Showcase 2026 | Texas A&M College of Architecture
Featuring Keynote Speaker Arch "Beaver" Aplin, in a conversation moderated by President Ballabina.
About the Showcase
The Texas A&M College of Architecture Showcase successfully highlights the innovative spirit and commitment to excellence that define its students. With each project, the next generation of architects, landscape architects and urban planners is poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.
Building on the foundation of past events, the 2026 showcase explores the critical role of professional judgment in an increasingly automated world. While we embrace artificial intelligence and robotics, we celebrate the craftsmen, designers and planners who decide how to move our communities forward.
The showcase culminates in an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding projects across various categories.
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Location: Rudder Complex
Keynote and 150th Sesquicentennial Speaker
Arch “Beaver” Aplin, III, Founder and President of Texas-based Buc-ee’s stores, earned a Bachelor of Construction Science at Texas A&M University in 1980. In the summer of 1982, he opened his first Buc-ee’s in Lake Jackson, Texas. Over the last 40 years, he has built a chain of destination travel centers dedicated to providing an elevated experience for the driving public through service and selection.
Passionate about community involvement, Aplin has a long history of being active at the local and state levels. He served as Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, a board member of The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M, a member of the Lieutenant Governor’s Transportation Advisory Board, and a member of the Governor-appointed ERCOT Board Selection Committee. Beaver was recently named a 2025 Distinguished Alumni of Texas A&M.
He received the M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Award, the 2012 Outstanding Alumni Award from the Texas A&M University School of Architecture, the 2022 McLane Leadership Business Award, the 2023 Friend of Wildlife Award, inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2024, honored as the History Maker of the Decade for Texas Business by the Texas State Historical Association and most recently was awarded Most Admired CEO by the Houston Business Journal.
Previously, he was a 9-year board member of the Brazosport Independent School District, including a two-year tenure as board president.
Aplin and his wife, Joanie, reside in Texas and have five children.
Buc-ee’s Founder and CEO
Schedule
9:00 a.m. Rudder Exhibit Hall
Registration
Get signed in for the event on the first floor of Rudder Exhibit Hall.
9:30 a.m. Rudder Exhibit Hall | Rudder Theater | Rudder Forum | Rudder Tower Room 701
Demonstration Booths
Time: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm
Location: Rudder Exhibit Hall
Information Tables
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Location: Rudder Exhibit Hall
Demonstration Area
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Location: Rudder Plaza
Faculty Interdisciplinary Presentation A
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Rudder Theater
Prospective Students Information Session
Details: High school students are invited to a special Texas A&M University College of Architecture Information Session designed to introduce you to the many opportunities available within our college.
During this session, students will learn about the College of Architecture, our undergraduate majors and academic pathways, the Texas A&M admissions process, and what it is like to be an Aggie studying in the built-environment professions. We’ll also share helpful information about preparing for college, selecting a major, and taking the next steps toward joining the Texas A&M College of Architecture.
Students will have an opportunity to ask questions and connect with College of Architecture representatives before experiencing the 2026 Showcase.
Come discover how you can PLAN, DESIGN, and BUILD your future at Texas A&M!
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Rudder Forum
Oral Presentation A
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Rudder Tower Room 701
10:15 a.m. Rudder Exhibit Hall
Poster Session A
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Rudder Exhibit Hall
11:00 a.m. Rudder Theater | Rudder Forum | Rudder Tower Room 701 | Rudder Tower Room 501
Faculty Interdisciplinary Presentation B
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rudder Theater
TBD
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rudder Forum
Oral Presentation B
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rudder Tower Room 701
Special Industry Presentation – Architecture
Details: Benjamin Johnston | Benjamin Johnston Design
Time:11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rudder Tower Room 501
12:00 p.m. Rudder Exhibit Hall
Poster Session B
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Rudder Exhibit Hall
1:00 p.m. Rudder Theater | Rudder Forum | Rudder Tower Room 701
Aplin Center Presentation
Details:
- Moderator: Austin Fannin | Texas A&M University
- Emily Winter | DLR Group
- Anthony Markese | Pickard Chilton Associates
- Robb Berg | Design Workshop
- Sam Lampe | Project Control
- Tony Barnhart | Manhattan Construction
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Rudder Theater
TBD
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Rudder Forum
Oral Presentation C
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Rudder Tower Room 701
1:45 p.m. Rudder Exhibit Hall
Poster Session C
Time: 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Rudder Exhibit Hall
2:00 p.m. Rudder Exhibit Hall
CoA Social (Gelato and Espresso)
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Rudder Exhibit Hall
2:30 p.m. Rudder Theater | Rudder Forum | Rudder Tower Room 701
Faculty Interdisciplinary Presentation C
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Rudder Theater
TBD
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Rudder Forum
Oral Presentation D
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Rudder Tower Room 701
3:!5 p.m. Rudder Exhibit Hall
Poster Session D
Time: 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Location: Rudder Exhibit Hall
4:00 p.m. Rudder Theater
Keynote Presentation and Closing Ceremony
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Location: Rudder Theater
Past Keynote Speakers
Stephan Fabel, Senior Director of NVIDIA’s DGX Cloud (2025)
During his presentation, Fabel explored the transformative power of accelerated computing and its role in reshaping the future of the built environment. He highlighted the use of AI and the expedited way it can reduce time for acquiring building permits.
