves as architects engage with products and ideas, blending digital research with in-person decision-making for impactful results.
image: https://blog.pipitone.com/hubfs/AIA%20Blog_Feature%20Image_570x340.jpg
---
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# Why the AIA Show Floor Matters More Than Ever
Fifteen years. That’s how long I’ve been going to AIA. This year felt different.
The show has always been about what’s new and what’s next. Products, ideas, conversations. But in San Diego, the bigger shift wasn’t just on the floor. It was how far along the conversation already was before anyone got there.
The floor was busy. Booths were active. Architects were engaged. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is everything leading up to it.
More of the early work is happening before anyone steps onto the show floor. Architects are researching products, comparing options and forming opinions ahead of time. AI is starting to shape that process, what shows up, how it’s framed and what gets considered in the first place.
By the time someone walks into a booth, they’re not starting from zero. In many cases, they already have a point of view.
That doesn’t make the show floor less important. If anything, it makes it more.
There’s still no substitute for seeing a product in person, asking questions and understanding how something performs. That’s when products become real, questions get answered and confidence gets built.
For a while, the conversation has been digital versus in-person, one replacing the other. That’s not what’s happening.
Digital is shaping the first impression. In person is shaping the final decision. They’re not competing. They’re connected. Which means the work doesn’t start at the booth anymore. But it’s still where the decision often comes together.
July 16, 2026 at 1:21 PM
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#### [Written by Kim Tarquinio, Vice President, Building Products](https://blog.pipitone.com/author/kim-tarquinio)
Kim leads Pipitone’s architectural building products category. As our industry thought leader, she stays abreast of market trends, provides insight and acts as the liaison between clients and the agency’s architectural building products team. Her 12-plus years of management, marketing and leadership for major clients within the category has given Kim a thorough understanding of clients’ online and offline business goals and she and the team utilize this expertise to develop effective, award-winning marketing strategies.
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