Planning a Lab Renovation or Retrofit? Here’s Why You Should Attend the 2026 Lab Design Conference

Laboratory renovations and retrofits are rarely straightforward. Unlike new construction, they require teams to work within fixed envelopes, aging infrastructure, evolving safety codes, and active research or clinical operations that can’t simply pause. Whether the challenge is undersized mechanical systems, outdated workflows, or the need to modernize space without disrupting staff and science, renovation projects demand creativity, collaboration, and hard-earned lessons.

That’s exactly why professionals involved in lab renovations—from lab managers and facilities leaders to architects, engineers, and planners—stand to benefit from attending the 2026 Lab Design Conference, taking place May 11-14 in Orlando, FL. The conference offers targeted education, peer-to-peer learning, and networking opportunities designed around the realities of lab projects as they actually exist, not as they appear in idealized case studies.

With sessions eligible for AIA continuing education credit, access to an exhibit hall featuring lab design industry partners, and ample time to connect with fellow professionals facing similar constraints, the conference provides a concentrated opportunity to sharpen strategies and avoid common pitfalls. Those who register early can also save $100 by purchasing tickets before February 27, 2026.

Renovation lessons from the field

Several sessions at the 2026 Lab Design Conference are especially relevant for teams navigating renovation and retrofit projects, offering case studies and discussions grounded in real-world constraints.

Session 3A: The Beauty of Manufacturing: Examining New England Biolabs’ Garden Facility Site Expansion reframes renovation as a strategic opportunity rather than a limitation. Faced with the need to update existing laboratories while expanding production capacity, New England Biolabs used renovation as a catalyst to rethink how science, people, and visitors experience the facility. The session explores how loop corridors, reclaimed space, and people-centric design transformed an upgrade project into a showcase environment—balancing efficient lab footprints with transparency, biophilic design, and future-ready flexibility. For renovation teams, it’s a reminder that even highly technical upgrades can advance organizational culture, branding, and staff wellbeing.

While some projects benefit from campus-wide vision, others require ingenuity within extreme constraints. Session 3B: No, We Can’t Put It on a Barge: Lessons from a Landlocked Blood Bank Renovation speaks directly to teams working in dense urban or healthcare environments. With a facility last renovated in the 1970s and no room to expand, the Baptist Health System team relied on LEAN principles, workflow analysis, and early stakeholder engagement to modernize operations. This session emphasizes the importance of decluttering, adapting to leadership and automation changes, and embracing “wish we’d done that sooner” lessons—insights that are invaluable for anyone planning a phased renovation while maintaining active operations.

Mechanical and infrastructure constraints are often the most daunting aspects of lab retrofits, and Session 4C: Panel: Smart Renovation Strategies for Safe, Efficient, and Cost-Effective Lab Environments tackles these challenges head-on. Using the University of Florida’s Basic Science Building renovation as a case study, the panel explores how teams addressed an undersized mechanical room and high fume hood demands without resorting to costly additions. Attendees will gain practical insights into alternative ventilation strategies, variable volume fume hoods, sash sensors, and automatic sash closers—solutions that improve safety, indoor air quality, and energy performance while remaining budget-conscious. The interactive format encourages shared problem-solving, making the lessons immediately applicable to other renovation projects.

Adaptive reuse is another increasingly common renovation strategy, particularly as institutions look to make better use of existing building stock. Session 7B: Designing for Health, Safety, and Science: Transforming Industrial Space into a State-of-the-Art Lab examines the conversion of a windowless industrial building into a 20,000-square-foot environmental testing laboratory. This HSW-focused case study highlights how renovations can correct long-standing issues such as poor air circulation, inadequate lighting, and awkward workflows. Topics including daylighting, ergonomics, fire-rated retrofits, and water conservation demonstrate how thoughtful design decisions can dramatically improve both safety and staff wellbeing—key considerations for any retrofit project.

Rounding out the renovation-focused programming is Session 9B: Breakout: Challenges and Opportunities for Your Next Laboratory Renovation, a discussion-driven session that pulls together lessons from across architecture, engineering, operations, and sustainability. Panelists will explore what truly differentiates renovation projects from new construction, from floor-to-floor height limitations and MEP constraints to the realities of scope, budget, and schedule control. With an emphasis on audience participation, this session offers a chance for attendees to test ideas, share experiences, and gain perspective from peers navigating similar challenges.

Beyond the sessions: networking and resources

Much of the value of the Lab Design Conference happens outside the presentation rooms. Renovation teams have plenty of chances to talk informally with architects, lab planners, engineers, and end users—swapping stories, pressure-testing ideas, and learning how others have handled similar challenges on their own projects. Those conversations often continue long after the conference wraps up.

The exhibit hall is another practical resource, especially for teams in the middle of planning or construction. It’s a chance to see what’s available for lab upgrades—everything from ventilation and safety systems to furnishings and planning tools—and to ask questions in a low-pressure setting. For many attendees, these discussions help narrow options, spot potential issues early, and make more informed decisions back on the job.

A smart investment for renovation teams

Lab renovations are complicated, and there aren’t many chances to step back and learn from teams who’ve already worked through similar challenges. The 2026 Lab Design Conference creates space for that—bringing together practical sessions, honest project stories, and open conversations with people doing this work every day.

For those responsible for updating or retrofitting lab spaces, attending is less about checking a box and more about learning what works, what doesn’t, and what to watch out for before problems show up on your own project. Register now to secure your spot!