Maximize Your Lab Design Conference Experience with Hands-On Workshops
On May 11, 2026, attendees of the Lab Design Conference in Orlando will have the opportunity to go beyond presentations and dive into interactive, hands-on learning through three in-depth workshops.
Scheduled from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, these optional sessions offer a focused, practical look at some of the most pressing challenges in laboratory design today—from aligning spaces with real-world workflows to managing risk and navigating complex code requirements.
Because all three workshops take place concurrently, attendees may select only one. Each workshop requires a separate ticket in addition to a standard conference registration, and space is limited—early registration is strongly recommended to secure your spot.
Participants can tailor their experience by choosing the workshop that best aligns with their role, interests, and current project challenges. Whether your focus is user-centered planning, liability and safety, or regulatory compliance, each session delivers actionable insights that can be applied immediately.
Why hands-on workshops matter
For professionals across the lab design ecosystem, interactive learning provides a level of depth that traditional presentations often cannot match. Workshops create space for real-time problem-solving, discussion, and application—helping attendees translate concepts into practical strategies.
Through guided exercises, case studies, and expert-led discussions, participants gain tools they can bring directly back to their teams and projects. These sessions are designed not just to inform, but to equip attendees with methods and frameworks that improve decision-making and long-term outcomes.
Each workshop highlights a different critical dimension of high-performance lab design.
Workshop A: Collaborative Lab Planning
This session focuses on aligning laboratory design with how science actually happens. Led by Kelly Sullivan, PhD, of CIC, the workshop introduces a user-centric approach that grounds planning decisions in real-world workflows.
Participants will learn how to map day-to-day lab activities—capturing how people move, interact, and solve problems—and translate those behaviors into spatial and infrastructure requirements. Through hands-on exercises, attendees will explore tools such as workflow mapping, zone planning, and stakeholder communication strategies.
The workshop also addresses common early-stage pitfalls, including inefficient adjacencies, storage gaps, and safety risks. By focusing on both technical planning and human dynamics, participants will gain a framework for improving collaboration and ensuring that lab users’ needs are clearly represented from the outset.
Further reading: 2026 Lab Design Conference Workshop: Collaborative Lab Planning
Workshop B: Minimizing Risk in Design Decisions
Focusing on safety and liability, this workshop—led by Kevin Hollenbeck and Amanda Jones of Precis Engineering + Architecture—examines how design decisions directly impact risk in laboratory environments.
Participants will explore how early planning choices, operational workflows, and equipment layouts can either mitigate or amplify safety concerns. Through real-world case studies and interactive exercises, the session emphasizes proactive risk identification and the importance of engaging the right stakeholders early in the design process.
A key component of the workshop is documentation—how to capture decisions, maintain clear records, and create a shared understanding across project teams. Attendees will also learn how to go beyond minimum code requirements to address broader operational, financial, and legal considerations.
The result is a comprehensive approach to designing labs that are not only functional, but also safer and more resilient.
Further reading: 2026 Lab Design Conference Workshop: Minimizing Risk in Design Decisions
Workshop C: Navigating Code Conflicts in Lab Design
Led by Jeremy Lebowitz of Jensen Hughes, this workshop tackles one of the most complex aspects of lab design: managing overlapping and sometimes conflicting codes.
Participants will gain practical strategies for identifying code conflicts early, working effectively with authorities having jurisdiction, and applying both prescriptive and performance-based compliance approaches. The session highlights how early intervention can prevent costly redesigns and construction delays.
Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how to translate code requirements into design solutions that enhance safety and performance. The workshop also emphasizes the importance of understanding code intent—enabling teams to make smarter decisions that support both compliance and operational efficiency.
By reframing code challenges as opportunities, this session helps participants create labs that exceed minimum standards while remaining flexible and future-ready.
Further reading: 2026 Lab Design Conference Workshop: Navigating Code Conflicts in Lab Design
Valuable insights for every project stakeholder
One of the most impactful aspects of these workshops is the opportunity to learn directly from experienced industry leaders while engaging with peers facing similar challenges.
Architects and planners can refine their design strategies and validate approaches. Lab managers and end users can better articulate their operational needs and advocate for more effective spaces. Engineers, contractors, and suppliers gain a deeper understanding of how their contributions influence overall performance, safety, and compliance.
These shared perspectives foster stronger collaboration—an essential component of successful lab projects.
Even experienced professionals will find value in the interactive format, which encourages discussion, problem-solving, and the exchange of ideas that often lead to new insights.
Reserve your spot soon
Because workshop tickets must be purchased separately from the main conference registration—and attendance is limited—planning ahead is essential. Participants may choose only one session, making early selection especially important.
For anyone involved in the planning, design, construction, or operation of laboratory environments, the workshops at the 2026 Lab Design Conference offer something uniquely valuable: the chance to engage deeply with complex topics, learn practical strategies, and return with tools that can immediately improve project outcomes.
Secure your spot today and make the most of your conference experience!
