ASHRAE Manitoba is pleased to announce a one-day professional seminar focused on Artificial Intelligence in the HVAC Industry!
📅 Date: April 23, 2026
📍 Location: Details Being Finalized
⏱️ Time: 8:00AM – 4:30PM
This seminar is designed for HVAC professionals looking to understand how AI technologies available today are transforming our industry—and how they will continue to shape the future of HVAC systems and buildings. As technology advances, AI is playing an increasingly critical role in driving energy efficiency, automation, and healthy indoor environments.
The event will feature several keynote speakers with deep expertise in both AI and the HVAC industry, presenting practical, real-world insights on:
- AI applications for HVAC design and construction tools
- How AI is advancing automation and intelligent building systems
- How emerging technologies are enabling more efficient and healthier buildings
Whether you work in design, construction, controls, operations, or energy management, this seminar will provide valuable perspective on how AI is redefining the built environment.
Event Schedule
***Exact schedule and details will be finalized and released closer to the event. Event programs and times are shown for general information only at this time.
| Time | Program |
| 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Doors Open – Event Registration |
| 8:30 AM – 8:45 AM | Opening Remarks Brennan Laidlaw, ASHRAE MB Chapter President |
| 8:45 AM – 10:00 AM | AI in Action: Daily Tools Transforming Engineering and Construction Tracy Jumper, Global Director, Microsoft |
| 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM | AM Break & Refreshments Coffee + Snacks + Networking |
| 10:20 AM – 11:20 AM | An Introduction to Generative AI and Applications in Building Controls Dr. Jayson Bursill, Data Scientist, Delta Intelligent Building Technologies |
| 11:20 AM – 12:20 PM | AI Applied to Building Management Alaric Venne, Technical Consultant, Trane Technologies |
| 12:20 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Meal + Networking |
| 1:30 PM – 2:25 PM | High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems (ASHRAE Guideline 36) Details forthcoming! |
| 2:25 AM – 2:40 AM | The Future of Intelligent Buildings: Emerging ASHRAE Standards for AI and Interoperability Dr. Jayson Bursill, Data Scientist, Delta Intelligent Building Technologies |
| 2:40 PM – 3:00 PM | PM Break & Refreshments Drinks + Snacks + Networking |
| 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Ask the Experts: Panel Discussion & Industry Q&A Tracy Jumper, Dr. Jayson Bursill, Alaric Venne |
| 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Closing Remarks Brennan Laidlaw, ASHRAE MB Chapter President |
Presentation Summaries
AI in Action: Daily Tools Transforming Engineering and Construction
Speaker: Tracy Jumper, Global Director, Microsoft
In the ever-evolving world of engineering and construction, understanding the latest AI tools is crucial for staying competitive. In this presentation, we will provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the AI-powered tools that are transforming daily operations for building mechanical and electrical design engineers, HVAC vendors, and contractors.
We will explore how AI is revolutionizing key areas such as project management, design optimization, construction monitoring, predictive maintenance, quality control, and administrative and documentation tasks. Attendees will gain insights into the practical applications of AI, including generative AI for project scheduling, machine learning for HVAC system monitoring, and computer vision for real-time site monitoring. This presentation will provide valuable knowledge and actionable insights for professionals looking to leverage AI technologies to stay ahead in a competitive market.
Join us to discover the innovative AI tools that are shaping the future of construction and learn how to integrate these technologies into your daily operations. Whether you are a project manager, engineer, or architect, this presentation will equip you with the knowledge to harness the power of AI in your projects.
An Introduction to Generative AI and Applications in Building Controls
Speaker: Dr. Jayson Bursill, Data Scientist, Delta Intelligent Building Technologies
Generative AI, enabled by transformerbased large language models (LLMs), is transforming building automation by allowing systems to reason and interact using natural language rather than relying solely on static, rulebased logic. When applied to the right problems, this capability can significantly enhance how buildings are designed, operated, and optimized.
This presentation explores how generative AI is being used in building automation to improve energy efficiency, support predictive maintenance, and enhance occupant comfort. Emphasis is placed on practical, realworld applications, including the generation of building control programming from textbased prompts and naturallanguage interaction with automation systems. Attendees will gain insight into how generative AI can augment existing building technologies, streamline engineering workflows, and support more adaptive, performancebased building operation.
The Future of Intelligent Buildings: Emerging ASHRAE Standards for AI and Interoperability
Speaker: Dr. Jayson Bursill, Data Scientist, Delta Intelligent Building Technologies
An overview of two proposed ASHRAE standards shaping the digital future of building automation. Explore how Standard 231P and Standard 223P enable machine-readable control sequences and semantic data frameworks. Learn how these efforts are laying the foundation for scalable AI-driven analytics and automation in the built environment.
ASHRAE Standard 231P, A Control Description Language for Building Environmental Control Sequences
The purpose of ASHRAE Standard 231P is to define a declarative graphical programming language for building environmental control sequences that are both human- and machine-readable designed for specification, implementation through machine-to-machine translation, documentation, and simulation.
ASHRAE Standard 223P, Semantic Data Model for Analytics and Automation Applications in Buildings
The purpose of Standard 223P is to define formal knowledge concepts and a methodology to apply them to create interoperable, machine-readable semantic frameworks for representing building automation and control data and other building system information.
AI Applied to Building Management
Speaker: Alaric Venne, Technical Consultant, Trane Technologies
Additional details forthcoming!
High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems (ASHRAE Guideline 36)
Additional details forthcoming!
This session introduces ASHRAE Guideline 36, which establishes standardized, advanced sequences of operation for common HVAC systems to improve building performance while reducing engineering, programming, and commissioning effort. Rather than developing control sequences from scratch, design engineers can adapt existing standardized sequences that have been proven to perform. The presentation will explore how these validated strategies help reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, ensure compliance with industry standards and codes, and enhance system reliability through improved diagnostics and consistent implementation.
