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General Session
The Stories We Build Together: Designing What Happens Next
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
4:00 p.m. PT
The Novo Theater | Los Angeles
The ASLA 2026 Conference on Landscape Architecture shifts into high gear at the Novo Theater for a General Session designed to move the profession from intention to action. We are thrilled to announce that Wall Street Journal bestselling author and strategic storytelling expert Kindra Hall will be our 2026 keynote speaker, marking her first appearance on the ASLA stage.
Kindra Hall
Keynote Speaker
Kindra is trusted by global brands to show how intentional storytelling creates meaningful change, and her keynote will serve as the anchor for this year’s theme: Action! Design in Motion. Work in Progress. In a high-energy presentation, she will explore how landscape architecture is an evolving, participatory process and how practitioners can use the power of narrative to build collective will, translate complex ideas for broad audiences, and make invisible work visible. For landscape architects, storytelling is more than a communication tool—it is the bridge that helps people care about place and connects them to the built and natural environments we shape together.
As we gather in Los Angeles, we will also hear from ASLA President Brad McCauley, FASLA, PLA, and ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen, Hon. ASLA, who will share key highlights from a year of growth and impact for the society.
The evening continues with the profession’s highest celebration of excellence. At 6:00 p.m. PT, the ASLA 2026 Professional & Student Awards Ceremony, presented by PlayPower, will follow the General Session. This ceremony honors the most accomplished work of today—from projects that restore biodiversity to those that strengthen the social fabric of our communities—while spotlighting the visionary student ideas that will shape tomorrow. Be there as we honor the 2026 recipients and celebrate the innovation, stewardship, and lasting design excellence that define landscape architecture.
General Session Sponsored by:
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