Connecting the worlds of academic research with field practitioners, the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) will host Healthy Buildings 2021 - America (HB2021), a biennial event sponsored by the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ). The event is scheduled to take place on Nov. 9-11, 2021, at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

The theme of this year’s conference is “Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice – In the Age of COVID-19 and Beyond.” It will feature more than 200 science-based workshops, oral presentations and poster presentations. For the first time, this unique conference — which usually is nearly 100 percent academic research — will expand to include practice-based research and discussions.

Professionals in cleaning, disinfection, restoration and remediation will team with researchers representing the nation’s top academic institutions to build bridges between research and practice. Presentations will focus on indoor exposures, with a special emphasis on COVID-19 and implications on the indoor environment for current and future generations.

“The pandemic has brought to light the critical importance of maintaining buildings in a way that enhances the health and wellness of their occupants,” said Dr. Kerry Kinney, President of HB2021–America. “This seminal event will allow ISIAQ researchers to directly engage with practitioners. Developing a two-way dialogue and information exchange between these respective groups is a key step forward in creating best practices that improve the health and wellness of the built environment.” 

Healthy Buildings 2021-America will offer a variety of research-based presentations on the topics of ventilation, building maintenance, indoor chemistry, cleaning, disaster restoration, biological contamination, comfort, and health implications of indoor exposures. Contractors involved in cleaning, restoration, facility management or operations of residential or commercial buildings are invited to attend. 

“With separate as well as joint tracks for both researchers and practitioners, there will be something for everyone during Health Buildings 2021,” said John Downey, Executive Director of CIRI. “Bringing researchers and practitioners together will benefit both groups. Research needs to be applicable to real world scenarios and practices need to be based on sound science. The result will be development of better methods and processes to clean and restore buildings in ways that enhance the health and wellness of the people occupying them.

Individual presentation abstracts are due by March 15, 2021. Organizers also seek sponsors for the event. Limited sponsorships are available for platinum and gold levels and there are unlimited silver sponsorships. Click here for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

Early bird registration is available through May 3, 2021. In addition to in-person attendance, a livestream that includes all general/plenary sessions as well as featured breakouts will also be made available via livestream recording. Click here to reserve your seat. 

Scholarships are available for students. Students applying for the ISIAQ Student Travel Award should apply by April 15, 2021.