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AHREXPO 2024 Free Educational Sessions Agenda

Monday, Jan. 22-Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill. | Room: S401BC

With great excitement, we announce Automated Buildings’ presence at AHR2024 as we return for our 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter-century, Automated Buildings has been at the forefront of bringing news and leaders of the building controls and automation industry together. This milestone year promises to be unique, filled with insights, innovations, and opportunities that reflect the dynamic evolution of the industry.

Video Produced by Brian Collins of OpSys Solutions

AHREXPO 2024 | Building Intelligence: Embracing Collaboration to Thrive in an AI and Cloud-Driven Future

The theme, “Building Intelligence: Embracing Collaboration to Thrive in an AI and Cloud-Driven Future,” underscores the core philosophy behind AutomatedBuildings. Our mission is to unite industry thought leaders and serve as a central hub for the latest news and trends shaping the future of building automation.

This philosophy has driven our participation at AHR for the past 25 years; this year is no exception. We will cover many pivotal topics central to the Building Automation Systems (BAS) industry, from the latest staffing and recruitment trends attracting fresh talent to insights into cutting-edge technology tools streamlining day-to-day operations.

We are proud to present sessions highlighting critical issues affecting the world beyond buildings, including opportunities in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), decarbonization, and electrification, which are essential for reducing emissions. Equally urgent is our commitment to raising cybersecurity awareness across the industry through our “Cyber Harmony” message. We aim to promote collaboration to help the industry stay ahead of today’s sophisticated cyberattacks.

Please mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the remarkable journey of Automated Buildings’ 25th-anniversary event. Together, we will shape the future of building intelligence and pave the way for a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable world.

Learn more about our sessions below.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Room: S401BC
Staffing in the Industry Today: Building The Right Team

The industry continues to grow through innovative methods in recruiting, hiring, building culture, mentoring and training. The industry is in a state of flux. There will be a talent shortage for the next generation; where are the opportunities? New employees bring skills in AI and Cloud deployment. Reductions in new office construction will require moving to new markets, like retrofitting and re-deploying our existing workforce. For this session we’ve gathered together experts in Human Resources and recruitment to present strategies to help navigate the staffing challenges facing the industry.

Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Room: S401BC
Straight Talk with Marc Petock & His Leaders of The BAS Industry

Marc Petock brings together a select group of leaders from various aspects of the business, including manufacturers, solution providers, system integrators, contractors, engineering, distributors, and operators, to lead a lively, open discussion about today’s issues, trends, assumptions, changes, and expectations within the built environment. The group will discuss critical cause-and-effect actions within informational and operational technologies, business strategic adjustments, corrections, changing roles, new developments, and their observations for the coming year. Stay til the end for Marc’s always entertaining “Lighting Round.”

Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 11:45AM | Room: S401BC
AutomatedBuildings.com 25th Anniversary Celebration

Discover the new world of AutomatedBuildings.com as we celebrate 25 years of bringing the latest news and trends shaping building automation. Meet the man behind the machine, Founder and Editor-in-Chief Ken Sinclair, and learn how he has built AutomatedBuildings.com into one of the industry’s most trusted online publications. Join us as we commemorate the past, present, and exciting plans for the future to continue being a guiding force for the BAS industry.

Celebration Reception | 12:00 PM – 1:00PM | Room: S406A

The celebration continues into a lunch reception in room S406A, just a few short steps down the hall of our session room. Join long-time followers and supporters of AutomatedBuildings.com for an intimate gathering to wish Ken well as he transitions away from he day-to-day management of his online magazine. Pizza, soda, and dessert will be available, so come and grab a slice, and share a story or two with the man of the hour!

Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Room: S401BC
Cloud-Native: A New Way of Doing Everything

Cloud-native isn’t just a technology; it’s a philosophy, a way of doing things—one set to disrupt automation at a fundamental level. Cloud-native offers unmatched efficiency, scalability, and adaptability. However, widespread adoption will require a significant paradigm shift for the industry. We face many challenges and unknowns, like upgrading our systems and addressing cybersecurity issues. Join us as our expert panel explores the benefits and challenges of this transformative new way of doing everything. (Learn More)

Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 | 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Room: S401BC
The New Opportunity: Integrated Data Center Management (IDCM)

Mechanical Engineers and Building Controls Technicians, your professional landscape is evolving rapidly, and we’re here to ensure you are ahead of the curve. We invite you to an educational panel discussion on Integrated Data Center Management (IDCM). This is your opportunity to explore the cutting-edge integration of systems and the intricate dance between building automation systems and HVAC mechanical systems. Our distinguished panelists are ready to unveil pragmatic solutions and innovative strategies that ensure enhanced efficiency and streamlined management and deliver unparalleled insights. Navigate the complexities and opportunities inherent in unifying the data center ecosystem. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills that are desirable and essential in this era of rapid technological advancement and integration.

Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 | 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | Room: S401BC
Enlisting Buildings to Tackle Global Emissions: Get to Know the Risks and Opportunities

With sustainability regulations changing around the world, your customers are likely turning to you for answers and next steps on all things energy and emissions measuring and optimization. But what should you say and what can you do? The first, very important step is getting to know the related risks and opportunities. This industry panel brings together experts in commercial real estate management, cybersecurity, marketing, and reporting assurance to help you better understand the current landscape so that you can make the most informed decision for your business and best guide your customers along their own journey.

Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM | Room: S401BC
Building Automation Unveiled: Essential Insights for Engineers, Facility Managers, and BAS Professionals

Join an immersive session on Building Automation Systems (BAS), a must-attend event for engineers, facility managers and BAS Professionals. This session is meticulously crafted to provide a thorough understanding of BAS essentials, from its core structure to the sophisticated nuances of its communication protocols. Attendees will gain invaluable insights and tools to help navigate the strategic decision-making process essential for selecting each architectural level of a BAS. This session is an unparalleled opportunity, whether you’re seeking to augment your existing expertise or just starting in building automation. Be part of this dynamic experience and stay ahead in the world of building automation!

Host: Phil Zito, CEO, Smart Buildings Academ y

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Room: S401BC
The Engineer’s & Integrator’s Role in Creating Cyber Harmony

In this presentation, we will introduce a groundbreaking concept of “Cyber Harmony” and discuss its relevance to the roles of consulting engineers and systems integrators in cybersecurity. We’ll delve into the fundamental hardware and software prerequisites that must be integrated into your designs to guarantee the cybersecurity of your OT systems. Furthermore, we will provide insights into the essential responsibilities and roles of system integrators when it comes to ensuring the security of their deployments.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Room: S401BC
The Future of Energy Management: ESG, Decarbonization, and Electrification

The building sector is seeing an unprecedented influx of activity focused on reducing carbon emissions. Incentives, building performance standards, legislation and the downwards pressure on OPEX budgets are all creating an environment where carbon reduction is being linked back to improved business outcomes. Even if the only color green you care about is greenbacks, you’re sure to leave this session with actionable takeaways regarding the role that the BAS industry plays in business for decarbonization, where the sector is headed, and what we can learn from those leading the way.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Room: S401BC
Driving Forces of Change for Smarter Buildings

This group is part of the difference makers driving change in the industry, from chat rooms to ASHRAE to joint working groups. In this session, you will learn how their contributions are serving the industry today, as they embrace the wide ranging challenges facing the future of BAS.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM | Room: S401BC
Smarter Summit ’24 Recap

A panel from Monday Live! and C4SB will recap the Smarter Summit 24 held on the Sunday of the AHR Expo. The panel will discuss the implications of building systems moving to a cloud-native architecture and how the IBB (Interoperable Building Box) will help to deliver a smartphone-like way of managing your building’s apps (includes a demo showcasing how IBB Apps works).

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Room: S401BC
The Evolution and Implementation of AI in the BAS industry

Embracing AI tools will be critical for our survival in BAS. In this session, we will discuss how we need to retrofit our existing business models to use the power of AI now. Our panel of experts will go beyond theory to share the day-to-day applications of their AI tools in supporting everything from commercial to plant operations. They will provide real-world examples, demonstrating how AI can revolutionize processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure the continued success of your operations in the ever-evolving building automation landscape.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Room: S401BC
The View: Contractor Realities in BAS Today

In this session, our expert panelists will tackle the pressing challenges facing today’s contractors in the building controls industry. Gain valuable insights into navigating issues such as IT/OT network architecture, economics, energy, reality vs Prop Tech, and more from those with a deep understanding of the realities of building automation.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 | 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | Room: S401BC
BAS Manufacturing Executives Roundtable

A collaboration of the BAS community inspired by Cochrane Supply’s Controls-Con conference. We’re bringing together thought leaders and decision-makers from some of the industry’s top manufacturers to tackle today’s tough questions and share their insights for the future.

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