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 | Sponsored by  

  • The Broadmoor Back of House Tour
  • The Broadmoor Art History Tour
  • Serenity Factory Tour

First come, first serve as spots are limited.

Sponsored by Everest Systems.

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

West Ballroom

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

West Ballroom

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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 |  Sponsored by 

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.

Session sponsored by RIB.

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

Rocky Mountain CD

+ 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

Cheyenne Lodge

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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

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

Rocky Mountain Foyer

+ 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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