MSR Summer

MSR Summer    
    Summer MSR 2026

          July 15-17, 2026
          Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
          San Diego, CA
          

      

 

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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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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: Submit your application.

Complete the application, which may take up to 20 minutes. Include specific details about your role and project experience.

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Step 2: Receive Confirmation.

Once your application is submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email. Applications will be reviewed after the April 10 deadline.

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Step 3: Invitation to attend.

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

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Schedule

Wednesday, July 15

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

+ 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM  |  Tours

Salk Institute for Biological Studies – Architecture & Restoration Tour

Explore the iconic Salk Institute, widely regarded as one of the most important works of modern architecture. This guided tour highlights the building’s striking design, history, and ongoing preservation efforts while also providing context on the groundbreaking scientific research taking place there. Attendees will experience the intersection of architecture, science, and landscape that has made this campus a global landmark.

Avalon Mission Valley – Mixed-Use Development Tour

Discover a transformative urban development shaping the future of Mission Valley. This tour showcases a thoughtfully designed community that blends residential living, neighborhood retail, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. Attendees will learn how the project integrates sustainability, modern construction practices, and community-oriented design to create a vibrant mixed-use environment.

+ 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM  |  Registration Open

Bayview Foyer

+ 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM  |  Welcome Reception | Sponsored by 

Banyan Court & Lawn

Sponsored by RIB.

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Thursday, July 16

+ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM  |  Welcome Breakfast  |  Sponsored by 

Bayview Foyer

Sponsored by RIB.

+ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #1-4

Regatta Pavilion

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Meeting #1 
 
9:05 AM – 9:35 AM
Meeting #2
 
9:40 AM – 10:10 AM
Meeting #3
 
10:15 AM – 10:45 PM
Meeting #4

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM  |  Break

+ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM  |  Education Session 

Bayview Ballroom

CSI Dynamic StandardsSM

This presentation will address how MasterFormat® and other OmniClass® tables are changing in the face of the accelerating pace of technological change, integrated project delivery, digital asset management, and model-based workflows. Attendees will learn:

  • Why updates to MasterFormat® are becoming more frequent, and why these changes affect the industry ecosystem rather than individual projects.
  • How CSI Dynamic StandardsSM works, and how it enables more responsive stewardship of classification systems without destabilizing current practice.
  • The growing integration between MasterFormat® and OmniClass®, and how OmniClass® tables are being used as a cross-walk database to support BIM, digital twins, asset management, and life cycle information exchange.
Speaker: 
 
Keith Robinson, FCSI, FCSC, RSW, CSI Standards Program Strategist
 

 

+ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM  |  Networking Lunch  |  Sponsored by

Mission Terrace

Sponsored by Form Metal Systems.

+ 1:00 PM - 2:40 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #5-6

Regatta Pavilion

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Meeting #5 
 
1:35 PM – 2:05 PM
Meeting #6
 
2:10 PM – 2:40 PM
Open

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM  |  Break

+ 3:00 PM - 4:40 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #7-9

Regatta Pavilion

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Meeting #7
 
3:35 PM – 4:05 PM
Meeting #8
 
4:10 PM – 4:40 PM
Meeting #9

4:40 PM - 5:30 PM  |  Attendee Free Time

+ 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM  |  Dinner  |  Sponsored by  

Banyan Lawn

Sponsored by LiftMaster.

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Friday, July 17

+ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM  |  Breakfast

Mission Terrace

+ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #10-13

Regatta Pavilion
 
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Meeting #10
 
9:05 AM – 9:35 AM
Meeting #11
 
9:40 AM – 10:10 AM
Meeting #12
 
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Meeting #13

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM  |  Break

+ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM  |  Education Session 

Bayview Ballroom

Unlock the Power of PPDFormat

This focused learning session is designed for architects and specifiers who want to elevate their project planning documents and coordination activities. Discover how PPDFormat®: A Guide for Developing Preliminary Project Descriptions can help you create more accurate specifications and improve project outcomes from concept to completion.

Session Objectives:
  • Introduce the fundamentals and benefits of PPDFormat for project planning.
  • Demonstrate how PPDFormat supports seamless coordination across all project phases.
  • Showcase practical tools and strategies for integrating PPDFormat into your workflow.
Learning Objectives:
  • Understand how to use PPDFormat to capture and communicate key project decisions and alternatives.
  • Gain skills in early MasterFormat® tagging, specifier fee planning, and parallel budgeting.
  • Learn methods for contractor scheduling, gap identification, and early O&M manual planning.
  • Integrate commissioning and sustainability requirements from project inception.
  • Walk away with a six-step roadmap for implementing PPDFormat on your next project.

By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped to streamline your project documentation, enhance team collaboration, and deliver greater value to your clients.

Speaker: Keith Robinson, FCSI, FCSC, RSW, CSI Standards Program Strategist

+ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM  |  Networking Lunch  |  Sponsored by

Mission Terrace

Sponsored by Soprema

+ 1:00 PM - 2:40 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #14-16

Regatta Pavilion
 
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Meeting #14
 
1:35 PM – 2:05 PM
Meeting #15
 
2:10 PM – 2:40 PM
Meeting #16

+ 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM  |  Closing Happy Hour  |  Sponsored by Pittsburgh Paints Company

Mountain View Terrace

Sponsored by Pittsburgh Paints Company.

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Location

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina in San Diego, CA, features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Bay, and downtown San Diego. It has on-site pools, waterslides, and direct access to whale watching, sailing, and other water activities. Guest rooms feature coastal-chic décor that reflects the resort's beautiful setting.

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Travel Reimbursement

The majority of costs for this event are covered for specifer 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 building product manufacturers.