Call for Speakers: Share Your Expertise at the 2026 Lab Design Conference
Lab Design is now accepting speaker proposals for the 2026 Lab Design Conference in Orlando, FL. Educational sessions will be held on May 12–13, drawing an audience of lab design professionals from across the US and around the world. This premier event brings together architects, lab planners, engineers, builders, equipment and furniture providers, and lab end users to explore the latest strategies, technologies, and innovations in laboratory facility design, renovation, and optimization.
We are actively seeking speakers who can deliver compelling, non-commercial presentations that offer both big-picture thinking and practical takeaways. Proposals should be interactive, informative, and geared toward attendees working on real-world lab projects. Whether you’ve navigated complex renovations, piloted new lab technologies, or led projects with strong user engagement, we want to hear your story.
Submissions are due by August 8, 2025.
We strongly encourage and prioritize proposals that feature a lab end user—such as a lab manager, facility director, or bench scientist—as a co-presenter or panelist. We also value presentations grounded in real-world experience that share lessons learned, cautionary advice, and the challenges of navigating both avoidable and unavoidable project setbacks.
Key topics of interest include:
HSW content (sessions must be at least 75 percent focused on the health, safety, and welfare of building users)
Renovation and upgrade strategies for existing laboratory spaces
Integrating specific lab components such as lighting, flooring, casework, and HVAC systems
People-centric lab design, including end user engagement and wellbeing
The role of automation, AI, and emerging technology in lab planning and operations
We welcome both introductory and advanced-level proposals and encourage formats that promote engagement, such as panel discussions, case studies, and interactive round tables. All speakers must adhere to our non-commercial policy.
For inspiration, we encourage you to review the 2025 conference program, which includes examples of AIA-approved educational sessions that met continuing education requirements while delivering value to our highly engaged audience.
If you’re ready to share your experience and contribute to the advancement of lab design practices, we invite you to submit a proposal today. Submissions are due by August 8, 2025.
Let your expertise shape the conversations and outcomes at the 2026 Lab Design Conference. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando in May!
