Share Your Expertise at the 2027 ABAA/RAiNA Building Enclosure Conference
May 11–12, 2027 | Cleveland, Ohio
The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) and the Rainscreen Association in North America (RAiNA) invite industry professionals to submit presentation proposals for the first-ever joint ABAA/RAiNA Annual Conference & Trade Show.
Bringing together more than 600 building enclosure professionals, this expanded conference will feature approximately 36 educational sessions covering the latest developments in building science, air barriers, rainscreen systems, waterproofing, roofing, enclosure commissioning, and related technologies.
We’re looking for engaging, unbiased presentations that provide practical knowledge, real-world experience, and actionable insights for architects, consultants, contractors, manufacturers, building owners, and other members of the building enclosure community.
Abstract Submission Deadline: October 9, 2026
What We’re Looking For
The Conference Committee is seeking educational presentations that advance the building enclosure industry while providing meaningful learning opportunities for attendees.
We welcome proposals in two broad categories:
Foundational Education
We’re especially interested in presentations designed for emerging professionals—those who are new to the industry or have fewer than five years of experience. These sessions should introduce core building science principles and provide practical knowledge that attendees can immediately apply.
Suggested foundational topics include:
- Building Science fundamentals
- Building Enclosure fundamentals
- Introduction to materials, assemblies, and systems
- Air, water, vapor, ventilation, and drying principles
- Building codes and industry standards
- Wall assembly design considerations
- Air barrier, insulation, cladding attachment, fire blocking, and cladding installation
- Site testing for air barriers and rainscreen systems
- Building enclosure commissioning
Technical & Advanced Education
We also encourage submissions covering intermediate and advanced topics that help experienced professionals solve challenges, improve performance, and stay current with industry developments.
Examples include:
- Project case studies
- Climate-specific design guidance
- Troubleshooting design and installation issues
- Research affecting building enclosure performance
- Interface detailing (roof-to-wall, window-to-wall, curtainwall, below-grade, floor-to-floor)
- Product durability and long-term performance
- Glazing and curtain wall systems
- Rainscreen design
- Cladding systems and attachment methods
- Waterproofing systems
- Roofing and roof air barrier assemblies
- Building enclosure coordination
- Shop drawing review
- Construction sequencing, mock-ups, quality control, and field testing
Panel discussions are also welcome.
Presenter Benefits
If your abstract is selected:
- Receive a complimentary conference registration
- Present to more than 600 building enclosure professionals
- Gain recognition as an industry thought leader
- Share your expertise with architects, consultants, contractors, manufacturers, and other building enclosure professionals
- Help shape the educational program for the industry’s premier joint conference
Please note that presenters are responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.
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