The KA Connect Experience

Why do our attendees keep coming back to KA Connect?


“Come for the knowledge sharing and stay for the community.

I have been highly fortunate to go to several KA Connect events over the years, I am always amazed at the quality of the information shared, and the number of times I find myself with ideas that would really help Shepley Bulfinch up our game in Communication, Knowledge Sharing, Operations, Marketing, etc.

It’s such an amazing melting pot of smart people who are willing to share and offer help.  Anyone looking to improve their AE business or anyone looking for examples of what good looks like would find great value in coming to KA Connect. 

Year over year, KA Connect is hands down the best conference experience I've ever had.”


Jim Martin
VP, Chief Information Officer, Shepley Bulfinch

 

“KA Connect is one of the best AEC industry events if you are looking to get inspired and learn from firms that are in various parts of their KM journey. There is relevant learning and engagement at every level, whether you are a firm leader, design professional or a business partner. Every conference, we meet and forge connections with other firms that inspire us and our attendees go back to our firms with immediately applicable action items — big and small. The KA team also has a secret sauce — not only are they connection builders, but they truly make you feel like they SEE you and your firm and proactively help you navigate through your KM journey, no matter where you are in that journey.

KA Connect was the jump start into knowledge management we didn’t even know we needed. The connections I have made within the KA community are genuine and long-lasting. I still search prior KA Connect speaker recordings for inspiration and won’t hesitate to reach out to another firm to ask questions or openly share details about our own KM journey.

If you are seeking a community that values empowerment through knowledge sharing for the betterment of the AEC industry (and beyond) above all else, consider going to KA Connect. If staying curious is one of your firm’s core values, you will never stop learning at KA Connect…get ready for a transformation!”


Silvia Chan
Knowledge and Internal Communication Lead, Associate,
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture

 

“I keep coming back to KA Connect because it’s a hub for cutting-edge knowledge and technology in AEC. But it’s not just about hearing the latest trends; it’s about engaging discussions, practical insights, and real-world applications that keep the content vibrant and applicable year after year. Plus, the networking is top-notch, connecting you with peers who are just as passionate about pushing industry boundaries. Finally, because working with KA and their amazing team is always a pleasure and I get to learn so much from them in the process. 

For me, KA Connect is a powerhouse of learning, offering exposure to new tools and strategies that elevates my professional game. I get to connect with like-minded individuals to explore the boundaries of how to best manage and share knowledge. For firms, it’s an investment that pays dividends by infusing fresh ideas and technologies into your practices, enhancing overall productivity and innovation. It’s a win-win: staff grow their skill sets and networks, and firms enhance their competitive edge.

KA Connect is essential for anyone involved in steering their firm towards future growth through better knowledge management and technology. Whether you’re a decision-maker, a tech innovator, or a knowledge management strategist in the AEC industry, this conference will equip you with insights and strategies to lead effectively. You will make amazing connections with an awesome community of passionate individuals and companies looking to do great things.”


Marco Marcoccia
Director, Knowledge Management, Turner Fleischer

 

“The community building at KA Connect is phenomenal! I look forward to hearing about new ideas, best practices, and making connections with a tremendous community who are equally passionate about the work we all do at our firms. These are the connections I tap into regularly throughout the year as a trusted network who really “gets” the unique aspects of knowledge management at AEC firms.

My professional growth has many touchpoints to this conference – it’s more than a conference! I learn from peers and come away with a very long list of ideas to implement at my firm to support a thriving practice. This growth has also impacted me personally to expand my ways of seeing the world around me and make new connections. I am inspired and motivated – and have a full community of support beyond the conference.

Your go-to problem solver! Your most curious path finder! Your dot connector! I immensely enjoy the diverse attendees because it adds a richness to the conversations and, while we all have unique roles, we share in our eagerness to solve problems, to carve new paths in the search for a solution, and find ways to make connections at our firms. It is really helpful, if you are able, to send multiple attendees to enhance the collaboration on ideas and build upon the experience following the conference itself.”


Stefnee Trzpuc
Principal, Director of Operations, BWBR

 

“KA Connect brings together a group of like-minded individuals working within AEC firms aiming to improve culture, learning, processes and communication. The speakers share lessons learned and inspiring ideas about programs and strategies that feel tangible, possible and achievable. Knowledge Architecture facilitates a wonderful conference with great conversation, energetic attendees and compelling presentations.

For me, connecting with the community of people who share best practices allows us to see how we are doing, find areas of our own improvement and also share our experiences with others. The open culture of sharing is unique and after attending Turner Fleischer’s talk at the 2019 KA Connect, our firm established our own internal “university”. This learning series is now one of our most impactful cultural and learning opportunities, it allows anyone in the firm to teach, share and learn.   

KA Connect is for anyone who wants to improve the culture and connection within their firm and are committed to seeing things through! You will enjoy the first class experience the KA team sets up with the perfect combination of social time, networking and knowledge sharing.”


Marlene Chen
Principal / Owner, COO, Olson Kundig

 

“I keep coming back to KA Connect year after year because it's a truly unique experience. It's more than just a conference; it's a chance to recharge, learn from inspiring people, and forge connections in a beautiful new setting. This year's move to Sundance Mountain Resort feels symbolic, a chance to reconnect with ourselves and each other in a stunning natural environment.

KA Connect goes beyond just speakers, though they're always top-notch. The magic happens in the "in-between" moments, where we can share stories and brainstorm together. It's unique that competitors come together to learn from each other, and KA’s client reach brings a fantastic mix of perspectives.

