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Abstracts

We are excited to assemble a strong program for RAiNA members and stakeholders in the rainscreen and building enclosure industry. Please accept this invitation to contribute to educating the industry on a wide range of topics related to rainscreen assemblies, performance, and innovation. A list of potential topics is provided below as a guideline based on previous attendee feedback, but we encourage you to submit abstracts on any relevant topic you feel would benefit the RAiNA community.

We strongly encourage abstract submissions that align with our theme, “Weathering the Future: Rainscreens, Retrofit and Resilience” We welcome contributions that explore the critical components of rainscreen assemblies, the technical precision required for effective design and installation, and the overall performance benefits they provide.

Important Dates:

  • Abstract Submission Deadline
    • Friday, May 15, 2026
  • Notification of Acceptance
    • Week of June 1, 2026
  • Final Presentation Submission
    • Monday, September 7, 2026
  • RAiNA Conference
    • Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Submit Your Abstract

Key Topics of Interest:

  • Residential and Multifamily Applications
    • Design, detailing, and installation of rainscreen systems in low- to mid-rise residential construction, including wood-frame assemblies and multi-cladding systems
  • Retrofit, Remediation, and Overcladding Strategies
    • Lessons learned from existing buildings, including failure analysis, recladding approaches, and performance upgrades
  • Installation Practices and Field Realities
    • Sequencing, coordination, and common site challenges; gap requirements, interface detailing, and achieving intended performance in practice
  • Water Management and System Performance
    • Drainage and ventilation effectiveness, moisture control strategies, and performance across different rainscreen typologies
  • Assembly Tolerances and System Integration
    • Material and installation tolerances, interface conditions, and their impact on overall system performance and durability
  • Warranty, Risk, and Performance Expectations
    • Understanding warranties, limitations, and coverage; aligning design, installation, and product selection with realistic performance outcomes
  • Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Impacts
    • Evolving building codes and standards across North America and their implications for rainscreen design and construction
  • Forensics and Lessons Learned from Failure
    • Case studies highlighting performance issues, root cause analysis, and key takeaways for future projects
  • Material Innovation and System Advancements
    • New and emerging products, systems, and approaches that improve constructability, durability, or performance
  • Collaboration Across the Project Team
    • Coordination between designers, consultants, manufacturers, and installers to achieve successful rainscreen outcomes

The Conference Committee will review the proposed topics and selected courses. Conference presenters should be industry experts who intend to provide unbiased information in a classroom setting. Presentations designed to promote a specific product, company, or service will not be selected. Presentations must meet the AIA standard and be 60 minutes in length. (minimum 45 minutes of presentation with 10-15 minutes for questions and answer period).

When completing the form, please prepare your presentation titles, descriptions, and session objectives for the proposal you plan to submit before going any further.  The deadline to submit is FRIDAY MAY 15, 2026, 11:59pm. 

Travel and hotel expenses are NOT reimbursed.

If your abstract is accepted you will be required to submit your completed presentation by Monday, September 7, 2026. This will be reviewed by the Conference Committee and any feedback will be sent to you.

For any questions, contact RAiNA Admin at admin@rainscreenassociation.org

Submission Guidelines:

All submissions must include the following:

  • Presenter Information: Name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details
  • Biography (100-130 words)
  • Professional Photo (high-resolution headshot)
  • Session Title
  • Detailed Session Description (clearly outlining the topic, key takeaways, and relevance to the theme)
  • Minimum of Four Learning Objectives (what attendees will gain from the session)

Refer to AIA’s guidance on writing abstracts as a resource for best practices and formatting recommendations. Click here to download

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Join RAiNA to become part of a network of experts who play an integral role in growing and evolving the industry. We look forward to hearing from you!

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