Navigating Complexity. Escalating Opportunity.
AutomatedBuildings.com returns to the AHR Expo on February 2–4, 2026, to host three days of free Industry Education Sessions exploring the theme “Navigating Complexity. Escalating Opportunity.” This year’s lineup focuses on turning innovation into action, helping BAS professionals apply AI tools, strengthen cybersecurity, improve efficiency, and build stronger businesses. From practical sessions on heat pumps and commissioning to deep dives on AI and the evolving role of the Master Systems Integrator, each discussion offers real-world strategies for thriving in a rapidly advancing industry.
View our Agenda of Sessions listed below:
Day 1 | Monday, February 2, 2026
Monday, February 2, 2026
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Navigating Complexity. Escalating Opportunity. Today, Tomorrow & The Future.
Join Ken Sinclair and the editorial board of AutomatedBuildings.com for a state-of-the-union address on where our industry has been and where it’s headed. With more than 150 years of combined experience, panelists will reflect on the milestones that shaped building automation and provide forward-looking insights on AI, cloud, interoperability, and human-centric design. Learn how to embrace continuous learning, address cybersecurity, and unlock data-driven ecosystems to navigate complexity and seize the escalating opportunities ahead.
Speakers:
Monday, February 2, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
AI + Buildings 2026: Redefining Autonomy from People to Portfolios
Back for its third year, this high-demand panel on AI and autonomous buildings explores how autonomy is being redefined in practice. AI is moving beyond HVAC optimization to agent-based intelligence, digital twins, and portfolio-scale platforms that reshape operations across thousands of facilities. Panelists will share insights on breakthroughs, challenges, and the human side of adoption, from building new skills to supporting workforce growth, ensuring people remain central in the age of autonomy.
Speakers:
Monday, February 2, 2026
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Master Systems Integrator
Master Systems Integrators (MSIs) have moved far beyond being “controls contractors on steroids.” Today, they serve as trusted advisors, consulting with owners, guiding technology decisions, and ensuring seamless integration across mechanical, electrical, and IT systems. This session explores the MSI’s evolution into a professional service that saves owners millions through smarter collaboration, coordination, and avoidance costs. Learn how MSIs are shaping digital building strategies, bridging silos, and delivering long-term value through consultation and expertise.
Speakers:
- Moderator – Scott Cochrane, CEO & President, Cochrane Supply
- Nathan Kerr, Sr Sales Director, Wesco
- Ed Merwin, Director of Strategic Business, Tridium
- Erin Defrieze, Studio Lead, Stantec
- Sarah Cole, Owner, Software & Hardware Expertise
Monday, February 2, 2026
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
BAC… net to the Future!
BACnet has long been the backbone of building automation, but to thrive in a cloud and AI-driven world, it must continue to evolve. This session explores the next steps for BACnet/SC, from strengthening cybersecurity and IT alignment to embracing semantic tagging and developer-friendly APIs. Learn how these changes can unlock seamless cloud integration, enable machine reasoning, and ensure BACnet remains the leading open protocol for the future of intelligent buildings.
Speakers:
Monday, February 2, 2026
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Succession, Sale, or Scale: What’s next for your business?
Everyone in the industry eventually faces the question: what’s next? Whether you’re planning to sell, pass the business on, or grow to the next level, knowing what buyers and successors truly value is critical. This session breaks down consolidation, the risks and rewards of each path, and offers practical insights to strengthen your company’s future. Walk away with strategies you can start applying today to position your business for success.
Speakers:
Monday, February 2, 2026
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
AHR Exhibitor Controller Showdown 4 – Elvis Edition
Back by popular demand, the AHR Exhibitor Controller Showdown takes the stage—Vegas style. Leading manufacturers will showcase their latest smart building controllers, demonstrating the features, flexibility, and performance that set them apart. This year’s Elvis-themed edition promises not only great insights but also a bit of Vegas flair. Learn how to evaluate, program, and commission today’s most advanced controllers while enjoying an engaging, head-to-head competition you won’t forget.
Speakers:
Day 2 | Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Software Platform Wars
Building automation is increasingly driven by software platforms that connect systems, data, and people in new ways. In this session, leading vendors will share insights into their connected platforms, highlight real-world use cases, and offer best practices for successful deployment. Attendees will learn how different platforms approach integration, scalability, and user experience while gaining practical guidance to help evaluate solutions and chart the best path for their own projects.
