A look at the program for The Buildings Show 2026

Explore the complete conference schedule and register for sessions by visiting the full program.

Who: Over 18,000 industry professionals from across Canada's built environment sectors, including architects, engineers, contractors, developers, property managers, homebuilders, renovators, facility managers, sustainability consultants, technology vendors and policy experts.

What: A conference and expo addressing smart building technologies, decarbonization strategies, construction innovation, regulatory compliance and operational excellence across residential, commercial, institutional and industrial sectors.

Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON

When: December 2–4, 2026

What are the key topics covered?

Smart buildings and digital transformation

AI-powered documentation workflows, SLAM-based mobile LiDAR applications, Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration, digital twin development and PropTech solutions. Sessions explore how AI streamlines administrative tasks and how spatial tools reduce field errors and accelerate project timelines.

Decarbonization and climate adaptability

Portfolio-level decarbonization planning, deep energy retrofit strategies, building envelope optimization, embodied carbon reduction, net-zero pathways, beneficial electrification and climate-resilient design. Sessions address right-sizing low-carbon domestic hot water systems and achieving carbon limits for hybrid and precast concrete buildings.

Structural innovation and material delivery

Modular and off-site prefabrication, panelized wood systems, cross-laminated timber (CLT) applications, precast concrete solutions, hybrid structural systems and modern methods of construction. Sessions showcase point-supported CLT for multi-residential and student housing, and using precast concrete to accelerate housing delivery.

Property management and asset optimization

AI-driven maintenance strategies, building performance monitoring, capital planning, condition assessments, reserve fund studies and net asset value enhancement. Sessions cover property condition assessments for strategic capital planning and managing noise complaints.

Professional skills and risk management

Construction law updates, contract negotiation, dispute resolution, project insolvency management, succession planning, procurement best practices and health and safety protocols. Sessions address mental health challenges in the construction industry and modernizing HR strategies for hiring, retention, engagement and development.

Housing policy and affordability

Federal and provincial housing initiatives, regulatory frameworks, zoning reforms, development charge structures, affordable housing delivery and purpose-built rental strategies. Sessions explore net-zero renovation case studies and building Ontario's workforce for skilled trades.

Building envelope solutions

Facade rehabilitation, window replacement, balcony restoration, roofing systems, waterproofing strategies, air barrier continuity, thermal performance optimization and moisture management. Sessions tackle building envelope failures and high-performance walls for new construction and retrofits.

Featured educational program

120+ educational sessions organized across nine specialized streams:

• Apartment & Condominium Management
• Smart Buildings, Technologies & Innovations
• Optimizing Building Performance & Enhancing Net Asset Value
• Professional Skills, Strategy & Leadership
• Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
• Design Concepts, Health, Wellness & Interiors
• Building Envelope Solutions
• Sustainable Design, Environment & Higher Performance Buildings
• Project Design, Planning, Delivery, Management & Best Practices

250+ expert speakers including industry leaders from QuadReal, Cadillac Fairview, Oxford Properties, Avison Young, KingSett Capital, Toronto Hydro, Colliers, WZMH Architects, Stantec, WSP Canada, JL Richards & Associates, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP and other major construction, development and technology firms.

Continuing education credits

Select seminars and workshops at The Buildings Show are accredited for continuing education by the following associations: ARIDO, BOMI, BSS, CAHPI, CMRAO, OAA and PEO PEAK.

Special events and networking

Networking Mixers: Expand your professional network through strategically designed events connecting you with peers and potential collaborators in your specific field of interest.

• When: December 02–04, multiple sessions daily (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
• Where: North - Networking Hub (3140), MTCC North Building

Speed Networking: Join fast-paced sessions that introduce you to a wide range of design, construction and real estate industry professionals in a short and efficient format. Sessions are tailored to specific sectors including Building Engineering and Science, Homebuilders and Renovators, Architecture and Design, Property Management, Mass Timber, Contractors and Trades and more.

• When: December 02–04, multiple sessions daily
• Where: North - Networking Hub (3140), MTCC North Building

Industry Networking Receptions: Taking place on both Wednesday and Thursday, enjoy complimentary drinks and live entertainment while forging valuable connections with professionals from all sectors of the built environment.

• When: Wednesday, December 02 and Thursday, December 03 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Where:
  • Wednesday: South - Petro-Canada Main Stage (1043), MTCC South Building
  • Thursday: North - Building Futures Stage (3740), MTCC North Building

Registration: All networking events are free. Add sessions to your cart through the event registration platform.

Connect education to the expo floor

After gaining insights from expert-led sessions, attendees can immediately engage with 700+ exhibitors showcasing innovations in building materials, smart technologies, construction equipment, sustainable products, software platforms and prefabricated systems.

The Buildings Show 2026 equips professionals with the knowledge, connections and practical tools needed to deliver high-performance buildings in an era of rapid technological change and climate urgency.