What to Expect at Next Week’s Lab Design Conference
The 25th anniversary edition of the Lab Design Conference is nearly here, bringing the laboratory planning and architecture community to the Caribe Royale Orlando from May 11-14, 2026. Whether you are a seasoned lab manager, an architect, an engineer, a lab furniture manufacturer, or anyone else involved in the lab design/build process, next week offers a unique blend of technical deep-dives and high-level networking.
If you still need a ticket, there’s still time to get it! Register here, and choose from a full conference ticket or a one-day ticket. You can also add a workshop and/or lab tours to your newly purchased or existing ticket as well.
If you’re already registered for the Lab Design Conference, or want to learn more before acquiring your ticket, here is what you can look forward to as you prepare for your trip to Orlando.
From blueprint to reality: lessons for lab users
For many lab users, the prospect of a renovation or new build is daunting. A common anxiety is the feeling that "you don’t know what you don’t know." This conference is specifically designed to bridge that knowledge gap. Attendees will gain practical advice and lessons learned from those who have already navigated the complexities of lab construction.
You will learn how to identify and hire the right professionals for your specific needs, ensuring your project doesn’t just look good on paper, but functions seamlessly for your staff. The goal is to walk away with the confidence to advocate for your lab, ensuring a comfortable workflow in a space where people actually want to work. In this friendly, low-pressure setting, no question is too basic, and expert guidance is always within reach.
A competitive edge for project teams
Architects, engineers, and developers will find equal value in the program. Project teams can stay ahead of the curve by seeing exactly what is new in the industry and observing what their peers are doing globally. By analyzing the successes and challenges of international projects, you can bring "battle-tested" strategies back to your own firm.
Furthermore, the conference provides a direct line to lab end users, offering a rare opportunity to make connections and understand the pain points of potential new clients.
Tailor your educational journey
Education is the heart of the conference. With the exception of the opening keynote and the final closing session, the program features three concurrent educational sessions at any given time. This allows you to "choose your own adventure" based on your current project needs, covering everything from urban lab efficiency to sustainable energy strategies.
All courses are approved for AIA learning units for American Institute of Architects members, and many courses also qualify for Health Safety Welfare (HSW) credit as well.
Visit the exhibit hall for one-on-one conversations
The exhibit hall serves as a central hub for innovation. Here, you’ll find the industry’s leading providers of lab equipment, casework, and furniture. This is your chance for personal interaction—speak directly with suppliers about your specific project constraints and get the personal attention required for technical troubleshooting.
Celebrate the year’s best lab designs
One of the most anticipated highlights is the 2026 Design Excellence Awards ceremony on May 12, immediately following the opening keynote. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from the winners as they break down the complexities of their winning projects. From sustainable "whole-building" designs to innovative small-scale renovations, these sessions provide a "behind-the-scenes" look at the decision-making processes that lead to award-winning results. If you’re thinking of entering your own lab project in the 2027 competition, you won’t want to miss this.
Networking opportunities
The atmosphere in Orlando is professional yet relaxed, with a business casual dress code. Beyond the sessions, the schedule is packed with opportunities to refresh and connect through daily breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks, plus evening receptions on May 11 and 12. View the schedule here.
There’s still time to upgrade your ticket
Whether you’re buying your ticket today or already have one, it’s not too late to sign up for one of our three interactive workshops on May 11. These hands-on sessions are designed to enhance lab safety, efficiency, and compliance in modern lab design and operation, in an intimate and personal atmosphere.
Collaborative Lab Planning: Aligning Space Design with Real-World Workflows: Learn strategies that create safe, functional, and future-ready labs you can apply immediately.
Minimizing Risk: Liability-Aware Lab Design Strategies: Discuss strategies for creating safer, compliant, and high-performing lab environments.
Navigating Code Conflicts in Lab Design: Navigate overlapping codes and learn how to work effectively with authorities so you can design safer, compliant, and high-performing labs.
You can also add up to two local lab tours on May 14, where you will see Florida’s most innovative facilities firsthand:
Morning tour option A: Siemens Energy Orlando Innovation Campus
Morning tour option B: Florida Polytechnic University: Barnett Applied Research Center and Innovation, Science and Technology Building
Afternoon tour: Iron Bridge Regional Water Reclamation Facility
We look forward to seeing you in Orlando for a week of innovation, collaboration, and world-class lab design! If you’re already registered, check your email for important updates. If you still need a ticket, register here—full conference tickets along with one-day tickets are available to suit your scheduling needs.
