MSR Winter

Attendees at the MSR

   
     2026 Winter MSR

            February 11-13, 2026
            The Broadmoor Hotel
            Colorado Springs, CO
           

        

 

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.


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.

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Location

The Broadmoor Hotel

The Broadmoor Hotel

The Broadmoor Hotel is the world's longest-running Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Resort. Experience an iconic Colorado Springs resort where personalized luxury and impeccable service offers an escape from the ordinary, and modern details blend seamlessly with timeless European elegance. Here, the spirit of the West inspires the adventurer within, with opportunities to explore the picturesque mountains, streams, and canyons.

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Schedule at a Glance

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Wednesday, February 11

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM  |  Arrivals/Free Time

+ 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Tours

  • The Broadmoor Back of House Tour
  • The Broadmoor Art History Tour sponsored by Everest Systems
  • Serenity Sliding Door Systems Factory Tour 

First come, first serve as spots are limited.

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

West Ballroom

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

West Ballroom

Sponsored by RIB.

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Thursday, February 12

+ 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM  |  Registration Open

Rocky Mountain Foyer

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

Rocky Mountain Foyer

Sponsored by RIB.

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

Rocky Mountain AB & Aisle

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 

Rocky Mountain CD

Project Delivery Evolution

As data center projects demand ever-faster delivery, the industry is shifting from the traditional Design-Bid-Build model to Design-Build and Construction Manager at Risk approaches. This panel explores how speed-to-build requirements are reshaping project roles, workflows, and partnerships. Experts will discuss the growing influence of installers through design assist, the trend of general contractors hiring architects directly, and the resulting implications for traditional design practices. The discussion will also consider how sustainability goals, evolving codes, and economic pressures are shaping current decisions and future directions in data center construction.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the key drivers behind the transition from Design-Bid-Build to Design-Build and CMAR project delivery in the data center industry.
  • Identify how installer involvement and general contractor-led design processes are changing traditional architectural roles.
  • Analyze the effects of sustainability initiatives, evolving codes, and market economics on data center design and construction decisions.
  • Predict how project delivery models may continue to evolve over the next 3–7 years and what that means for industry professionals.
Speakers: 
 
Robert Hale, Wall Division Manager, BZI
 
With more than 25 years in the construction industry, Robert Hale brings deep expertise in wall systems, steel erection, and field operations. Known for his hands-on leadership and problem-solving approach, he excels at coordinating teams, optimizing project performance, and driving high-quality results. 
 
Hani Noshi, Principal Program Manager, Data Center Delivery, Microsoft 
 
Hani Noshi has over 25 years of experience in capital project development and execution, as well as multifunctional project manager for mega projects ($5B+) as well as smaller projects in 30+ countries. 

Learning Units: 1 CSI LU 

 

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

Rocky Mountain CD

Sponsored by Noble Company.

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

Rocky Mountain AB & Aisle

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

Rocky Mountain AB & Aisle

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  

Cheyenne Lodge

Sponsored by Manifest Collective.

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Friday, February 13

+ 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM  |  Registration Open

Rocky Mountain Foyer

+ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM  |  Breakfast

Rocky Mountain Foyer

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

Rocky Mountain AB & Aisle
 
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 

Rocky Mountain CD

Smarter Standards, Smarter Workflows: How AI Is Reshaping AECO Practice 

Artificial intelligence is transforming how AECO professionals create, share, and apply knowledge, from emerging multi-agent systems to new forms of professional collaboration. This session highlights practical AI use cases in design, documentation, and construction administration, tailored to the needs of architects, engineers, specifiers, contractors, and product representatives. Participants will learn how CSI Dynamic Standards turn MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, and OmniClass® into a connected, version-aware data backbone rather than static references. The session concludes by exploring how AI and CSI Dynamic Standards together can enable more automated, interoperable workflows from early scope definition through construction and owner handover.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 
  • Describe current AI trends (including multiagent/agent to agent AI) and how they are reshaping professional online communities and knowledge work. 

  • Identify at least one practical AI use cases in design, documentation, and construction administration that are relevant to their role (architect, engineer, specifier, contractor, or product rep). 

  • Explain how CSI Dynamic Standards transforms MasterFormat, UniFormat, and OmniClass from static publications into a connected, version aware data backbone. 

  • Envision how AI tools and CSI Dynamic Standards together can support more automated, interoperable workflows—from early scope definition through bidding, construction, and owner handover. 

Speakers:

Rob Wenger, Chief Executive Officer 

With 30 years of experience as an entrepreneurial founder and technology executive, Rob is the Co-Founder and CEO of Higher Logic. Founded in 2007, Higher Logic connects people, knowledge and ideas through its community and engagement platform. Higher Logic serves over 3,000 customers through 350,000+ online communities with over 200 million users in 42 countries worldwide. 

Previously, Rob was Chief Product Officer and Executive Chairman of Association Analytics, Founder and CEO of Cloud Generation as well as a Board of Director for Cosential. Underlying Rob’s repeated success is a deep passion and expertise in product strategy and development. Across businesses, associations, and nonprofits, he works to positively impact each client’s success using smart, collaborative technology. 

When not inventing the next great software tool, Rob is hanging out with his kids and planning their next great skiing adventure. 

Chris Anderson, CEO, Construction Information Network 

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

Rocky Mountain Foyer

Sponsored by AWI Quality Certification Program.

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

Rocky Mountain AB & Aisle
 
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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Participating Manufacturers

Here's the list of leading building product manufacturers participating in this event. Their support helps make this unique experience possible. 
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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.

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