The lecture provided insight on the methods NVIDIA uses when developing buildings for future data centers.
Stephan Fabel, senior director of NVIDIA’s DGX Cloud speaking at Showcase 2025.
Bradley R. Freels, Chairman of Midway (2024)
In his presentation, Freels argued that successful development transcends structural engineering and square footage, focusing instead on the social fabric created by gathering feedback from the community. He detailed how Midway’s projects prioritize the human experience, transforming traditional real estate into vibrant, mixed-use environments that foster community engagement.
Bradley Freels, Chairman of Midway, speaking at Showcase 2024.
Dr. Michael F. Goodchild, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara (2024)
In his presentation, Goodchild explored the evolution of geographic data from static maps to dynamic digital twins, which are virtual representations of physical assets and systems. He examined how these high-fidelity models allow urban planners to simulate what-if scenarios, ranging from flood impacts to traffic flow, in a risk-free digital environment.
Dr. Michael F. Goodchild speaking at the 2024 Showcase.
Showcase Photo Galleries
View past moments from the Showcase via the College of Architecture’s Flickr albums.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor $50,000 (exclusive)
The Presenting Sponsor will receive the highest level of visibility and engagement throughout the College of Architecture Showcase and related activities:
-
Exclusive “Presented By” recognition across all showcase marketing and event materials
-
Premier logo placement on the event website, signage, digital displays and promotional communications
-
Dedicated social media recognition campaign, including multiple sponsor spotlight posts
-
Featured company profile on the showcase website
-
Opportunity to provide company-branded materials and resources to attendees
-
Exclusive opportunity to host a 60-minute educational presentation, workshop or industry engagement session in Rudder Tower
-
Exclusive sponsorship of the Alumni and Student Luncheon, including:
-
Opportunity to provide welcoming remarks
-
Prominent recognition throughout the luncheon
-
Two reserved luncheon seats
-
-
Recognition during major event announcements and opening remarks
-
First right of refusal for the following year’s presenting sponsorship
Partner Sponsor $10,000 (limited to two partner sponsors)
Partner sponsors receive meaningful brand visibility and engagement opportunities with students, alumni, faculty and industry professionals attending the showcase:
-
Company recognition through a dedicated social media spotlight post
-
Company listing with logo and website link on the showcase website
-
Logo placement on the event sponsor banner and sponsor recognition materials
-
Opportunity to distribute company materials and information at a designated resource table
-
One reserved seat at the Alumni and Student Luncheon
Exclusive Add-ons Event T-Shirt Sponsor $9,000 (limited to one sponsor)
Gain highly visible brand recognition through the official event apparel worn by students, attendees, volunteers, and event staff.
- Exclusive company logo placement on the sleeve of all official Showcase T-shirts
- Recognition as the Official Showcase T-Shirt Sponsor on the Showcase website and sponsor signage
- Dedicated social media recognition post
- Recognition in event communications, where applicable
Exclusive Add-ons Espresso Sponsor $5,000 (limited to one sponsor)
- Exclusive logo placement on event-branded espresso service materials.
- Recognition as one of the Official Espresso & Gelato Social Sponsor on event signage and the Showcase website.
- Dedicated social media recognition post.
- Prominent visibility throughout the networking event.
Exclusive Add-ons Gelato Sponsor $3,000 (limited to one sponsor)
- Exclusive logo placement on event-branded gelato service materials.
- Recognition as one of the Official Espresso & Gelato Social Sponsor on event signage and the Showcase website.
- Dedicated social media recognition post.
- Prominent visibility throughout the networking event.
For more information contact Deanna Cowan at (979) 458-0400 or [email protected].
Recognition of Excellence
The Showcase culminates in an awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding projects across various categories. The “People’s Choice” award, voted on by attendees, generates excitement and friendly competition among the participants.
The Texas A&M College of Architecture Showcase successfully highlights the innovative spirit and commitment to excellence that defines its students. This event has previously been known as the Research Symposium. With each project, the next generation of architects, landscape architects, and urban planners is poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. As they move forward, the stories shared at the Showcase will undoubtedly inspire future endeavors and collaborations.
Media contact: College of Architecture Marketing and Communications, [email protected].
Event contact: Steven Sisk, [email protected]