Conference Overview

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) 14th Annual Building Innovation Conference will be held on May 19–20, 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in McLean, VA. Leaders from government, industry, and academia will align innovations, policies, and standards that strengthen the systems underpinning the built environment. There is no other event that brings together this unique set of individuals – from government agencies and AEC industry professionals to researchers, community planners, and innovative thinkers – to improve the built environment.

Building Innovation 2026 will spotlight two critical focus areas: Systems of Systems, which examines how interconnected infrastructure affects resilience at the national scale, and Modular Offsite Construction, which highlights efficient, scalable building methods aligned with NIBS’ emphasis on applied technologies and forward-looking building science.

Who Should Submit

Industry leaders with valuable insights, case studies, best practices, lessons learned, and/or remaining challenges are encouraged to submit abstracts for consideration.

Education Tracks

Innovators

Emerging research, digital transformation, and breakthroughs in design, materials, and performance measurement that enable smarter, more connected systems.

Implementers

Real-world applications: case studies, project outcomes, and lessons learned integrating resilience, sustainability, and efficiency across networks.

Influencers

Strategy, policy, standards, and cross-sector collaboration to scale systemic impact and strengthen national resilience and competitiveness.

Topics of Interest

• Systems integration across buildings, utilities, and lifeline infrastructure
• Resilience and climate adaptation strategies
• Advances in codes, standards, and policies supporting alignment
• Digitalization and interoperability
• Innovations in materials, design, and construction that strengthen/streamline systems
• Healthy Buildings and indoor environmental quality
• Case studies showcasing scalable solutions
• Community resilience
• Response and recovery
• Risk assessment
• Workforce

Submission Guidelines

• Presentation durations: 20, 30, or 50–60 minutes.
• Formats: individual, 2-speaker, or panel (≤5 people including moderator). All speakers must be committed at submission; NIBS may organize panels or select moderators.
• Submitting is a professional commitment; if accepted, speakers must attend or provide a substitute. 7 days to confirm participation upon notification.
• Use NIBS-branded PowerPoint slides; speakers provide their own content.
• No promotional or commercial presentations will be accepted.