About the Event

Who is this event designed for?

AEC TalentMAX brings together architecture and engineering firm talent executives, Principals, L&D directors, recruiting leaders,  and those responsible for finding, engaging, retaining, and training the people who help an AEC firm thrive.

Unlike generic HR conferences, AEC TalentMAX is 100% focused on addressing the unique challenges of finding and leveraging the value of people in the architecture and engineering industry. Sessions are practical, data-driven, and immediately actionable, led by industry experts who understand the realities of the AEC business model and the talent crunch. You leave with ideas, tools, and frameworks you can apply the moment you’re back at the office.

We’ve built this conference to give you BOTH practical case studies and strategic insight on AEC people management.  For most AEC firms, finding and keeping superior talent is the  largest expense. This is a unique opportunity to get the strategies, tactics, and tools for maximum ROI…all in one impactful event.

Speakers include top AEC talent executives, industry thought leaders, consultants, and innovators who work directly with firms like yours. They bring firsthand experience, not generic advice.

Networking is intentional and built into the experience, from structured sessions to receptions and informal conversations. You connect with like-minded AEC leaders who are facing similar challenges and opportunities.

Networking is intentional and built into the experience, from structured sessions to receptions and informal conversations. You connect with like-minded AEC leaders who are facing similar challenges and opportunities.

Registration & Tickets

Is there anything specific that I should do in advance to get the most value out of my AEC TalentMAX experience?

One of the strongest themes in last year’s feedback was just how much high-value content was happening throughout the event. With multiple impactful breakout sessions running at the same time, attendees loved the depth and variety of topics and often wished they could be in more than one room at once to soak it all in.

The easiest way to make the most of that experience is to attend with a colleague or as a team. By dividing up the agenda, you can cover more sessions, compare notes, and bring back a richer set of strategies, insights, and actionable ideas to your firm.

As a bonus, group savings make it even easier to bring your key team members. Your first registration is at full price, and each additional registrant saves $500 when you register together in one transaction, turning collaboration into both a strategic and cost-effective win.

Register Now →

Your registration includes:

  • Access to all conference sessions (additional fee applies for pre-conference session)
  • Breakfasts, lunches, breaks, and networking receptions
  • Conference materials and resources
  • Meaningful peer-to-peer networking with industry leaders

It’s a high-value, all-inclusive experience.

Register Now →

Simply go to the “Register” page, fill in your information, choose your ticket type, and submit the form. A confirmation email will be sent to your inbox.

Register Now →

Available Pass Types

  1. Main Conference Pass
    This gets you into the core conference sessions
    • AEC TALENTMAX main conference ticket.
  2. Optional Pre-Conference Workshop Add-On
    • AEC Compensation Workshop (hands-on instruction for setting comp policy and pay ranges, one day before the main event) for an extra cost.
  3. Early-Bird and Discounted Pricing Tiers
    • Super Early-Bird discounted rate -$600 off- if you register early (expires January 5 2027).
    • Early-Bird discounted rate -$200 off- (expires April 5, 2027).
    • Full standard rate if you register after discounts end.
  4. Group Savings
    • Discount of $500 off each additional attendee from the same firm when registered together.

    Register Now →

Here’s how group registration works:

  • One ticket is purchased at full price.
  • Every additional teammate gets a discount of $500 off their ticket.
  • To get the group pricing, all registrations must be completed in a single transaction.

So recruit your crew, checkout together, and lock in the savings.

Register Now →

For any payment or registration questions, contact PSMJ at 617-965-0055 or email education@psmj.com.

Cancellation requests received by PSMJ Resources, Inc. at least 45 business days prior to the program are entitled to full refunds.

Cancellations received between 44 and 11 business days prior to the program receive a credit letter, good for one year, towards any PSMJ Resources, Inc. program*.

Cancellations made 10 or fewer business days prior to the program and/or no–shows are not eligible for refunds or credits.

In order to provide a distraction-free environment for our exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and staff, AEC TalentMAX has a strict no-solicitation policy.

We do not allow solicitation by attendees or any unauthorized party in any designated show areas.

AEC TalentMAX reserves the right to deny access or remove any individual in violation of this policy without refund.

Schedule & Programming

When does the event start and end?

Event dates:
Starts:
 May 5, 2027 (with an optional pre-conference workshop)
Ends: May 7, 2027

That’s a 3-day event in Chicago, with the core conference running May 6-7, 2027 and a pre-conference workshop on May 5, 2027.

You can find the full agenda by visiting the agenda page — everything is laid out there in one spot for you.

All sessions during the main two days of the event are included with your registration and do not require advance sign-up. Reserve your spot at the optional pre-conference workshop when you register for the main event.

Venue & Accommodations

Is the venue accessible by public transportation?

Yes. The Westin Chicago River North is conveniently located near several CTA bus routes and is about a 7-10 minute walk from the Clark/Lake CTA station, providing easy access to multiple train lines and both O’Hare and Midway airports.

Yes. The Westin Chicago River North offers both valet parking and a nearby self-parking option.

  • Valet parking (on-site): Westin Chicago River North Valet
    • Approximately $88 per night
    • In/out privileges included
    • Accommodates vehicles up to 6’5″ in height.
       
  • Self-parking (nearby):
    • Greenway Garage
    • 58 W. Kinzie St., about a 2-minute walk (0.1 miles) from the hotel
    • Approximately $65 per night
    • No in/out privileges
    • Accommodates vehicles up to 8’0″ in height.

Yes! The Westin Chicago River North is in the heart of River North, so you’ll have plenty of options within the hotel and just a short walk away.

At the hotel

  • 320 RiverBar – The hotel’s full-service restaurant overlooking the Chicago River. Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and has a popular riverside patio. Great for casual business meals or unwinding after sessions.
  • Rise Café – Grab-and-go coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and Starbucks beverages for a quick start to the day.
  • In-room dining is also available throughout the day.

Within a 2–5 minute walk

  • Siena Tavern – Upscale Italian with handmade pastas and a lively atmosphere.
  • Chicago Cut Steakhouse – Riverfront steakhouse that’s excellent for client dinners.
  • Smith & Wollensky – Chicago – Classic steakhouse with beautiful river views.
  • River Roast – Modern American cuisine with one of the best patios on the Chicago River.
  • Quartino Ristorante – A favorite for groups, serving shareable Italian small plates and pizza.
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – One of Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza spots.
  • Ema – Mediterranean small plates in a bright, stylish setting.
  • Sunda New Asian – River North – Creative Asian fusion, sushi, and cocktails.

The Westin Chicago River North offers:

  • Standard rooms (King or Two Queen beds)
  • Club Level rooms
  • Executive Suites

Accessible guest rooms

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 12:00 PM

Food & Accessibility

Are meals included?

Yes.
Registration includes breakfast and lunch during the event.

Yes.
We work with the venue and catering team to accommodate common dietary needs during registration such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies. Please indicate any dietary restrictions during registration so we can plan accordingly.

Yes. The hotel offers a variety of accessibility features, including:

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrances and public areas
  • Accessible guest rooms
  • Accessible parking
  • Accessible routes throughout the property
  • Hearing- and mobility-accessible room options

For specific accessibility accommodations or questions, guests can also contact the hotel directly at 800-937-8461.

Technology & Apps

Is there an event app?

Yes. We will launch an event app closer to show time, and all registrants will be provided access in advance.

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available for attendees throughout the event