Calling all members and partners of B.C.’s Mechanical Contracting industry: Join the Vancouver gathering this June

This June, B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry will gather in Vancouver for what is shaping up to be the industry event of the year. 

The Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia (MCABC) will host its annual Leadership Conference & Tradeshow on June 10–11 at the Westin Bayshore, bringing contractors, partners, and industry leaders together at a pivotal moment for the sector. With early-bird registration rates closing February 28, industry is moving fast to secure their spot at MCABC’s most anticipated event of the year.

The 2026 Conference theme, Build for What’s Next: Technology, Talent, & Leadership in a Changing Industry, reflects the pressures and opportunities mechanical contractors are actively navigating today. This year’s program focuses squarely on three pivotal forces shaping the future of the sector: 

• Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies 
• The Shifting Political and Economic Landscape 
• The Future of Skilled Trades and People-First Leadership 

“We know our industry needs to keep growing, evolving, and innovating to meet our province’s future infrastructure demands,” says Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO. 

“Build for What’s Next is about equipping attendees with the knowledge, skills, and confidence not just to adapt to a changing industry, but to lead the way. Our Leadership Conference is where these conversations are taking place.” 

Demystifying AI: the power move

The technology conversation will take centre stage with opening keynote speaker Anna Sainsbury, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of GeoComply. 

Many contractors are still skeptical about AI’s practical impact. Can it meaningfully support profitability? Where should companies begin? And what does effective adoption actually look like in day-to-day operations? Sainsbury’s keynote, Demystifying AI: The Power Move, is designed to address these questions directly. 

Anna Sainsbury, GeoComply

Following her keynote, Sainsbury will moderate an industry panel exploring real-world use cases, wins, and hesitations around AI. Attendees will hear directly from early adopters and innovators and discover how uncertainty can translate into opportunity. 

“Every day I see the gap widening between those who are adapting and leading in a changing environment and those who are getting left behind,” says Kyle Wisniewski, B.C. General Manager at Black & McDonald and MCABC Board Chair. 

“By bringing industry together and facilitating access to the latest ideas, practices, tools, solutions, and world-class speakers like Anna, we’re helping ensure the entire sector moves forward as one.”

Kyle Wisniewski, Black & McDonald General Manager and MCABC Board Chair

Shifting politics & economics: a conversation with Keith Baldry

The Leadership Conference will also welcome veteran political journalist Keith Baldrey, Chief Political Correspondent and Legislative Bureau Chief at Global BC, for a timely briefing on the forces shaping B.C.’s policy and economic environment. 

Last year saw continued political, economic, and trade uncertainty both at home and abroad. With that volatility expected to persist, many businesses are looking for clearer signals on what comes next. 

Keith Baldrey, Global BC

Following his remarks, Baldrey will join MCABC’s Barbero for a conversation on the hot-button issues facing the industry.

“Our industry is at an inflection point,” says Barbero. “The decisions we make now around emerging technologies, political and economic conditions, and workforce development will determine our industry’s future. This year’s Conference is designed to bring leaders together to confront these realities head-on and build a practical, informed path forward.” 

Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO

Mechanical contracting industry comes together

With early-bird pricing set to end February 28, MCABC is encouraging contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, partners, and other industry stakeholders to secure their spot while preferred rates remain available. A limited room rate at the Westin Bayshore is also in place for attendees planning their stay. 

For organizations seeking visibility with B.C.’s mechanical contracting community, the event presents a timely opportunity to engage, exhibit, and build relationships. Tradeshow space and special exhibiting opportunities for technology platforms and products are selling out. 

Organizations interested in sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are encouraged to secure their participation early. 

From technology adoption to workforce pressures and the evolving political landscape, the 2026 Leadership Conference is positioned to deliver timely and valuable insights for all attendees. 

Other conference speakers and activities will be announced soon.