Just a Few More Days to Submit Your Lab Design Conference Proposal!
Have you recently led a lab renovation, new build, or expansion—and come away with insights that others need to hear?
Did your project take an unexpected turn, or did your planning help sidestep a major issue?
If you've ever thought, “I wish someone had told me this at the start,” now’s your chance to be that voice for someone else.
We're in the final stretch to submit proposals for the 2026 Lab Design Conference, happening May 11–14 in Orlando, Florida. This flagship event brings together architects, lab planners, engineers, facility managers, lab product vendors—and, most importantly, lab end users—to exchange proven strategies for designing, renovating, and operating laboratories.
We’re especially looking for lab managers, researchers, facility owners, and end users to share firsthand what it takes to get a project over the finish line. Your story can help others avoid common missteps, plan smarter, and create spaces that truly support science.
Proposals are due August 8, 2025. Submit yours today!
What we’re looking for:
The Lab Design Conference welcomes real-world, experience-based presentations that are non-commercial, practical, and engaging. Key topics include:
Renovation vs. new construction: Weighing costs, minimizing disruption, and navigating adaptive reuse.
Designing for flexibility and longevity: Planning for future needs under financial pressure.
Sustainability strategies: Making the business case for greener choices.
User-led success: How to gather feedback, build consensus, and manage move-ins.
Lessons from the field: What went wrong, what saved the day, and what you’d do differently next time.
People-first labs: Designing for ergonomics, accessibility, and collaboration.
Handling the unexpected: Staying resilient through scope changes, delays, and budget challenges.
Need some specific ideas?
If you want to share your experience but aren’t sure how to frame it, don’t worry—we’re not just looking for polished success stories. What resonates most are real, behind-the-scenes accounts: the unexpected turns, tough decisions, lessons learned, and practical solutions. Our audience values presentations that demystify the lab planning and design process—from initial planning through move-in—and provide clear, actionable takeaways.
We especially encourage proposals that include input from lab end users, like lab managers or bench scientists, who can speak to what truly works (and what doesn’t) in the spaces they use every day. If you have a client or colleague whose perspective would add value to this presentation, we’d love to include them!
Read our article on Tips and Topic Ideas for Speaking at the Lab Design Conference for further insight into how to craft a quality speaking proposal.
Why submit?
Speaking at the Lab Design Conference is your chance to:
Share what you've learned and elevate the field
Connect with peers who share your challenges
Boost your professional visibility
Be part of a community driving smarter, more sustainable lab spaces
We’re accepting solo talks, panels, case studies, and interactive formats. AIA-approved HSW content is especially welcome. Read more on what constitutes HSW content.
Ready to make an impact? Submit your proposal by August 8, 2025 and help shape the future of lab design.
See you in Orlando!
