AHR Expo 2025 Free Industry Seminars – AutomatedBuildings.com Education Sessions

Monday, February 10, 2025

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Room: W309
Scaling Up: The Next Wave in Building Automation

Explore the next wave in Building Automation as AI, cloud solutions, and decarbonization goals drive rapid scaling across the industry. This session addresses the pressing challenges businesses will face in the industry, including staffing shortages, skill gaps, and cybersecurity threats, while offering strategies to adapt and thrive. Attendees will gain valuable insights into emerging trends highlighted throughout the AutomatedBuildings.com educational sessions.

Key Points:

• AI, Cloud solutions, and decarbonization goals drive a surge in Building Automation, pushing the industry toward scalable solutions.
• Companies face staffing shortages, skill gaps, and growing cyber threats, requiring adaptive strategies to thrive in this changing landscape.
• An overview of key trends and insights to be covered during the 3-day sessions, focusing on the future of Building Automation.

Speakers:

Kerri Sinclair, Editorial Board Chair, Automatedbuildings.com
Scott Cochrane, CEO & President, Cochrane Supply
Brad White, President, SES Consulting

Monday, February 10, 2025

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Room W309
How to Scale Your Talent with Tech

In this session, discover how smart building providers can overcome staffing shortages and scale their operations effectively by leveraging technology. We’ll explore whether investing in better tech, rather than more staff, is the real key to growth. Attendees will learn how cutting-edge solutions are enhancing job efficiency, streamlining workflows, and reducing the need for additional manpower, offering practical strategies to scale their business with fewer resources.

Key Points:

• Challenges smart building providers face as they struggle with staffing shortages while trying to grow.
• Exploring whether better technology, rather than more staff, is the key to scaling up efficiently.
• How new tech solutions enhance job efficiency and reduce the need for additional manpower.

Speakers:

Kerri Sinclair, Editorial Board Chair, AutomatedBuildings.com – Moderator

Monday, February 10, 2025

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Room: W309
Controlling Giant Heat Pumps: How it Can Go Wrong and How to Make it Go Right

Large heat pumps play a crucial role in modern HVAC systems, but controlling them effectively presents unique challenges. This session dives into common control failures, their consequences, and how to avoid them. Through real-world case studies, we’ll explore how proper commissioning and advanced controls can turn setbacks into successes. Attendees will also gain insights into adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of equipment electrification and staying ahead of this critical paradigm shift.

Key Points:

• Examining frequent failures in controlling large heat pumps, their impact, and strategies for prevention.
• Case studies highlighting the role of commissioning and controls in both setbacks and successes.
• Adapting to the evolving landscape of equipment electrification and navigating this paradigm shift effectively.

Speakers:

Brad White, President, SES Consulting – Moderator
Dan Gentry, Applications Engineer, Trane – Panelist

Monday, February 10, 2025

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Room: W309
Cyber Security and Zero Trust in BAS

In an era of escalating cyber threats, securing Building Automation Systems (BAS) has become a top priority. This session offers expert insights from the Real Estate Cyber Consortium on best practices for safeguarding building control systems. Attendees will also learn about emerging threats, effective mitigation strategies, and the industry’s push toward collaborative security efforts through initiatives like Cyber Harmony, aimed at fostering a secure and ethical digital environment for BAS.

Key Points:

• Insights from the Real Estate Cyber Security Consortium and large property owners’ CIOs on securing Building Control Systems.
• An overview of key cyber threats and effective mitigation strategies for large-scale building systems.
• A call to action for industry-wide cooperation, Cyber Harmony, in creating a secure and ethical digital environment for Building Automation Systems.

Speakers:

Greg Fitzpatrick, CxA, Business Development Leader, Cochrane Supply – Moderator
Jim Lee, Fouder, CEO, Cimetrics – Panelist
Aaron Brondum, Sr. Director of Business Development, Neeve – Panelist
Mike MacMahon, Intelligent Buildings Consultant, Newcomb & Boyd – Panelist

Monday, February 10, 2025

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Room: W309
Healthy Buildings, Beyond Four Walls

When we think of buildings, we often focus on their physical structures and aesthetics. But truly healthy buildings go far beyond brick and mortar. They encompass a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of occupants. Join us as we discuss healthy buildings and how they aim to create environments that promote physical, mental, and social health.

Key Points:

• Emphasizing the importance of indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and proper lighting and acoustics to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment for occupants.
• Going beyond the physical structure by incorporating active design elements like accessible green spaces and stairs to promote movement and well-being.
• Prioritizing social well-being by designing spaces that reduce stress, foster connection, and enhance overall occupant experience.

Speakers:

Lauren Scott, VP Marketing and Sustainability, Acuity – Moderator
Stephanie Poole, Senior Decarbonization Engineer, SES Consulting – Panelist
Julie Petrone,  Director of Global Marketing, ABB – Panelist

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Room: W309
Decarbonization and the New Energy Management Opportunity

Decarbonization reshapes energy management, creating new opportunities and challenges for smart building design. This session delves into the evolving landscape of equipment electrification, highlighting how BAS professionals are crucial in driving sustainable solutions. Discover the lucrative business cases and incentive programs encouraging decarbonization and electrification strategies. We’ll also discuss the critical role of industry collaborations in amplifying the effectiveness of these efforts, providing a comprehensive view of how decarbonization is reshaping the future of energy management.

Key Points:

• Decarbonization is reshaping building design, operation, and maintenance. BAS professionals are pivotal to this transition.
• Explore the business cases and incentive programs available for BAS companies.
• Discuss the importance of industry collaborations in enhancing the effectiveness of decarbonization efforts, benefiting the entire sector.