Ask the Experts: Panel Discussion & Industry Q&A
Panel Speakers: Tracy Jumper, Dr. Jayson Bursill, Alaric Venne
This interactive panel discussion brings together leading industry experts to share their insights on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the HVAC industry. Panelists will have a chance to answer questions on key topics including the biggest challenges facing AI adoption, the practical benefits being realized today, and their perspectives on the roadmap for the future of intelligent building systems. The session will conclude with an open Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, ask questions, and gain valuable perspectives on how AI is shaping the next generation of HVAC and building operations.
Additional presentations and events details are coming, check back soon!
Meet the Speakers
Tracey Jumper, CCP
Global Director
Microsoft
Tracey Jumper, CCP is the Global Director of Data Center Commissioning at Microsoft, bringing 25 years of experience across design, commissioning, and executive leadership. A Certified Commissioning Professional, she has led the creation and growth of multiple commissioning organizations, including co-founding EMCOR’s Commissioning Division and launching first-of-kind data center commissioning programs at Microsoft.
Tracey has delivered commissioning solutions for high-profile clients such as NASA, the NFL, Boeing, Verizon, NBC, and Estée Lauder, among many others. She is a recognized industry leader, contributing as a subject matter expert to The Building Commissioning Handbook and ASHRAE Standard 230, and has been honored by Consulting-Specifying Engineer and Engineered Systems for her leadership and impact.
A long-standing ASHRAE leader with over 20 years of service, Tracey has held senior regional and society roles and was the first female president of the Anthracite Chapter. Beyond her professional work, she is deeply engaged in community resilience, government affairs, and climate action initiatives.
Full speaker bio and more information on Tracy can be found on the ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer Website
Jayson Bursill, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Data Scientist
Delta Intelligent Building Technologies
Dr. Jayson Bursill is a Data Scientist for Delta Controls where he leads all data science and related research activities. Jayson received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Carleton University for developing and implementing model-based predictive HVAC controls and evaluating performance in a field test. He is also an Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University. He has publications on multiple building-related topics in several academic journals and conference proceedings.
In addition to his experience and expertise, Dr. Bursill is also involved in several ASHRAE technical activities related to controls including TC 1.4 (Control Theory and Application), GPC 36 (High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems), SPC 223P (Semantic Data Model for Analytics and Automation Applications in Building), SPC 231P (A Control Description Language), and MTG.GenAI.
Alaric Venne
Technical Consultant
Trane Technologies
Alaric Venne has been closely connected with Brainbox AI since its inception in 2017, playing a key role in advancing the company’s intelligent building automation technologies. Drawing on years of experience in the commercial sector, he has helped shape strategies that blend artificial intelligence, data-driven insights, and practical operational needs for building owners and operators.
In his current role as a technical consultant supporting Trane Canada’s portfolio, Alaric collaborates with Trane Technologies teams across multiple disciplines to integrate innovative HVAC and controls solutions. His work focuses on reducing operational costs, improving energy efficiency, and driving measurable sustainability outcomes for customers. He is known for bridging the gap between emerging technology and real-world application, ensuring that advanced tools—such as autonomous building controls—deliver tangible value.
Recognized for his deep technical expertise, forward-looking mindset, and commitment to environmental stewardship, Alaric contributes significantly to transforming the building controls market. His efforts support the broader industry shift toward smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient built environments.
Sponsorship Opportunities
ASHRAE Manitoba is a non-profit organization and relies on generous donations from our community to make events like this possible. Sponsors will receive prominent acknowledgment in event promotional materials, on-site signage, and during opening remarks. Company logos will be featured on the conference website and presentation screens, and sponsors will be recognized in post-event communications distributed to attendees.
This visibility provides meaningful brand exposure to industry professionals while demonstrating your organization’s commitment to advancing our industry and supporting professional development.
🏆 Platinum: Lunch Sponsor – $1,000 (limit of 1 sponsor)
🎖️ Platinum: Refreshment Break Sponsor – $750 (limit of 1, SOLD)
🎖️ Platinum: Venue Sponsor – $750 (limit of 1, SOLD)
🥇 Gold Sponsor – $500
🥈 Silver Sponsor – $250
| Benefit |
Silver |
Gold | Platinum |
Lunch |
| 15-minute speaker address to the event attendees at lunch. 1 free admission for speaker. |
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| All attendees from your organization can register at discounted ASHRAE memberships rate. |
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🎖️ |
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| Recognition during opening remarks. |
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🎖️ |
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Logo featured on event presentation screens, website and promotional materials. |
Featured
placement |
Prominent
placement |
Premier
placement |
Premier placement |
| Verbal acknowledgement throughout the day. |
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🥇 | 🎖️ |
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Please email ASHRAE MB for sponsorship: ashrae.mb@gmail.com
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
🏆 Platinum: Lunch Sponsor
🎖️ Platinum: Refreshment Break Sponsor
🎖️ Platinum: Venue Sponsor
🥇 Gold Sponsor
🥈 Silver Sponsor
Check back soon! Registration & Sponsorship has just opened. Sponsorship list will be updated in 2-3 weeks.
Registration
Early bird registration is now open until March 30, 2026.
Select one of the options below to register or make payment online:
| Early Bird Members | Individual | $195 |
| Early Bird Non-Members | Individual | $245 |
| Early Bird Crew | Group of 4, Half Table | $700 |
| Student | Individual | $50 |
Regular registration rates apply after early bird registration closes.
| Members | Individual | $225 |
| Non-Members | Individual | $275 |
| Crew | Group of 4, Half Table | $900 |
| Student | Individual | $50 |