Building Science Symposium
Monday, February 24 | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
LVCC - West 304
Register for the course
What It's About

Making its debut at the 2024 Builders' Show, The Building Science Symposium is back at the 2025 Builders' Show with new content on the hottest building science trends and topics! The annual national tour will host its 2025 kick-off event with fresh insights for high performance construction and design. Whether you're a builder, remodeler, tradesperson, architect or supplier, this popular pre-show learning opportunity offers industry-leading ideas and strategies, from understanding standards and integrating performance components to providing durable, energy-efficient enclosures.
Add your ticket to your IBS registration to join us for some BS* with top voices in high performance building. Round out your day sharing tips, advice and best practices while you knock back a few cold ones with fellow industry pros.
Includes morning refreshments, lunch and a networking happy hour to close out your day.
Agenda
9:00 AM |
Introduction
Host: Travis Brungardt
A grassroots movement of builders, designers, and tradespeople gathering for monthly meetups to discuss building science over a beer or two has expanded to over 47 local chapters across North America. This peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge continues to drive improvements in the built environment. |
9:10 AM
|
A Brief History of Building Science
Speaker: Ben Bogie
To apply our current knowledge effectively, it's essential to look back and understand how our perception of buildings has evolved over time. While the physical forces that impact the durability and performance of our homes have remained constant, our solutions have continually advanced. |
9:50 AM
|
Networking Break |
10:00 AM
|
Control Layers in Action: Water & Vapor
Speaker: Steve Baczek
Understanding the need to keep water out and maintain a dry interior is just the beginning. This session explores a range of strategies for effective water management on the exterior and vapor control within the assembly, ensuring long-term building performance. |
10:45 AM | Networking Break |
11:00 AM
|
Control Layers in Action: Air & Thermal
Speaker: Steve Baczek
Building tightly sealed homes with thick insulation was once a distinguishing feature but is now a minimum building code requirement. To provide clients with true comfort and efficiency, it's essential to understand key air control layer details, thermal resistance, and the proper placement of insulation. |
11:45 AM | Networking Lunch |
12:50 PM
|
Use This Not That
Speaker: Ben Bogie
Expanding on the concept of Control Layers, this session explores specific strategies and applications using industry-leading materials and technologies. From air-sealing gaskets and variable permeance membranes to triple-pane windows and exterior insulation systems, we’ll cover the best solutions for each project. |
1:30 PM | Networking Break |
1:40 PM
|
Indoor Air Quality: Cleaning the Air We’re Swimming In
Speaker: Ross Trethewey
The furnace filter is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to indoor air quality. From Energy Recovery Ventilators and dedicated dehumidifiers to MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) and HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration, the systems we use to clean indoor air not only enhance comfort but also have significant health benefits. |
2:30 PM
|
Equipment to Deliver Comfort in Tight Homes
Speaker: Ross Trethewey
With the continually evolving Energy Code, today's builders are creating homes with significantly lower mechanical demands. Selecting equipment based on energy models has replaced outdated rules of thumb, ensuring that low-load homes are equipped with right-sized systems to provide the comfort and efficiency clients expect. |
3:15 PM | Networking Break |
3:20 PM
|
Addressing the Openings in the Field
Speaker: Jake Bruton
Anyone who has ever had to chase a leak knows that problems in our homes often arise where different components connect. Roof valleys, wall penetrations, and other transition points require careful attention to ensure long-term durability. This session covers practical, field-tested solutions for challenging areas like window openings and roof vents. |
3:50 PM
|
How to Teach Your Clients
Speaker: Jake Bruton
If you can't effectively communicate the value of your expertise to prospective clients, they may simply choose the lowest bidder. How you present your process and product shapes their understanding of their home and can ultimately influence their decision to trust you as their builder. |
4:30 PM |
Happy Hour with Local Beer Tasting
|
Check out information about the Building Science Symposium sponsors.
Speakers
Details
How to Register
All IBS registrants are eligible to purchase a seat in a pre-show symposium. The pre-purchase of a seat is required. The symposium can be added during the IBS registration process. If space allows, seats will be available for purchase before the start of the symposium.
$195 NAHB Members / $249 for Non-NAHB Members.