Sharpen Your Skills with Targeted Lab Design Conference Workshops
The 2026 Lab Design Conference offers attendees the opportunity to take their learning a step further with a choice of three in-depth workshops on Sunday, May 11, from 2:30–4:30 pm. These small-group, interactive sessions provide practical strategies you can put to use immediately in your own lab projects.
Workshops are available as an add-on to the Lab Design Conference registration and require advance purchase when you register for the event. Each session is limited in size, ensuring a highly interactive experience.
Please note: all three workshops will run simultaneously, so you’ll want to choose the one that best fits your role, challenges, and professional goals!
Option A: Collaborative Lab Planning—Aligning Space Design with Real-World Workflows
Instructor: Kelly Sullivan, PhD, Global Director of Operations & Labs, CIC
Modern laboratories thrive on collaboration and adaptability, but too often design processes don’t fully reflect the day-to-day needs of end users. This workshop bridges that gap, offering tools to align lab spaces with the real scientific workflows that drive innovation.
Through interactive planning scenarios, participants will learn how to translate operational needs—such as safety, storage, and collaboration—into practical design strategies. Dr. Kelly Sullivan will guide the group in mapping workflows, defining shared versus private zones, avoiding early-stage pitfalls, and designing for flexibility.
You’ll walk away with actionable approaches to improve communication between stakeholders, ensure user needs are prioritized, and future-proof your lab against inevitable changes in research focus and technology.
Option B: Minimizing Risk—Liability-Aware Lab Design Strategies
Instructors: Kevin Hollenbeck, Director of Life Sciences, Precis Engineering + Architecture; Amanda Jones, Director—Project Management, Precis Engineering + Architecture
Every decision made during the lab design process carries implications for occupant safety—and for legal liability. This session focuses on strategies to minimize risk at every stage, from planning to construction to operations.
Through case studies and interactive discussion, participants will explore how design choices in layout, equipment placement, and workflow can reduce hazards, ensure compliance, and support safer research environments. The instructors will also share best practices for documenting design decisions, engaging stakeholders, and going beyond minimum code requirements to create resilient, high-performing labs.
Attendees will leave with practical tools for mitigating liability while prioritizing the health, safety, and welfare of lab occupants.
Option C: Navigating Code Conflicts in Lab Design
Instructor: Jeremy Lebowitz, Senior Director + Market Leader, Jensen Hughes
Overlapping codes and standards often create confusion, delays, and added costs in lab projects. This workshop gives you the tools to recognize, interpret, and resolve these conflicts while still prioritizing safety and performance.
Led by code expert Jeremy Lebowitz, this session covers strategies for balancing prescriptive and performance-based compliance, working effectively with authorities having jurisdiction, and documenting decisions to protect both occupants and organizations. Real-world examples will highlight how to identify gaps where code minimums may not be sufficient and how to translate compliance into safe, functional designs.
Participants will leave with the confidence to tackle complex code scenarios and turn potential roadblocks into opportunities for stronger, more resilient lab spaces.
Secure your spot!
Whether your focus is workflow alignment, liability reduction, or code compliance, these workshops provide a rare opportunity to dive deep into issues that directly affect the safety, efficiency, and success of today’s labs.
Seats are limited, and because each workshop runs at the same time, it’s important to select your preferred session when registering for the conference. Don’t miss your chance to add one of these exclusive sessions to your Lab Design Conference experience.
Workshops are $215 each and must be purchased as an add-on to your regular LDC registration. Secure your spot today—space is limited!
