More than 150 sessions, three preconference workshops, and technical tours set for February 16–19, 2027, at the Town and Country Resort

The International District Energy Association (IDEA) today announced the education program for CampusEnergy2027, featuring more than 150 sessions led by more than 250 presenters from over 175 organizations worldwide. This year’s conference, which celebrates CampusEnergy’s 40th anniversary, will be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, California, February 16–19, 2027.

This year’s sessions cover Data Center Heat Reuse, AI and Central Plant Optimization, Thermal Energy Networks (TENs), and Campus Decarbonization Roadmaps, among other topics. The two-day technical program on Wednesday and Thursday, February 17 and 18, will offer up to six concurrent sessions built around case studies and practical solutions from campuses, data centers, hospitals, and municipal systems. Registered attendees will have exclusive access to all session recordings, so they never have to miss a session.

“CampusEnergy started 40 years ago as a handful of campus energy engineers trading notes on steam plants and chilled water loops,” said Rob Thornton, president and CEO of IDEA. “What we’ve built since then shows up in this year’s program, one of our biggest to date. The sessions matter, and so does the hallway conversation afterward, when an engineer from one campus compares notes with a peer who has already solved the same problem.”

Education is at the center of every CampusEnergy conference. On Tuesday, February 16, attendees can choose from three full-day preconference workshops:

• Thermal Distribution and Operations, covering the modeling, maintenance, and decarbonization of steam, hot water, chilled water, and ambient loop networks
• District Energy, Data Centers and Heat Re-Use, examining how campuses and data centers can capture and use recovered heat, in addition to innovative strategies with district cooling networks
• Geothermal, focused on integrating geothermal and geo-exchange systems with thermal storage and campus microgrids

The Exhibit Hall will feature more than 140 technology providers and service partners. On Friday, February 19, attendees can tour the Solar Turbines manufacturing plant and the Cordia San Diego district energy system.

CampusEnergy2027 will also continue the Patti Wilson Leadership Program, which honors the late IDEA chair and longtime industry advocate by supporting the participation of promising young women in district energy. Applications for the program are due Wednesday, December 9, 2026. Students at IDEA member institutions can enter IDEA’s Campus Student Video Contest by submitting short videos on their campus district energy systems by Wednesday, December 16, 2026. The winner will be recognized on stage at CampusEnergy2027.

IDEA thanks its 2027 Diamond Sponsors, Cordia, Empower Energy Solutions, and Johnson Controls, and its Platinum Sponsors, CenTrio and NUPI Americas, for their generous support and participation throughout the conference.

Registration is open, and the full program is live. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are also available through IDEA.

About IDEA

The International District Energy Association (IDEA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association founded in 1909 and based in Massachusetts, USA. Representing nearly 3,000 members across more than 30 countries, IDEA champions district heating, district cooling, thermal networks, and combined heat and power (CHP) as reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions. Its mission is to foster the success of its members as global leaders in advancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and building resilient, sustainable communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CampusEnergy2027?

CampusEnergy2027 is the 40th anniversary edition of the International District Energy Association’s annual CampusEnergy conference. It takes place February 16–19, 2027, at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, California, and convenes campus energy leaders for workshops, technical sessions, an Exhibit Hall, and technical tours.

When and where is CampusEnergy2027?

CampusEnergy2027 runs February 16–19, 2027, at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, California. Preconference workshops take place Tuesday, February 16, the technical program takes place Wednesday and Thursday, February 17 and 18, and technical tours take place Friday, February 19.

What topics will CampusEnergy2027 sessions cover?

CampusEnergy2027 offers more than 150 sessions led by more than 250 presenters from more than 175 organizations. Topics include Data Center Heat Reuse, AI and Central Plant Optimization, Thermal Energy Networks, Campus Decarbonization Roadmaps, Digital Twins in Practice, Microgrids and Climate Resilience, Planning Campus Geothermal, and Grid Response and Demand Flexibility. Up to six sessions run at the same time, built around case studies and practical solutions from campuses, data centers, hospitals, and municipal systems.

What preconference workshops does CampusEnergy2027 offer?

CampusEnergy2027 offers three full-day preconference workshops on Tuesday, February 16, 2027. Thermal Distribution and Operations covers the modeling, maintenance, and decarbonization of steam, hot water, chilled water, and ambient loop networks. District Energy, Data Centers and Heat Re-Use examines how campuses and data centers can capture and use recovered heat. Geothermal focuses on integrating geothermal and geo-exchange systems with thermal storage and campus microgrids.

Which technical tours are available at CampusEnergy2027?

CampusEnergy2027 includes technical tours on Friday, February 19, 2027. Attendees can tour the Cordia San Diego district energy system, tour the Solar Turbines manufacturing plant, or join a combined tour of both.

How do I register for CampusEnergy2027?

Registration for CampusEnergy2027 is open at districtenergy.org/campusenergy2027. Early-bird registration is available through Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and attendees receive exclusive access to session recordings and handouts.

What is the Patti Wilson Leadership Program?

The Patti Wilson Leadership Program supports the participation of promising young women in district energy and honors the late IDEA chair and longtime industry advocate. CampusEnergy2027 will continue the program, and applications are due Wednesday, December 9, 2026.

What is the Campus Student Video Contest?

IDEA’s Campus Student Video Contest invites students at IDEA member institutions to submit short videos on their campus district energy systems. The winner is recognized on stage at CampusEnergy2027, and entries are due Wednesday, December 16, 2026.

What is the International District Energy Association?

The International District Energy Association (IDEA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association founded in 1909 and based in Massachusetts, USA. It represents nearly 3,000 members across more than 30 countries and champions district heating, district cooling, thermal networks, and combined heat and power (CHP).

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