RAiNA Conference

Rainscreen Proficiency: The Parts, Precision & Performance

November 5, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA

Call for 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, “Rainscreen Proficiency: The Parts, Precision, and Performance.” 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
    • May 23, 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance
    • Week of June 16, 2025
  • Final Presentation Submission
    • October 8, 2025
  • RAiNA Conference
    • November 5, 2025
Submit Your Abstract

Key Topics of Interest:

  • Installation Challenges and Best Practices
    • Lessons learned from past installations, including overcoming failures.
    • Innovations in attachment systems and cladding design.
    • Prefabricated rainscreen walls and modular construction.
  • Sustainability and Embodied Carbon
    • Strategies for sustainability, circularity, and reducing embodied carbon.
    • Life cycle assessments of rainscreen systems and cladding assemblies.
    • Emphasizing sustainability in material selection, installation methods, and lifecycle considerations.
  • Fire Performance and Code Compliance
    • Deep dives into new fire-blocking codes and design implications.
    • Fire safety in combustible vs. non-combustible rainscreen systems.
    • Fire mitigation techniques, especially in challenging code compliance markets.
  • Integration with New Building Standards and Codes
    • Preparing for the impact of new standards such as IECC 2024 on rainscreen system designs, specifically cladding attachments and thermal performance.
    • Evolving fire-blocking requirements and best practices for compliance.
  • Design and Engineering Innovations
    • Processes for designing and engineering high-performance rainscreen systems.
    • Exploring thermally broken substructures and the integration of Continuous Insulation.
    • Case studies of rainscreen systems in residential versus commercial applications.
    • Lessons learned regarding effectiveness of rainscreen applications based on research/scientific studies
  • Retrofit
    • The design process for rainscreen retrofits.
    • Construction challenges in retrofit projects and how to address them.
    • Creating a value proposition for retrofit projects.
  • Case Studies
    • In-depth examinations of installation mistakes, failures, and solutions.
    • Summaries of facade inspections and testing results, with practical takeaways.
    • Panel discussions with contractors, architects, engineers, and consultants.
    • Bridging gaps between architects, engineers, contractors, and manufacturers for cohesive system design and execution.
    • Lessons learned regarding effectiveness of rainscreen applications based on research/scientific studies

Basis of Selection

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 23, 2025, 11:59pm. 

Speakers will be notified of final decisions shortly after the submission deadline.  Each presenter (able to submit up to two sessions) will receive a complimentary conference pass.

Travel and hotel expenses are NOT reimbursed.

If your abstract is accepted you will be required to submit your completed presentation by Wednesday October 8, 2025. This will be reviewed by the Conference Committee and any feedback will be sent to you.

For any questions, contact Jenna Xec at jxec@rainscreenassociation.org

 

Important Dates:

  • Abstract Submission Deadline
    • May 23, 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance
    • Week of June 16, 2025
  • Final Presentation Submission
    • October 8, 2025
  • RAiNA Conference
    • November 5, 2025

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

RAiNA Conference

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Become a member

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!

Join RAiNA