This presentation will explore the rapidly evolving role of lighting controls in modern facilities management and how emerging technologies are unlocking new opportunities for energy savings and operational efficiency. Attendees will gain insight into the latest advancements in smart lighting systems, including networked controls, automation, and data-driven optimization. We’ll discuss how facilities managers can leverage these tools to reduce costs, meet sustainability goals, and improve occupant experience. The session will also highlight practical strategies for implementing control systems and maximizing return on investment, positioning facilities teams to stay ahead in an increasingly connected and energy-conscious built environment.

All businesses in Reno and surrounding communities have heard with interest the announcements about the Grand Sierra Resort’s Redevelopment Project – the $1 billion expansion that is the largest capital investment in the history of Reno. Beginning construction last October, with completion aimed for 2027, the project will include a 10,000-seat arena (home of Nevada Men’s Basketball), a golf facility, 2,800-vehicle parking garage, a community ice center, and a central plaza. A manager from Grand Sierra Resort will be joined by the Assistant City Manager of Reno to outline the plans for the project, with artists’ renderings of the various stages of the expansion. Learn what was involved on the part of GSR and from the City and Redevelopment Agency perspective.

Strategic planning for facilities departments often stumbles out-of-the-gate due to inexperience or lack of data and quickly descends into a tactical planning exercise. Whether it is the chaos from “too many cooks in the kitchen” or a fundamental failure to identify the linkages between one’s business unit and the organization’s strategic initiatives, the activities we refer to as “Strategic Planning” are often anything but strategic. In this session, facilities engineers and managers will learn the simple and key components to crafting a flexible and adaptable process to align their team’s strategy with the overarching goals of their organization. Attendees will also learn how to develop scorecards, playbooks and other tools that drive the tactical execution of strategy. Strategic planning is not difficult when you have the right building blocks.

In this session, facilities managers will learn what actions to take before, during and after emergencies to minimize operational impacts. Also, the speaker will discuss the key requirements for successful business continuity.  Gain important strategic planning tips that you can start implementing into daily routines and training to make sure you are prepared, and your facility protected.

Involved with electrical systems in your facility?  Don't be isolated from knowledge and information that will help reduce risk from electrical systems. This presentation will help you with National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance.  Learn about free code access and resources available to you. You will also understand the NEC system and significant changes to the 2026 edition of the NEC.

How do geothermal heat pump systems actually perform against traditional systems in the same climate? How are public school districts leveraging tax credits through Elective Pay to meaningfully offset the costs? Washoe County School District and their technical partners answer these questions using actual performance data from their portfolio of over 100 schools. This session dives into the data to show the verified energy and operational savings realized by WCSD’s geothermal portfolio against its schools served by more conventional systems. Additionally, the speakers will provide a focused look at the JWood Raw Elementary geothermal project installed in 2023 that successfully claimed $1.7 million in Investment Tax Credits through Elective Pay and provide a glimpse at the roadmap of schools coming online in the future.  Discover the empirical evidence for geothermal and the financial strategies that make these high-performance systems viable.

Enhance your expertise in fire safety testing and inspection with this session designed for facility managers and facility engineers. This presentation delves into the testing and inspection requirements of fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems, ensuring conformance to NFPA standards. Beyond basic water sprinkler systems, the seminar will cover advanced detection and suppression systems tailored for specialty and high-risk environments. Discover effective procedures for safeguarding critical facilities and maintaining business continuity. Join us for this insightful one-hour presentation to enhance your knowledge and ensure uptime of your facility and the safety of your staff.

The City of Reno’s Benchmarking Ordinance requires that the largest commercial buildings in Reno report their energy and water data to the city. Aside from the benefits for the city, energy benchmarking gives facilities managers the information they need to identify opportunities to cut energy waste, and thus save money. In this presentation, you will learn how to determine if your facility is covered, how to report energy data and the deadline for doing this. The speaker will describe the two software programs you will need to use – Energy Star and BEAM – and available training programs for their use. Also discussed will be the need for meters to upload your energy and water data. Be sure you are in compliance with this important city ordinance.