KA Connect has become my annual tradition for a reason! It's a celebration of the human spirit in the world of business, a harvest festival of the best ideas our industry has to offer. If you're looking for inspiration and ways to help your team thrive, KA Connect is the place to be.”


Ryan Farias
Vice President, Principal, Director of Marketing, SMMA

 

“I started my KM journey back in 2015, and attended my first KA Connect the same year. I was simultaneously excited and overwhelmed. I still am excited with the possibilities of taking back what we learn and applying them to our firm.

There are so many benefits that KA Connect offers, and one that personally benefited me is connecting with people that I can nerd out about knowledge management with. Over the years, I have connected with and continue to build relationships with experts and peers who share the same passion for knowledge management. These connections have provided me with valuable insights, innovative ideas, and opportunities that have enhanced my professional growth and our firm's knowledge management strategies.

Who should consider coming? Anyone that has a passion for learning, growing and helping their firm do the same.”


Donovan Helminiak
Director, Knowledge Management, KTGY

 

“KA Connect takes the pulse of the industry and translates it into digestible applications to practice. I find valuable connections every year.

KA Connect is a step above other conferences. Yes, there are networking and learning opportunities, knowledge sharing, exposure to new insights, etc. And then they go a step above, fostering an environment that is conversational and collaborative, they create a community. I have gained this valuable co-op of really smart people who are willing to advise, inspire and collaborate.”


Julie Weston
Knowledge Manager and Research Librarian, HGA Architects and Engineers

 

“I was thrilled to see KA Connect return. Attending this event is like meeting up with old friends with whom you shared your best secrets - our communications, knowledge sharing, and intranet design practices hugely benefited from the ideas shared at this event by our generous peers. It's great to be in a room with professionals who juggle the same duties and who want to improve their firm's work productivity, reduce learning curves for new employees, and capture expertise from seasoned experts. Better yet, KA puts on an event that is always engaging, inclusive, and highlights the best of the best of their host city.

All the thumbs up!”


Kathy Schumann
Employee Experience and Communications Director, Mead & Hunt

 

“I keep coming back to KA Connect because it blends highly-targeted knowledge management learning with a vibrant community of AE professionals that are a joy to be around. The presentations are meticulously curated, so the quality exceeds anything I’ve experienced elsewhere. KA Connect excels in supporting the whole person, too, with great food, great venues, varied content, and a pace that is pleasantly full but not rushed. This is where I come to reconnect with like-minded professionals from firms with the same problems I’m trying to solve, making it a truly wonderful opportunity to share ideas and grow together. It’s my favorite conference of the year, by far.”


Todd Henderson
Principal, Boulder Associates

 

“KA Connect is an incredible opportunity to find inspiration and learn from others. The speaker lineup is always top notch and diverse in their expertise and area of practice. KA does a great job of pulling all the right information out of each presentation with their laid back, conversational approach to each topic. The community is accessible and incredibly giving with attendees sharing their KM success stories and a willingness to share what could have gone better. 

There are countless benefits to attending, but each year I come back feeling invigorated and ready to tackle new challenges. I have thoroughly enjoyed each conference and have made many connections that I still rely on today. I would recommend that anyone who is passionate about KM, regardless of where you or your firm are in your KM journey, and is open to learning different approaches should consider attending. Every firm represented is at a different place yet KA manages to connect us all with their speaker line up and small group opportunities so we can benefit from each other’s experiences. It is, hands down, the best conference I attend each year.”


Kyle Mishler
Director of Operations, Civiltech Engineering

 

“What keeps me coming back to KA Connect? It is still cheaper than therapy to find that my/our plans and struggles are much the same as everyone else. Seeing how others approach those plans and struggles is priceless!  Expanding my network with creative people who do what I am passionate about, in this arena, is also priceless. This is a learning community hub that goes throughout AEC. My brain gets to breathe fresh air, seeing not what is, but what could be. There is forest-bathing and then there is this knowledge-management-bathing. There are some best-in-class thinkers and ideators who attend. I get better just breathing the air they breathe! Getting to dig deeper into what they said, why and how they built what they did! We all exist in multiple kinds of groups and networks of people. This network is for learning, systems, and KM, and attendees live in far more diverse geographies, in firms where there may be only 1 or 2 people in that role, so coming together is wonderful for my firm to get the IQ and EQ of so many bright minds!

Who Should Come? Anyone who creates apps, tools, systems, data, or manages knowledge networks of any kind. These sessions allow us to see better systems/ideas and allow us to think about end users in a different way. We can “overthink” things. This helps get us back on track. Anyone who is a self-described nerd for learning, knowledge, and/or data. Anyone in a strategy position who needs to think about the future of their firm. It is like an “idea shop.” Not IKEA, idea! 😊”


Laurie Dreyer
Principal, Chief Development Officer, Taylor Design

 

“Since I first discovered KA Connect it has become one of my favorite annual events and I’m so excited to see it is back for 2024! It is a rare chance to meet others from around the AEC industry who share my passion for connecting people with knowledge and who are willing to openly share their best practices and lessons learned when it comes to knowledge management, learning and development, internal communications are more.  I would highly recommend this conference for any one who’s role includes communication, learning, or sharing knowledge within their company.”


Shannon Kaplan
Partner, AKF Group

 

“Part of my responsibility is to evolve best practices by asking “Why?” Each KA Connect I’ve attended has exposed me to “How.” Being able to connect why and how has been such a valuable resource, allowing me to chart clear and actionable paths for Bergmeyer. KA Connect provides me with ideas, tools, and most importantly resources to succeed.”


Bill Spaulding
Director of Education, Bergmeyer

 

Register for KA Connect 2024