More than 500 ASID members, designers, manufacturers, and industry leaders descended on Washington, D.C. July 19-21 for The Leadership Experience: Presented by ASID (EXP) to engage in workshops, project tours, social events, and more designed to provide the skills necessary to advance their personal and professional goals and to become strong leaders in the design industry.

From the opening keynote featuring Minette Norman, vice president, Engineering Practice, Autodesk, to the closing keynote featuring the 2018 ASID National Award winners, attendees were immersed in workshops created to teach them to lead themselves, their teams, and their firms. To gauge leadership potential and current leadership status, EXPers took “The ASID Leadership Profile,” a skills assessment created and administered by Outmatch and HCMi, LLC. The assessment aided attendees in choosing the best workshops to bolster their leadership abilities and advance their careers.

Several special events held captive audiences at EXP, including the ASID State of the Society address. Led by ASID CEO Randy Fiser, Hon. FASID and Tim Schelfe, FASID, CAPS, chair of the ASID National Board of Directors, the audience was reminded of the initiatives ASID is currently undertaking and were given a glimpse into the Society’s dynamic future plans as well. The ASID National Honors winners and the ASID Ones to Watch Award winners and Scholars were honored for their achievements at ceremonies throughout EXP.  

Not a traditional conference, experiential learning through tours of the ASID HQ office, the National Gallery of Art, The Line Hotel, and other D.C. venues, were a popular feature of EXP. And early morning yoga and fun runs kept attendees feeling healthy and well throughout the event.

The Learning Lounge was a popular destination for EXP attendees. Featuring more than 20 sponsors and exhibitors, the lounge was the place to meet manufacturers, enjoy their elaborate installations, and learn about new products and services to specify. Lunch and breakfast were served in The Learning Lounge, and short pop-up discussions featuring workshop speakers made hanging out there a must for attendees.

Networking is always top of mind in D.C., and EXP was no exception. The lively First Night celebration found attendees dancing the night away and enjoying food and drink while meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. A special reception at the National Building Museum provided another opportunity for EXPers to meet fellow designers and industry luminaries while enjoying, “Making Room: Housing for a Changing America,” sponsored by the ASID Foundation and currently on exhibit at the museum.