Why We're Building an Unboring Conference

Most architecture events look useful, but many business owners leave without anything they can apply. People sit through heavy talks, collect credits, and go home without clear next steps. In this episode of ArchiCon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell explain why they are building a different kind of conference and what they are learning in the process. Their main point is that architects also run businesses, but most events avoid topics like marketing, hiring, money, and new technology. They share why ArchiCon will take place in Melbourne, how the agenda will be shaped by real needs from the waitlist, and why they want real conversations instead of polite panels. They also explain why the environment matters, how both introverts and extroverts will be supported, and how the most useful discussions often happen away from the main stage.  If you want to understand what is missing in current architecture events and why a change is overdue, this episode lays it out in a clear and straightforward way. ArchiCon is for people who want learning they can use the next day, not just another event badge. Key Takeaways • The industry does not need another theory-heavy conference that delivers credits but no real value. • Theory without lived business experience does not help architects run companies. • A serious business conference must teach marketing, hiring, money, and technology, not just design philosophy. • "Unboring" means useful. If attendees cannot apply it on Monday, it does not belong on stage. • Introverts and extroverts both deserve formats that support real connection, not awkward networking. • Architects are business owners. The industry needs to start treating them that way. • Collaboration beats competition. Sharing knowledge grows firms faster than guarding it. •ArchiCon is for people who want to run stronger companies, take their business seriously, and get practical learning. Timestamps:  00:00 – Episode Snippet 00:21 – Welcome to ArchiCon Uncut with Aya Schlachter and Nikita Morrell 01:00 – Why build another conference? 03:18 – The value of off-stage conversations 04:38 – The origin story begins at AIA Washington DC 06:18 – Architecture schools do not teach business 08:51 – AI is widening the skills gap for firm owners 10:47 – ArchiCon will replace polite panels with real debate 12:14 –  "Unboring" means action-oriented learning 15:19 – Architecture lacks knowledge-sharing culture 16:25 – Competitors can be collaborators 17:51 – ArchiCon is not for everyone by design 19:39 – This is only the beginning About the Host:  Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of ArchiCon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named a 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI. Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively with architects. She is the only copywriter in the world who writes solely for architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space. Connect with Aya Shlachter: Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/ Connect with Nikita Morell: Email: [email protected] Website: https://nikitamorell.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/