The event featured 32 technical sessions, nearly 50 exhibitors and updates on certification and workforce development.
CxEnergy 2026, the annual conference and expo organized by the AABC Commissioning Group (ACG), Â drew more than 600 professionals in commissioning, energy management, and testing, adjusting and balancing to Chicago in late April. Organized jointly by ACG, the Energy Management Association (EMA) and the Associated Air Balance Council (AABC), the event featured 32 technical sessions led by industry experts.
Speakers in the technical program addressed topics across commissioning and energy management, including data centers and artificial intelligence, case studies ranging from airports to higher education, workforce development, and updates to industry standards. Energy management sessions covered energy savings, LEED v5, sustainability and related industry issues. The program also created opportunities for discussion among attendees, speakers, building owners and facility managers.
During the opening plenary session, ACG executive director Ray Bert reviewed recent activity at the organization, including the planned launch of the Commissioning Specialist, or CxS, certification, which is set to replace the current CxT certification. ACG also outlined a broader workforce development effort this year, including a new staff role focused on increasing awareness of commissioning among students and early-career professionals.
The CxEnergy Scholarship Program was expanded this year as part of that effort, with 21 students receiving scholarships to attend the conference. In addition to attending technical sessions, visiting the expo hall and hearing from industry speakers, the scholarship recipients took part in a career fair where they met with five ACG member companies to discuss resumes and employment opportunities.
Keynote speaker Ian Beacraft presented on the use of artificial intelligence in commissioning and energy management work. His session focused on practical applications of AI and considerations for incorporating it into existing workflows.
The conference also included an expo hall with nearly 50 sponsors and exhibitors presenting software, technology, devices and services related to commissioning, energy management and TAB. The CxEnergy Technology Theater also returned, giving exhibitors a forum to present new products.
A new feature in the expo hall this year was the CxEnergy Punch List game, which encouraged attendees to visit sponsor booths, attend Technology Theater sessions and post using #CxEnergy for a chance to win prizes. The activity was intended to increase interaction between attendees and sponsors and provide added exposure for participating companies.
At the end of the conference, a group of attendees joined a boat tour on the Chicago River focused on the city’s architecture.
CxEnergy 2027 is scheduled for April 27-30 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The conference is presented by the AABC Commissioning Group, the Associated Air Balance Council and the Energy Management Association.
For more information, visit cxenergy.com.
