MSR Summer

MSR Summer    
    Summer MSR 2025

          July 16-18, 2025
          The Pfister Hotel
          Milwaukee, WI

      

 

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The Master Specifier's Retreat (MSR) is a two-day, immersive experience that places architects, specifiers, engineers, and contractors at the forefront of building product innovation.

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Apply Today

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What to Expect



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1-On-1 Meetings

Get technical guidance and feedback on your projects through 30-minute discussions with building product manufacturers you select. You’ll leave with new solutions and the contacts you need to get answers.

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Connection With Peers

This event has limited seats, so you can meaningfully engage with fellow AECO professionals to grow your network. You’ll share knowledge and experiences that can help solve each other's challenges.

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Professional Development

Earn learning units and hear from specifications leaders who will help you hone your craft and prepare for what’s coming next in the industry.



Application Process



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Step 1: See if you are eligible.

Complete the eligibility form by clicking the button below before April 28. 

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Step 2: Full application.

Qualified individuals will be sent a link to the full application. You'll share more detailed information about your role and project work.

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Step 3: Invitation to attend.

If you are accepted, you will receive a personal invitation in May to attend the event.

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Get Started: Complete Eligibility Form

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Schedule

Wednesday, July 16

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM  |  Arrivals/Free Time

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM  |  Registration Open

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM  |  Welcome Reception

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Thursday, July 17

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM  |  Welcome Breakfast

+ 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM  |  Education Session

Fundamentals of Construction Specifications: A Primer for Building Product Manufacturers

Presenter: Holly Jordan, FCSI, CCS®, CDT®

Construction specifications serve as a foundational pillar of project documentation, articulating the technical requirements, performance standards, and material selections that govern the built environment.

This interactive session will provide a comprehensive introduction to specification methodologies, including sheet specifications, outline specifications, and short-form specifications. Specifiers will be able to interact with building product manufacturers and provide feedback in real-time.

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM  |  AM Break

10:00 AM - 12:15 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #1-4

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM  |  Networking Lunch

1:30 PM - 3:10 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #5-7

3:10 PM - 3:30 PM  |  PM Break

3:30 PM - 4:35 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #8-9

4:35 PM - 6:00 PM  |  Attendee Free Time

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  |  Cocktail Reception and Dinner

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Friday, July 18

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM  |  Registration Open

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM  |  Breakfast

8:30 AM - 10:10 AM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meetings #10-12

10:10 AM - 10:30 AM  |  AM Break

10:30 AM - 12:10 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meetings #13-14

12:10 PM - 1:10 PM  |  Networking Lunch

1:10 PM - 2:15 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #15-16

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM  |  PM Break

+ 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM  |  Education Session

Write" Conversations at the "Right" Time: Expectations, Presentations, and Timing

Presenter: Sherry Harbaugh, FCSI, CCS®

Information exchange between product representatives, designers, and specifiers is critical to the success of a project and the development of long-term relationships. Expectations need to be clear so that each party is getting the information they need at the right time to incorporate into a project.
This session will review the phases of design and documentation requirements to help attendees determine the best conversation to have with the design team, and when.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM  |  Closing Reception

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Featured Speakers

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Sherry Harbaugh

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Sherry Harbaugh, FCSI, CCS®

After nearly 30 years in the construction industry, predominantly as an independent specifier, Sherry’s current focus revolves around education, empowering construction teams to be confident about communicating specifications and learning about construction materials.

She is passionate about educating the next generation of our industry in the aspects of specifications and enjoys working with teams, researching products, and building relationships within the industry. 

Holly Jordan

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Holly A. Jordan, FCSI, CDT®, CCS®

Holly has produced construction specifications for a variety of building types. As a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS®), her experience includes sustainable building, diverse project delivery methods, specification format conversion, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing specifications.

She’s held offices and served on committees for the CSI at the local, regional, and national levels. She has meticulously crafted construction specifications for a diverse range of projects and believes in the power of collaboration towards crafting specifications renowned for technical excellence. 

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Location

The Pfister Hotel

Built in 1893, The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee has been a hotel icon for well over a century. As one of the best hotels in Milwaukee and the Midwest, it’s located near the historic Third Ward and continues to celebrate a grand tradition of gracious service and impeccable style. From the moment guests arrive they’ll notice the extraordinary architecture inside and out punctuated by a welcoming ambiance from staff and fellow guests alike.

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Travel Reimbursement

Many costs for this event are covered for attendees, including airfare (up to $500) plus one checked bag, ground transportation to/from the airport, hotel for three nights, and meals. This is made possible through the support of our participating BPMs.