Speakers:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Efficiency is Money: How Smart Buildings Pay Off
Smart buildings promise efficiency, but what truly delivers results? This session shows how to achieve the “triple win”: lower operating costs, improved occupant comfort, and simpler operations for staff. Too often, projects fall short of the promise—here you’ll learn proven strategies and field-tested examples that actually work. Gain practical tips to differentiate yourself from the competition and deliver measurable savings and long-term value for your clients.
Speakers:
Tuesday, February 2, 2026
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Why Heat Pump Projects Fail: Tips and Tricks for Success
Central heat pump projects continue to face setbacks and the root cause often lies in controls. From limited experience among designers, contractors, and reps, to poor documentation and weak commissioning, too many factors contribute to underperformance. This session brings together heat pump experts to examine recurring challenges and share proven solutions. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, strengthen project outcomes, and ensure your heat pump installations deliver on their efficiency promise.
Speakers:
- Moderator – Brad White, President, SES Consulting
- Dan Gentry, Application Engineer, Trane
- James Murphy, Sales Manager, LONG Building Technologies
- Ben Benaiche, Building Automation Manager, Caesars Enteraintment
Tuesday, February 2, 2026
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Connected and Secure: Building BAS Across Legacy, Hybrid, and Cloud Networks
As building automation networks evolve from legacy to hybrid to fully cloud-connected, cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought, it must be foundational. This session explores the latest strategies for securing OT networks, aligning with IT best practices, and protecting connected BAS systems from growing cyber threats. Learn how to balance connectivity with resilience, apply practical safeguards, and build trust in systems that span diverse environments while keeping your buildings secure and adaptive.
Speakers:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Innovative Methods for Retrofitting
Retrofits aren’t new construction—and applying the same solutions often leads to disappointment. This session explores why retrofit projects require different rules and approaches, with real-world examples of deep energy retrofits and system redesigns. Learn what worked, what didn’t, and how to strike the right balance between performance, cost, and complexity. Gain practical strategies to deliver retrofit systems that last and exceed expectations for owners and occupants alike.
Speakers:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
How to Build Out an FM/PM Schedule
This session is a step-by-step session designed to help you create facility and preventive maintenance plans that actually work. You will learn how to structure schedules that reduce equipment failures, align maintenance tasks with real operational needs, and improve efficiency while cutting unnecessary costs. Whether you oversee facility operations or manage maintenance teams, this session provides a clear, actionable framework you can apply immediately to strengthen reliability, extend system life, and improve overall performance.
Speakers:
- Moderator – Phil Zito, CEO, Smart Buildings Academy
Day 3 | Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Essential Insights for Engineers, Facility Managers, & BAS Professionals
This session will provide attendees with a clear and practical understanding of Building Automation Systems (BAS), what they are, how they function, and how they can be effectively utilized in a facility. Covering the full lifecycle of a BAS project, from design to implementation and operation, this presentation is designed for facility managers, technicians, sales professionals, and engineers looking to deepen their knowledge.
Speakers:
- Moderator – Phil Zito, CEO, Smart Buildings Academy
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Energy Management & Commissioning 101
Energy management and commissioning are two of the most important tools for keeping buildings efficient and reliable. This beginner-friendly session explains what commissioning is, the difference between standard and performance commissioning, and why it matters. Attendees will learn the basics of how these practices improve building operations and gain practical strategies to make the business case for performance Cx with benefits owners can’t ignore.
Speakers:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Practical Experiences Using AI
AI isn’t just for tech giants. It’s a practical tool any company can use to improve quality and productivity. This session shares real-world examples of firms in the BAS industry applying AI in engineering, project management, and people management. Attendees are invited to contribute their own experiences, both successes and challenges, making this a collaborative discussion on how AI is transforming work in meaningful, achievable ways.
Speakers:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Introduction to BAS
This session offers a beginner-friendly overview of the Building Automation Systems (BAS) industry—what it is, how it has evolved, and why it matters today. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of BAS functionality, explore how these systems improve efficiency and support sustainability goals, and gain insights into best practices for both new projects and retrofits. Perfect for newcomers, this session provides a clear foundation for understanding the world of BAS.
Speakers:
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