Virginia Tech's Academic Building One (AB1)
CI 2026 and HCOMP 2026 will be hosted at Virginia Tech's Academic Building One (AB1). Opened in 2025, this state-of-the-art, 11-story, 300,000-square-foot facility serves as a premier graduate education hub. It is equipped with cutting-edge academic spaces and innovative research labs, including specialized spaces for Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Wireless, Quantum, and Computer Systems research, an Immersive Visualization Lab, a Cyber-Physical Lab, and a prominent two-story Drone Testing Cage.
Directly adjacent to the building is the scenic Potomac Yard Park. Featuring extensive bike trails, walking paths, and vibrant green spaces that run right past AB1, the park offers an exceptional outdoor environment for attendees to relax, network, or take a refreshing break between conference sessions.
The building represents a core component of Virginia Tech's graduate campus in the region, housing advanced academic programs from the Pamplin College of Business and serving as the primary home for the Institute for Advanced Computing (IAC) and the Sanghani Center for AI & Data Analytics. You can learn more about Virginia Tech's D.C.-area mission, ecosystem, and regional integration by watching the video below.
Location & Address
Virginia Tech Academic Building One
3625 Potomac Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22305
Public Transportation
The building is located less than a block (roughly a five-minute walk) from the Potomac Yard-VT Metrorail Station, which is serviced by both the Blue and Yellow Lines. This station offers direct transit across Northern Virginia and into downtown Washington, D.C., and sits just one stop south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Additionally, attendees can utilize the local DASH Bus system, which has a convenient stop located right near our building, providing fare-free bus service throughout the City of Alexandria. For travelers arriving via regional rail, the Alexandria Amtrak Station (ALX) is situated nearby in the King Street neighborhood, allowing a quick transition to the Metrorail system to head directly to Potomac Yard.
Parking Information
Parking operations at Academic Building One are active 24/7, and a valid permit or short-term payment is required at all times. Attendees can utilize short-term parking via the ParkMobile app (Zone #85129) on surrounding streets and surface lots. Alternatively, a ticketed parking garage is available on-site. Short-term parking rates are $4 per hour for up to 4 hours, or a flat rate of $20 per day. Please note that overnight parking is not allowed.
Virginia Tech in the Washington, D.C. Area
Virginia Tech has built an expansive and deeply rooted network across the greater Washington, D.C. metro area, bridging the gap between academic innovation, government sectors, and commercial tech corridors. The overarching Innovation Campus initiative in Alexandria—anchored by Academic Building One and the Institute for Advanced Computing—was inspired by the package that successfully attracted Amazon's second corporate headquarters (HQ2) to nearby National Landing.
Beyond the main campus footprint in Blacksburg and the new tech hub in Alexandria, Virginia Tech maintains a presence through several strategic locations in the region. These include the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington (situated within the business district of Ballston at 900 N. Glebe Road) and the historic Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) located right in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Together, these sites serve to amplify the university's research capabilities and nurture world-class professional talent at the steps of the nation's capital.
Alexandria, Virginia
Nestled on the scenic banks of the Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C., Alexandria offers a captivating blend of historic charm and modern innovation. Renowned for its beautifully preserved 18th-century architecture, cobblestone corridors, and a thriving independently owned culinary and arts scene, Old Town Alexandria provides an exceptional backdrop for conference attendees to explore.
The venue's location in the rapidly developing Potomac Yard neighborhood bridges this historic past with a dynamic, technology-focused future. To preview the unique cultural offerings, walkability, and landmarks of the area, you can watch the dedicated Alexandria Tourism Video below.
Washington, D.C.
As the political, cultural, and scientific heart of the United States, Washington, D.C. offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration just across the river. Attendees can easily leverage the local Metrorail network at Potomac Yard to reach the National Mall in minutes, granting free access to world-renowned institutions including the Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, and iconic historical monuments.
Beyond its historic landmarks, Washington boasts diverse neighborhoods pulsing with live music, international diplomatic centers, and exceptional culinary experiences. Discover sightseeing highlights, travel tips, and seasonal local guides by viewing the Washington, D.C. Tourism Video below.