SMACNA CONVENTION: FORGING THE FUTURE

SMACNA's 2024 Annual Convention took place at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. 

Carol Duncan, SMACNA President, CEO and Owner of General Sheet Metal in Clackamas, Oregon, kicked off the event by welcoming attendees to what she described as “not just a group but a family.” The gathering emphasized SMACNA’s commitment to growth, diversity and collaboration in the industry.

“SMACNA is about more than just business,” Duncan says. “It’s about creating purpose and a sense of belonging.” 

Joined by SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger, Duncan highlighted the monumental opportunities and challenges facing contractors today, particularly with the rise of megaprojects and rapid technological innovation. Together, they painted a picture of an industry navigating uncertainty with resilience and vision.

MEGAPROJECTS: A BOON AND A BALANCING ACT
SMACNA is closely tracking over 269 megaprojects across North America, underscoring the need for contractor collaboration on a larger scale than ever before.

Hilger emphasized the seismic impact of these megaprojects — large-scale endeavors ranging from EV battery plants to nuclear reactors that have driven growth in areas traditionally outside of SMACNA’s union strongholds.

“Hours are up substantially since 2022 — as much as 15%,” he says, noting that this growth is occurring in regions with historically low union density. 
But he cautioned the challenges these projects can bring when it comes to workforce recruitment and retention. This includes the dual-phase challenge of onboarding and training new talent for these projects and ensuring long-term employment opportunities once the projects wrap up.   

“The phase two challenge is keeping these people employed by SMACNA contractors throughout their careers,” he says. 

Hilger also touched on how global economic uncertainty is reshaping the trajectory of megaprojects.

“Uncertainty about the election outcome and tax credits for buyers also play into decisions to slow down development,” he notes, pointing to stalled investments in EV battery plants and chip manufacturing facilities. These hesitations stem from fluctuating market demand and concerns about resource availability, such as power and water. Despite these headwinds, Hilger remains optimistic, suggesting that many projects will move forward, albeit on longer timelines.

A NEW ERA OF COLLABORATION AND DIVERSITY
Duncan applauded the industry’s most diverse workforce yet, emphasizing SMACNA’s partnership with SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers). “Our labor partners are fully committed,” she says, recognizing SMART’s role in ensuring that both union members and contractors are ready to tackle the largest projects across the U.S. and Canada. Duncan points out that SMACNA’s new “Creating a Culture of Respect” initiative, part of SMACNA and SMART’s BE4ALL initiative, seeks to strengthen this collaboration by fostering respect and inclusivity across the workforce.

EMBRACING INNOVATION FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE
Both Duncan and Hilger underscore the importance of technology in navigating these changes. For instance, SMACNA’s recently launched AI task force aims to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance operational efficiency while safeguarding intellectual property.

“AI creates opportunities and challenges — how do we use it effectively? What policies do we need to ensure it’s used safely?” Hilger poses these questions as key priorities for the task force, which will guide members in leveraging AI while mitigating any risks.

Duncan also encourages contractors to adopt emerging technologies to remain competitive, stressing that innovation is essential for addressing both current and future challenges.

Hilger also shares information about the updated SMACNA website, set to launch in 2025, which promises to serve members better and provide streamlined access to resources.

RECOGNIZING LEADERSHIP: AWARD WINNERS
The SMACNA Annual Convention honored a few standout industry leaders whose dedication and impact have set them apart.
Contractor of the Year: Bobby McCallum of The Brandt Cos. in Dallas, Texas, received this esteemed title for his nearly four decades of service. Known for his meticulous project management and collaborative approach with labor partners, McCallum is a steady voice in project management, education and labor relations.

Chapter Executive of the Year: Cheryl Sprague of SMACNA Sacramento Valley was recognized for her advocacy and leadership, especially her efforts in building strong labor-management dynamics. A speaker at national events, Sprague is a vocal advocate for using community collaboration to raise the profile of the sheet metal industry.

Legislative Contractor of the Year: Dan Monahan of J.E. Monahan Metals in Queensbury, New York, was awarded for his work in political and legislative action. Monahan has cultivated bipartisan relationships to support legislation that strengthens the industry, particularly in areas like indoor air quality improvements for schools and public buildings.

SMACNA Chapter Executive Legislative Advocate of the Year: John Quarnstrom of SMARCA of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota was recognized for being a low-key but highly impactful legislative advocate who represents the industry as one of its strongest voices on labor policy issues. His constant presence on several SMACNA task forces and working groups along with his commitment to the association make him an indispensable asset. 
Charles Corbett Excellence in Labor Relations Award: Jim Boone of J. Boone Mechanical in Clovis, California, received this award for his extensive work on labor relations. A leader since 1994, Boone has built enduring relationships with union leaders and contractors, successfully mediating and resolving industry disputes.

ADVANCING EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Highlighting SMACNA’s educational efforts, Duncan encouraged attendees to support the association’s scholarship program, which has enabled hundreds of students — many of them children of SMACNA members — to pursue higher education. “These scholarships are life-changing,” she notes, urging chapters to continue promoting the program to reach more families.

SMACNA’s youth-focused initiatives were also celebrated, including the Heavy Metal Summer Experience. This program, aimed at exposing young people to sheet metal and HVAC trades, has impacted nearly 500 kids this year through camps and hands-on workshops. Duncan commends the contractors who volunteered, remarking, “Together, we are shaping the future of this industry.”
Duncan also reflected on SMACNA’s past year, expressing gratitude to those who hosted her and the SMACNA team in various cities nationwide. “This has been one of the fastest but also one of the most rewarding years of my life,” she says, honoring board members, committee chairs and the organization’s partners who make these efforts possible.

FORGING AHEAD TOGETHER
The convention’s key message was clear: SMACNA is more than an association; it’s a collaborative community driving the HVAC and sheet metal industries forward. By addressing workforce needs, leveraging technology and fostering inclusivity, SMACNA is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of today’s construction landscape.

Hilger summed it up best: “This is our time to grow. By focusing on the 90% we agree on and managing the 10% that might otherwise anchor us, we can achieve remarkable progress.”