Asia Pacific Conviron Service School 5

Conviron Hosts First Asia Pacific Service Seminar

Nov 13, 2025

In a landmark event for Conviron and Argus, the 2025 Asia Pacific Service Seminar was held at the University of Queensland’s cutting-edge Plant Futures Facility (PFF) in Brisbane from October 28–30. This marked the first-ever Service School outside of North America, bringing together 15 participants from across Australia and New Zealand for a deep dive into the science and service of plant growth chambers and rooms.

A typical Service Seminar is a 2 to 3-day session hosted at Conviron headquarters in Canada or at the client's site. There are normally two tracks during the seminar. One session is catering to users, operators and researchers while the other is focusing on service technicians. The seminars normally have a classroom component as well as a hands on component working directly with the Conviron chambers and rooms.

The seminar was split into two tracks: a two-day User/Operator Training and a three-day Service Technician Program, both designed to enhance understanding of Conviron’s plant growth chambers and control systems. Attendees engaged in a blend of classroom theory and hands-on training, working directly with a range of Conviron equipment including reach-in chambers and walk-in rooms such as the BDW,, EVO, and the Conviron Growth House - all housed within the PFF, home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest phytotron.

Why This Seminar, Why Now?

With thousands of Conviron growth chambers deployed across ANZ institutions, the need for localized training has never been greater. While Conviron regularly hosts service schools in North America, the distance has posed a barrier for many clients outside the region. This Brisbane seminar was a long-awaited opportunity to upskill users and technicians locally, while fostering a stronger regional network of expertise and collaboration.

Training session on Conviron’s PGC Flex plant growth chamber at the University of Queensland, focusing on advanced diagnostics, control system programming, and environmental parameter management.

Tailored Training for Regional Needs

The University of Queensland’s facility provided a unique snapshot of the equipment landscape across ANZ. From BDWs used at UQ, University of Adelaide, and the Department of Primary Industries, to PGC Flex chambers found at CSIRO, ANU, and UWA, the seminar content was tailored to reflect the diverse configurations found throughout the region. This ensured that both new and experienced users walked away with practical, relevant insights.

Seminar Highlights

Participants explored a wide range of topics, including:

  • Control systems programming, diagnostics, and service modes
  • Psychrometric envelopes and VPD
  • Electrical and refrigeration troubleshooting
  • Humidification, dehumidification, and CO₂ scrubbing
  • Preventative maintenance and central management software
Conviron Growth House at the University of Queensland’s Plant Futures Facility, featuring high-capacity growth environments with adjustable bench systems and integrated lighting arrays. Participants conducted hands-on diagnostics and environmental control exercises during the Asia Pacific Service Seminar.

Building Knowledge & Community

Beyond the technical training, attendees valued the opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, and build relationships with Conviron staff and fellow users. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising both the depth of content and the collaborative atmosphere.

Members of Conviron’s Australia Team outside the University of Queensland’s Plant Futures Facility. The team supported the delivery of the inaugural Asia Pacific Service Seminar with technical leadership and regional expertise.

Looking Ahead

This inaugural Asia Pacific Service Seminar sets the stage for future regional training initiatives. Whether you're a researcher, operator, or technician, Conviron’s Service School offers a valuable opportunity to grow your expertise, troubleshoot with confidence, and become part of a thriving community of controlled environment professionals.

Register for Future Service Seminars

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