BOSTON — Amid historical landmarks, sports-crazed fans, and great clam chowder, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) held its 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition in Boston on May 15-17.

There were 23,950 registrants and 852 exhibitors at the 2008 AIA show, which had the theme of “We the People.” The Boston show marked the 140th AIA National Convention. Notable events during the three-day event at the Boston Convention and Expo Center included:

• Keynote speaker Andrew Young discussed a speech given in 1968 by Whitney M. Young Jr. on the importance of diversity in architecture.

• Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller challenged architects on the opening day of the convention to address affordable housing issues.

• Thomas Vonier, the founding member of the International Center for Urban Security, moderated a panel that examined issues of urban security and the built environment from geopolitical, tactical, and humanitarian points of view.

“The tone was set with Millard Fuller’s excellent speech outlining the responsibility that architects have to address one of the most basic needs — shelter,” AIA President Marshall Purnell, FAIA, said on the AIA Web site ( www.aia.org ). “His point was that architects have the opportunity to bring the dignity and worth of the profession to the people who need it most, and it was an ideal representation of our theme.”

Still, it was Purnell who defined the convention’s theme, “We the People,” in his opening speech.

“Four syllables, three words. Perhaps the three most powerful words after ‘Let there be light.’ God’s word created the world. The words written by James Madison changed it,” Purnell said on the AIA Web site. “Those words are magic! They escape the tyranny of their time. ‘We the People!’ Having the skills to make communities better puts a special responsibility on the architectural profession to be inclusive and encompass people who might not otherwise be represented.”

Other highlights of the AIA convention included:

• Participants at the AIA’s plenary session on Friday, May 16, paid tribute to 2008 AIA Gold Medal recipient Renzo Piano, Hon. FAIA; Kemper Award recipient Thomas L. McKittrick, FAIA; and Topaz Medallion recipient Stanley Tigerman, FAIA. The group also listened to a report on the legacy activities marking the AIA’s 150th anniversary celebration by AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Christine McEntee, and an update on the American Architectural Foundation from Jess Wendover, Associate AIA.

• More than 1,600 AIA convention attendees gathered Friday, May 16, at the Boston Society of Architects’ host city party at the Boston Public Library to enjoy food, music, and camaraderie.

• Delegates at the AIA convention elected George H. Miller, FAIA, to serve as the 2009 AIA first vice president/president-elect and the 2010 Institute president. Miller, a partner at Pei Cobb Freed, said the AIA must set the pace, as leaders and stewards for our neighborhoods and the environment. “A more agile AIA can provide greater value to all our members worldwide,” Miller said.

• AIA delegates announced the AIA 2009 National Convention and Design Expo, themed “The Power of Diversity: Practice in a Complex World,” will be held April 30 to May 2, 2009, in San Francisco. For more information about next year’s show, call 800-242-3837.

For more information on the AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Expo, visit www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek08/0516/0516n_greetings.cfm.