Speakers:

Stephanie Poole, Senior Decarbonization Engineer, SES Consulting – Moderator
Lauren Scott, VP Marketing and Sustainability, Acuity – Panelist
Abby Massey, VP of Energy Incentives, Taxtaker – Panelist
Scott Cochrane, President & CEO, Cochrane Supply – Panelist

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Room: W309
Scaling Up Smart Building Design

The rapid evolution of Building Automation System (BAS) technology is outpacing traditional design and construction practices. This session explores the disconnect between current methods and the demands of modern smart buildings. Attendees will gain insights from case studies highlighting failures and successes in commissioning and controls. Learn how to adapt your designs to meet evolving equipment electrification, interoperability, and cybersecurity expectations. Walk away with actionable strategies for overcoming common barriers and achieving better outcomes in smart building projects.

Key Points:

• Our specification, design, and construction practices often fail to keep pace with the rapid evolution of BAS technology.
• Case studies highlight the role of commissioning and controls in setbacks and successes.
• Adapting to the evolving landscape of equipment electrification and navigating this paradigm shift effectively.

Speaker:

Brad White, President, SES Consulting – Moderator
Greg Fitzpatrick, CxA, Business Development Leader – Panelist
Dave Mulcahy, The Building People, Director of Smart Buildings – Panelist
Mike MacMahon, Intelligent Building Consultant, Newcomb & Boyd – Panelist

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Room: W309
Can Autonomous Buildings Become a Reality with AI?

OT/IT Feeds AI – Then OT Executes the AI commands. Explore how Operational Technology (OT) networks shape the effectiveness of AI in building control systems. This session delves into the potential of fully autonomous buildings, featuring expert panel discussions on what’s possible today and on the horizon. Attendees will learn to harness analytics and AI to enhance workflows and streamline facility operations in adaptive buildings. Gain practical insights into integrating AI with OT to achieve smarter, more efficient control systems.

Key Points:

• How Operational Technology (OT) networks affect the deployment of AI in building control systems.
• Can fully autonomous buildings become a reality? Insights and discussions from our expert panel.
• Leveraging analytics and AI to streamline facility operations through adaptive workflows in modern buildings.

Speakers:

Tracy Markie, CEO, Engenuity – Moderator
Keith Gipson, Founder & CEO, Facil.ai – Panelist
Brian Turner, CEO, OTI – Panelist
Troy Harvey, CEO, CoFounder, Chief Product Architect, Passive Logic – Panelist

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Room: W309
Scaling Your Business with Cloud

Unlock the full potential of Cloud-based solutions in building automation by focusing on results, not just the technology. This session will highlight key business advantages like scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, making Cloud essential for modern BAS. Attendees will also gain practical strategies to seamlessly integrate Cloud technology into their projects, driving enhanced performance and unlocking new growth opportunities.

Key Points:

• The value lies not just in the technology but in the successful outcomes driven by Cloud-based solutions.
• Explore the key business benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, that make Cloud technology essential for BAS.
• Practical strategies for integrating Cloud technology seamlessly into your Building Automation projects for enhanced performance.

Speakers:

Kerri Sinclair, Editorial Board Chair, AutomatedBuildings.com – Moderator
Rick Justis, President & Managing Member, C4SB – Panelist
Etrit Demaj, Co-founder, KODE Labs – Panelist
Cory Clarke, Chief Product Officer, Neeve – Panelist

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Room: W309
AHR Exhibitor Controller Showdown

Join us for the AHR Exhibitor Controller Showdown, where leading companies showcase the latest innovations in smart building controls. Discover the cutting-edge technologies driving product development and learn better ways to leverage controllers in adaptive buildings. This session will also guide attendees on choosing the right programs, ensuring optimal performance in modern smart buildings. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain key insights into the future of smart building controllers.

Key Points:

• The New technologies driving product development for Smart Building Controls
• Better ways to utilize smart building controllers in adaptive buildings
• Understanding how to choose programs and commission smart building controllers

Speakers:

Gus Bauder, Regional Sales Leader, Cochrane Supply – Moderator
William Cooper, Area Market Leader, Cochrane Supply – Moderator
Scott Shaffer, Regional Sales Director, Distech Controls – Panelist
Steve Hoffman, Strategic Account Manager, Honeywell – Panelist

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Room: W309
BAS 101 – 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. Come on a captivating journey into the intricate world of BAS, where we demystify its complexities and lay bare its foundational elements. 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.

Key Points:

• A clear breakdown of BAS core structure, key components, and communication protocols.
• Guidance on selecting the right architecture for each level of a BAS to optimize performance.
• Essential tools and knowledge to advance your understanding, whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to BAS.

Speakers:

Phil Zito, Founder & CEO, Smart Building Academy – Moderator

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Room: W309
BAS 101 – The Impact of AI – More information coming soon!

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Room: W309
BAS 101 – Data & Architectural

Anyone who has deployed or overseen a building automation system knows the principles of distributed control. You want to define, observe, and manage a sequence of operation (SOO) for orchestrated equipment. The new challenge is understanding how to define an optimal workflow now that supervisory control can reside on-premises, within an edge device, or in a cloud-hosted service application. You want to maintain data interoperability and ensure that the processing work happens at the right architecture level.

Key Points:

• Learn how to manage workflows and maintain data interoperability across on-premises, edge devices, and cloud-hosted systems.
• Address challenges like data silos, gateway vulnerabilities, and proprietary protocols that can hinder smart building projects.
• Best practices for using cloud services, intelligent edge, and BMS in a peer network to create a scalable and efficient infrastructure.

Speakers:

Therese Sullivan, Director of Customer Marketing, Tridium – Moderator
Greg Fitzpatrick, CxA, Business Development Leader, Cochrane Supply – Panelist

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Room: W309
BAS 101 – Energy Management – More information coming soon!