The ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) 2025 Conference on Landscape Architecture is coming to New Orleans, Louisiana, from October 10–13 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center! CADdetails will be there, and we’d love to see you on the show floor.
In this guide, you’ll find 7 tips to get the most out of your ASLA experience, best practices for following up with leads post-show, and a roundup of can’t-miss sights and activities to enjoy while you’re in New Orleans. Let’s dive in!
Source: The Dirt
7 Tips to Make the Most of Your ASLA 2025 Experience
1. Create a Standout Booth
Design your booth to catch the eye of landscape architects by making it an inviting space that sparks conversation and highlights the value your products bring to their projects. Here are a few ways to stand out:
- Highlight Real-World Applications: Showcase how your products integrate into landscapes with project photos, renderings, or mini case studies. Landscape architects want to see how your solutions fit into parks, campuses, urban spaces, etc.
- Interactive Displays: Provide hands-on samples, touchable materials, or interactive screens where attendees can explore your CAD, BIM, and 3D files. Learn how Prodify’s Visualizer can take your product demos to the next level here.
- Clear Messaging: Use signage that speaks directly to the design challenges landscape architects face, such as sustainability, accessibility, or aesthetics.
- Comfortable Layout: Include seating or small gathering spots to encourage deeper conversations, not just quick pass-throughs.
2. Go Digital to Capture Leads
At trade shows, printed brochures often get lost in the shuffle—or tossed altogether. To truly stand out and secure quality leads, make the process digital.
- Tablet Sign-Ups: Set up a simple form on a tablet at your booth so visitors can quickly enter their information.
- Value-Exchange Downloads: Offer a free digital resource (like a CAD drawing, BIM model, 3D rendering, or 3-Part Specification) in exchange for their email. Not only does this capture their info, but it also puts your product directly in their hands.
Jot down details about each conversation (interests, project needs, or specific products discussed) so your follow-up can be personal and more effective. You can also sort them into categories like “hot” and “warm” to prioritize outreach after the show.
Looking to level up your lead scoring? Download our ready-to-use Lead Scoring Template, and use it at the show—no internet required!
3. Have a Map on Hand
The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is big! Use ASLA’s interactive exhibition hall map to find your way around.
4. Dress for Success
You’ll be walking and standing a lot, so wear comfortable shoes. Layer your clothing to stay comfortable no matter the temperature in the convention center.
5. Engage on Social Media
Join the conversation online! Follow the official hashtag #ASLA2025 to keep up with updates, connect with attendees, and share your own experience.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Drink water, eat regularly, and take breaks to recharge. Join Affinity Group Meetups to connect with others who share your interests, backgrounds, or experiences. ASLA also provides dedicated spaces to support your well-being and help you find moments of calm during the conference:
- Quiet Room – A peaceful space to step away from the noise and lights of the busy convention center. Relax with calming tools or unwind with adult coloring pages.
- Reflection Room – A self-led, welcoming environment where you can practice religious or spiritual traditions or simply take time to refocus your mind.
7. Direct Prospects to Your Design Hub
Make it effortless for prospects to explore your products beyond your booth by offering a QR code that links directly to your Design Hub, where they can instantly download CAD, BIM, and 3D files, view product details, and browse your project gallery. It’s a simple way to extend the conversation and keep your brand top of mind.
Don’t have a Design Hub? Learn more here.
Post-Show: How to Turn Leads into Growth
According to one survey, 93% of tradeshow exhibitors believe that quality of leads is the most important outcome of events they attend. While meeting new contacts on the show floor is essential, it’s your follow-up strategy that determines whether those quick introductions evolve into lasting relationships and real ROI.
A thoughtful, well-timed follow-up helps you stand out in an inbox full of post-show emails. Remember to keep your approach helpful rather than sales-heavy—that way, you’ll build trust, strengthen connections, and increase your likelihood of getting specified.
Best Practices for Post-Show Follow-Up
- Act Quickly: Reach out within a week while your booth and conversation are still fresh in their memory.
- Personalize Your Outreach: Reference something specific you discussed to show genuine interest and make your message memorable.
- Provide Value: Share useful resources that keep the momentum going, like your website, CADdetails profile, Design Hub, or product pages tailored to their interests.
- Offer a Clear Next Step: Invite them to schedule a demo, request samples, or set up a call to discuss upcoming projects.
- Stay Engaged: Connect on LinkedIn, comment on their updates, and look for natural ways to continue the conversation.
- Measure Your Progress: Use your CRM to log follow-ups, monitor engagement, and refine your approach over time.
The more you focus on adding value, the more likely your new contacts are to remember you (and choose you) when it’s time to specify products.
Exploring NOLA
Don’t forget to enjoy the host city while you’re at the show! From food and music to cultural landmarks, exploring New Orleans will round out your ASLA experience. Whether you’re extending your stay or carving out time between sessions, here are some of the top sights, sounds, and flavors you won’t want to miss during your visit:
Explore the French Quarter
Stroll through the city’s most iconic neighborhood. Discover the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street, the charm of Royal Street galleries, and the beauty of Jackson Square.
Catch Live Music
Music is everywhere—from brass bands on Frenchmen Street to jazz clubs tucked into the Quarter. Spend an evening soaking in the sounds that define the city.
Sample the Local Cuisine
No trip to New Orleans is complete without its world-famous cuisine. Try gumbo, jambalaya, beignets at Café du Monde, or fresh oysters at one of the city’s renowned seafood spots.
Ride the Streetcar
Hop on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar for a scenic ride past oak-lined streets, Garden District mansions, and charming neighborhoods.
Source: New Orleans Tourism
Cruise the Mississippi
Looking for a relaxing way to end a busy conference day? Take a steamboat cruise for a unique view of the city from the water.
Relax in City Park
As a landscape architect, you won’t want to miss City Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the U.S. Explore its lush landscapes, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
Visit CADdetails at Booth #1837
For more than 25 years, CADdetails has been helping manufacturers connect with the AEC community with one clear goal: to get your products specified into more projects. Stop by Booth #1837 to grab your CADdetails swag (we’ve got tote bags and customizable vinyl stickers!) and learn how we can help you grow your brand.
Can’t wait until the show? Book a demo to get started right away.
If you’re already a CADdetails partner, this is the perfect chance to connect with your Client Success Manager and explore our latest products and offerings. See you there!
Cover image by Rosie Kerr on Unsplash