Why Lab Pros Keep Coming Back: 25 Years of the Lab Design Conference
The Lab Design Conference marks its 25th annual event this year—a milestone that reflects not only the longevity of the event itself, but the sustained relevance of a community built around the evolving practice of laboratory design. Over the past quarter century, it has become a consistent gathering point for architects, engineers, planners, facility leaders, and end users who are all working toward the same goal: creating better spaces for science.
The 2026 Lab Design Conference will be held in Orlando, FL on May 11-14, with two days of AIA-accredited educational sessions and networking events bookended by hands-on workshops and local lab tours. Read more about why industry professionals continue to return year after year—and how the Lab Design Conference offers a worthwhile investment through meaningful connections with potential clients, collaborators, and colleagues across the laboratory design community. Register now to secure your ticket.
A conference that keeps people coming back
One of the clearest reasons attendees return year after year is the balance between technical depth and professional connection. The conference has maintained a scale that encourages meaningful exchange rather than passive attendance, allowing participants to engage directly with peers, experts, and exhibitors.
Chris Ertl, global science & technology leader|principal at DLR Group, emphasizes the value of that mix of learning and networking: “I enjoy several things about the Lab Design Conference. It is always great to learn from experts in the field of laboratory design. I learn so much from my time spend visiting with the exhibitors. Most importantly, I am uplifted to network and share stories of successes and challenges that we face in our profession.” Chris and his colleague Chen Qin will lead a roundtable discussion about Designing Healthier Laboratories through Material Selection on May 12 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.
Personal connection in a specialized field
That sense of accessibility is echoed by many long-time attendees. Michael Wesolowsky, principal at Thornton Tomasetti, notes the distinct character of the event compared to larger industry conferences: “This will be my third LDC. My favorite aspect is the smaller, more intimate feel of this conference, compared to other conferences. I feel that there is more opportunity to connect with other attendees due to the structure of the agenda and the longer session times.” Don’t miss Mike’s roundtable on Addressing Vibration Concerns in Laboratory Design and Renovation on May 13 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Expanding relevance across roles and experience levels
Panel discussion at the 2019 Lab Design Conference in Orlando, FL. The conference will be in Orlando again on May 11-14, 2026—get your ticket now!
The conference has also continued to broaden its scope, ensuring relevance across career stages and disciplines. Dwayne Henry, instructional lab manager of chemical and biological sciences at Montgomery College-Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus in Maryland, highlights this expansion: “Of course, the knowledge obtained is essential—however it’s not just about the knowledge/information that is available, but the wide array of topics that are now available at the conference. There is truly something there now for the industry veteran to the new end user who is in the process of having a new lab built. The vendor fair is great as well!” Dwayne will join other lab managers for a special panel discussion, Insights from Lab End Users–Avoiding Pitfalls in Laboratory Projects, on May 13 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
First impressions and new perspectives
For first-time attendees, the conference also serves as an entry point into a highly specialized and collaborative field. Shrei Crenshaw, lab director at Inform Diagnostics, reflects on this perspective: “This is my first time attending the conference and I’m most looking forward to observing what types of professionals attend conferences like these,” she says. “I’m very interested in learning what the different attendees gain from attending these events.” Make sure to see Shrei, along with her colleagues Teresa Rodriguez and Levy Minemann, as she presents From Cubicles to Specimens—Lessons in Speed, Process, Strategy, and Collaboration from a Lab Conversion, taking place on May 13 at 8:00-9:00am.
25 years of a living professional community
Interactive roundtable discussion at the 2025 Lab Design Conference in Denver, CO.
Eric Slifer, senior laboratory planner at CRB, has attended the Lab Design Conference since its first event in San Diego in 2002, reflecting the kind of long-term loyalty shared by many attendees. For returning participants, the conference offers not only enduring professional connections with both longtime colleagues and newcomers, but also a chance to witness—and contribute to—the evolution of laboratory planning as a recognized discipline.
“The organization and professionalism of the staff that host the event has been wonderful. It really is a great place to connect with the old-timers and also meet the newcomers to the industry,” Slifer says. “In the 90s, no one even said their role was a ‘laboratory planner’ with any confidence, because no one really knew what that meant—but for the last 15 years, I’ve noticed how people ‘own it’ and are proud to be a subject matter expert in this specific field of architecture.”
Over its 25-year history, the Lab Design Conference has remained more than an annual event. It has become a shared professional touchpoint where expertise is exchanged, roles are defined and refined, and the laboratory design community continues to evolve together—one conversation, one session, and one connection at a time. Get your ticket now to secure your spot!
