AIA Tennessee Advocacy Day
Architects’ Advocacy Day is a pivotal event where members from across the state come together to advocate for the profession and Tennessee’s built environment. This is your chance to meet with legislators, educate them on key-issues impacting the profession and influence policies that shape our communities. Join us to connect, advocate and make a lasting impact on architecture in Tennessee.
March 30
All times centralAfternoon Arrival
Members arrive in Nashville and check in to hotels on their own.
Architecture & Public Policy Discussion 3:30 – 4:30 pm
📍 Cordell Hull Building
Attendees will hear brief perspectives from state and legislative leaders, along with AIA Tennessee’s Government Relations Chair, on infrastructure priorities, workforce trends, and the role architects play in protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
We’ll conclude with key Hill Day themes, messaging guidance, and logistics to ensure everyone is prepared for productive meetings at the Capitol. (Please note: we will be hosting an online briefing on Friday, March 27 to prepare attendees for Advocacy Day at 10:30am/CT (11:30am/ET) where we will go over the Issue Briefs and logistics in detail)
Dine Around Optional
Sign up for Dine Around and enjoy an evening of great food, lively conversation, and local flavors with fellow attendees. Dine Arounds are free to attend; dinner and transportation costs are on your own. More information will be released to attendees as we get closer to the event.
March 31
All times centralAdvocacy Day at the Capitol
AIA Tennessee will set up a location where attendees can stop by and pick up packets, etc, throughout the day.
Breakfast Own Your Own
Morning | Legislative Meetings
📍 Cordell Hull Building / Legislative Offices
*Members meet with state legislators to discuss AIA Tennessee priorities, and the value architects bring to communities across the state.
(Meeting schedules and assignments provided in advance.)
Architecture Tabletop Showcase Ongoing 9:30 AM – 2:00 pm
📍 Cordell Hull Building, Lunch Area
**A staffed tabletop display highlighting Tennessee architects, the profession’s impact, and Advocacy Day messaging. The showcase will be open to legislators, staff, and public passersby throughout the day and will include informational materials and swag.
Blueprints & Bites 12:00 – 1:30 pm
📍 Legislative Lounge, Tennessee State Capitol
A casual, come-and-go gathering with legislators featuring light lunch or snack-style bites (format to be finalized). Members may come and go between meetings.
Advocacy Swag Bag Distribution 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Legislators will receive Advocacy Day swag bags, including a custom 3D-printed model of the Cordell Hull Building, highlighting architecture’s role in Tennessee’s civic legacy. Teams will work to distribute swag bags to every legislative office. Distribution assignments may be coordinated by Team Leaders to ensure full Capitol coverage.
Architectural Tabletop Showcase
A staffed tabletop display will highlight Tennessee architects, the profession’s impact, and key Advocacy Day messaging. The showcase will remain open throughout the day to legislators, staff, and public passersby.·
- Signage, informational materials and branded swag will be available.
- Volunteers may sign up in advance to staff the table in scheduled shifts.
- Members between meetings are encouraged to stop by, assist with engagement, and help amplify key messages.
Discounted Room Block
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Nashville Downtown, Capitol District
We have secured a discounted room block for attendees to make your travel planning easy and convenient. Rooms are available at a special group rate of $217.00 per night for a limited time, so we encourage you to book early before the block fills or the deadline passes.
Book HereLegislative Meeting Logistics and Coordination
- Final meeting schedules, room numbers, and legislator assignments will be provided in advance of Advocacy Day.
- Attendees will be assigned to a team based on their home district or the legislators who represent their area to ensure meetings are locally focused and impactful.
- Each team will have a designated Team Leader identified in advance.
- The Team Leader will serve as the primary point of contact and will communicate all logistics (meeting times, locations, legislator assignments, last-minute updates, and regrouping instructions) to their team members.
- Team Leaders will bring the official meeting packet, leave-behind materials, and any supporting documents to ensure teams are aligned in messaging and fully prepared.
- Teams should plan to arrive early to allow time for security and on-time arrival to meetings.
A special thank you to Risk Strategies for supporting architects and sponsoring this event.