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Controls-Con 2026 Recap

THANK YOU
For attending controls-con 2026

The Great Indoors

Controls-Con 2026 was the ultimate training camp for smart building professionals. Held May 14–15 at the Omni Interlocken Resort, Broomfield, CO, this two-day conference and trade show brought together top industry players—from HVACR contractors and systems integrators to engineers and technicians—to sharpen their skills, explore the latest technology, and set the foundation for a winning season. It was the perfect way to get your team game-day ready.

Watch the Presentations on YouTube

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Thursday, May 14

8:00 AM – 8:40 AM | Welcome & General Session
Join Scott Cochrane, President and CEO of Cochrane Supply, as he takes the mound to officially open this year’s event. With the theme The Great Indoors, Scott will welcome attendees to two days of game-changing ideas, all-star technologies, and industry teamwork. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to get in shape for the next season of smart building innovation.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Kelly Boyd, Vice President of Sales – US DESCRIPTION: Distech Controls takes the field with flexible, connected solutions for dynamic environments. Learn how their playbook of systems, occupant experience, and sustainability is helping buildings go the distance.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Todd Neese, Application Consultant, Strategic Markets DESCRIPTION: Belimo brings their A-game with a look at the tools that keep buildings running in perfect condition. Discover how control, precision, and innovation are shaping the next winning season in building performance.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Etrit Demaj, Cofounder DESCRIPTION: KODE Labs steps up to the plate with insights on how cloud-native platforms are changing the game. Learn how data-driven strategy, remote access, and smart automation are helping teams play smarter—not harder.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dave Molin, President, Building Management Systems DESCRIPTION: Honeywell brings the heat with technologies built to drive performance, efficiency, and safety. Step into the batter’s box for a look at how their lineup of smart controls is shaping tomorrow’s facilities.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Bill Schwebel, Vice President & General Manager, Building Automation Systems and Controls, Global Products DESCRIPTION: From the dugout to the big leagues, Johnson Controls shares their vision for scaling smart buildings. Explore how integration, innovation, and infrastructure are transforming the playing field across industries.
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM | Vykon by Tridium
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Andrew D’Amelio, Vice President & General Manager – Stephen Holicky, Chief Product Officer DESCRIPTION: Tridium returns to the field with the latest on Niagara and open integration. Whether you’re building your team or expanding your reach, discover how the right framework can help you dominate the season.
PANELISTS: Etrit Demaj – KODE Labs, Todd Neese – Belimo, Bill Schwebel – Johnson Controls, Kelly Boyd – Distech Controls, Dave Molin – Honeywell, Andrew D’Amelio – Tridium, Stephen Holicky – Tridium DESCRIPTION: This executive roundtable brings industry leaders together to talk strategy at the highest level. From the growing convergence of OT networks to the inevitable shift toward cloud solutions and global factors like tariffs, this session tackles the critical topics influencing the business of building automation. Hear how decision-makers are setting the long-term game plan and preparing their teams for what’s next.

HOST: Jacob Fenley, Director of Tech Services, Cochrane Supply

DESCRIPTION: A competitive showcase of the software tools defining the next generation of BAS delivery. Top vendors present platforms and utilities that help contractors commission faster, reduce complexity, improve diagnostics, standardize deployment, and support systems more effectively. From field startup to long-term service, this session highlights the tools that create real operational advantage—with the audience voting on the best.

HOST: Nicole Conklin, Director of Products, Cochrane Supply

DESCRIPTION: Step into The Great Indoors and see which products are truly changing the game in the field. In this fast-paced, competitive session, eight leading manufacturers each have just 7 minutes to showcase one product designed to reduce installation time, simplify workflows, and lower labor costs. Focused on real-world applications, these presentations highlight practical solutions for contractors, controls professionals, and engineers. At the end of the session, you decide the winner.

PANELISTS: Tony Icenhour – Distech Controls; Charles Johnson – Lynxspring; Paul Farris – Honeywell, TBD – Johnson Controls, TBD – iSMA Controlli; Haroon Rashid- Phoenix Contact DESCRIPTION: Back again, the Controller Showdown takes the main stage as top manufacturers go head-to-head, showcasing their best smart building controllers. Each contender gets just minutes to make their pitch before the audience casts their vote for the ultimate fan favorite. It’s fast, competitive, and packed with innovation—don’t miss the showdown that always brings the heat.

Friday, May 15

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | BAS Call Home – Best Way to Offer Remote Access
PANELISTS: Mitch Reed- Architect, Nate Kehr – EntroCIM, Alex Waibel – BuildingLogix DESCRIPTION: Discover game-changing products and solutions from contractor platforms, analytics teams, and software pros. Open your eyes to new tech and fresh plays to help you rethink your business strategy and build winning partnerships.
PANELISTS: Saheel Chandrani – PingCX, James Donahue – Clockworks Analytics, Leon Wurfel – Bueno DESCRIPTION: Discover game-changing products and solutions from contractor platforms, analytics teams, and software pros. Open your eyes to new tech and fresh plays to help you rethink your business strategy and build winning partnerships.
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM | Working Smarter Indoors: Tech Tools for Labor Savings – Part 1
PANELISTS: Al Putnam – Cimetrics; Stephen Praeter – Distech Controls; James Johnson – Tridium DESCRIPTION: This session focuses on strengthening building automation networks through secure BACnet SC deployment. Panelists will discuss real-world implementation strategies, certificate management, and best practices for migrating from legacy BACnet communication. Whether you’re planning a new project or upgrading an existing system, this session will help you design with cybersecurity in mind and avoid common pitfalls.
PANELISTS: Aaron Brondum – Neeve, Michael McLaughlin – Tridium, Sandra Thoene – Tosibox DESCRIPTION: This session explores the evolving landscape of remote access in building automation. From improving service response times to reducing the need for onsite visits, panelists will share real-world strategies, deployment considerations, and lessons learned. Attendees will gain insight into secure architecture design, access management, and practical applications that make remote connectivity a game-changer for integrators and facility teams alike.
PANELISTS: James Johnson – Tridium, Mike Mitchell – Mitchell Technology Consulting, Shane Szeszycki – Cochrane TechServices, George Thomas – Cochrane TechServices DESCRIPTION: Join a panel of experienced integrators and technical trainers as they share proven best practices for designing, deploying, and maintaining Niagara-based systems. From station architecture to commissioning tips and long-term service strategies, this session offers practical insights gained from years in the field. The conversation will close with an open Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask specific questions and engage directly with the panel.

HOST: Jacob Fenley, Director of Tech Services, Cochrane Supply

DESCRIPTION: An overview of where artificial intelligence stands today—in the world and specifically in the building automation space. This session covers current AI capabilities, real-world applications in BAS, and what practitioners need to know to stay current as the technology evolves.