Explore Cutting-Edge Labs with Exclusive Tours at the 2026 Lab Design Conference
2026 Lab Design Conference morning tour option A: Siemens Energy Orlando Innovation Campus
Attendees of the 2026 Lab Design Conference in Orlando, FL, have an exciting opportunity to go beyond the conference floor and step inside some of Central Florida’s most innovative laboratory facilities. On May 14, 2026, conference-goers can attend exclusive lab tours to gain a firsthand look at the design, functionality, and operations of three unique laboratories. Spots are limited, and tickets are only available in addition to a regular conference pass, so early registration is recommended to secure a place on these highly sought-after tours.
These behind-the-scenes tours offer attendees the rare chance to see how cutting-edge research and innovation spaces are planned, built, and operated. Participants will explore a variety of lab environments, from high-tech energy and manufacturing innovation centers to academic research hubs and critical environmental testing facilities. Along the way, visitors can observe how architectural design, workflow optimization, and advanced technologies come together to create spaces that support collaboration, efficiency, and future growth. For lab planners, architects, researchers, and industry professionals, these tours provide invaluable insights and inspiration that can be applied to their own projects.
Morning tour options
The conference offers a choice between two concurrent morning tours, each providing a distinctive perspective on innovation, research, and architectural design. Departure for both tours is scheduled for 8:15 am, with participants returning to the conference hotel/venue, Caribe Royale Orlando, by 11:30 am.
Choose one of the following morning tours:
Option A: Siemens Energy Orlando Innovation Campus
The Siemens Energy Orlando Innovation Campus (OIC) serves as a multidisciplinary hub where technology, engineering, and design expertise converge to accelerate innovation. The campus includes dedicated spaces such as the Innovation Center Orlando, the Technology Application Center, and the Additive Manufacturing Application Center, supporting every stage of development—from conceptualization and prototyping to validation and deployment.
For lab architects, planners, and end users, the OIC offers a compelling example of how thoughtfully integrated facilities can foster collaboration across disciplines while enabling rapid evaluation of new technologies. With a focus on decarbonization and sustainability, the campus demonstrates how co-locating resources and expertise can shorten project timelines and maximize innovation potential. Visitors will gain insight into how strategic lab and workspace design can transform ambitious concepts into real-world solutions.
2026 Lab Design Conference morning tour option B: Florida Polytechnic University’s Barnett Applied Research Center (BARC) and the Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building
Florida Polytechnic University presents a dual-lab experience with the Barnett Applied Research Center (BARC) and the Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building. The Barnett Center expands the university’s research and academic capabilities with a flexible, high-performance environment. Housing research labs, teaching spaces, student design areas, faculty offices, and conference rooms, the two-story facility is organized around a dramatic atrium that maximizes natural light and fosters interaction. Its location and design support both academic growth and industry partnerships.
The IST Building, the university’s architectural and academic landmark, embodies Florida Poly’s vision for STEM innovation. With 26 classrooms, 11 innovation labs, faculty offices, a large auditorium, and a collaborative commons, the IST serves as a hub for entrepreneurial ventures, robotics projects, and industry collaboration. The building’s striking white dome, robotic sun-tracking louvers, and sweeping metal pergolas create a dynamic visual presence while supporting cutting-edge research. Tour attendees will experience firsthand how design can enhance collaboration, adaptability, and student engagement in research spaces.
Afternoon tour
2026 Lab Design Conference afternoon tour: Iron Bridge Regional Water Reclamation Facility
Iron Bridge Regional Water Reclamation Facility
For those who prefer an afternoon experience, or who may want to take two tours in one day, the Iron Bridge Regional Water Reclamation Facility offers a unique perspective on environmental and analytical laboratory operations. Departure from Caribe Royale Orlando is scheduled for 12:30 pm, with a return to the hotel by 4:00 pm.
The Iron Bridge Laboratory, formally known as Environmental Laboratory Services, plays a critical role in monitoring Orlando’s water systems. Established in 1982, the lab conducts comprehensive testing on wastewater, surface water, and industrial effluents. Accredited under The NELAC Institute Standard by the Florida Department of Health, the lab performs analyses across 85 parameters, specializing in wet chemistry, metals, and microbiology.
Staffed by a team with over a century of combined experience, the lab produces approximately 80,000 results annually, with the majority available within 24 hours. Its operational efficiency, advanced instrumentation, and facility upgrades offer visitors an inside look at how a municipal laboratory evolves to meet growing environmental challenges while maintaining rigorous testing standards.
Maximize your conference experience
Adding a lab tour to your Lab Design Conference itinerary is a chance to see real-world applications of lab planning, architecture, and innovation in action. Whether exploring Siemens Energy’s cutting-edge technology campus, Florida Poly’s collaborative academic facilities, or Orlando’s vital water testing laboratory, attendees will leave with new insights, inspiration, and practical takeaways to inform future lab projects.
Tickets are limited, and each tour requires a separate registration in addition to your conference pass. Don’t miss the chance to experience the design and operations of these leading-edge laboratories up close—reserve your spot today and take your conference experience to the next level!
