ABAA 2026 Building Enclosure Conference Call For Abstracts Now Open

The 2026 ABAA Conference call for abstracts is now open. A listing of potential topics can be found below as a guideline that is based on previous attendee feedback, but you are not limited to what topic you submit.

The 2026 conference will have a track dedicated to emerging professionals seeking to create a solid foundation in Building Science and Building Enclosure. As part of this track, we seek abstracts that would be considered at a foundational level that would appeal to a wide range of stakeholders such as architects, consultants, contractors, and manufacturers that are either beginning their career or have less than 5 years of experience or education.

The key learning topics for the emerging professional track that we are seeking abstracts for are based around the job task analysis and key knowledge areas of the Certified Air Barrier Specialist (CABS) credential. Please note that topic overviews and learning objectives should align with the knowledge criteria for CABS. A copy of the knowledge areas can be found in Appendix A:

Building Science
Building Enclosure Fundamentals
Introduction to air barrier materials, assemblies, and systems, and related material testing requirements
Building Codes for air, water, and vapor and industry standards
General Design considerations
Air barrier installation and testing for a variety of air barrier technologies

If you are submitting a technical presentation that is not foundational, here is a listing of potential topics that have been identified as priorities:

Case studies of projects with unusual or difficult design or construction are strongly encouraged
Climate specific design guidance regarding wall assembly and vapor permeability of air barrier
Trouble shooting of common issues during construction
Solutions to common issues with design, construction, or inspection
Research conducted that impacts air barriers or other related building enclosure components
Specific methods and details for typical situations, including roof/wall, window/wall, curtainwall and storefront, below grade, floor to floor, etc.
Product durability and long-term performance
Glazing, windows, curtain walls
Below grade waterproofing
Roofing systems, roof air barrier assemblies
Overall building enclosure coordination
Shop drawing submissions and reviews