MCABC Leadership Conference to focus on strategies for success in a changing industry
From owners and senior leaders to project teams, Mechanical Contractors are encouraged to join the conversation at industry’s marquee education and networking event.
The Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia (MCABC) is gearing up for its annual Leadership Conference in Vancouver next week, June 10-11.
Arriving at a pivotal time for the industry, this year’s program is a response to four major forces that are redefining the future of mechanical contracting in B.C.: artificial intelligence, shifting politics and economics, skilled workforce challenges, and people-first leadership.
Designed to meet the moment, the event will connect contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, suppliers, partners, and other industry stakeholders from across the province — equipping delegates with the skills and strategies needed to adapt, thrive, and lead with confidence in a rapidly changing environment.
“In times of uncertainty, a united industry is a strong industry,” says MCABC CEO Kim Barbero. “The Leadership Conference is about bringing industry together to spark ideas, foster alignment, and move forward with shared solutions.”
Anna Sainsbury will talk AI, efficiency, and profitability in her keynote session.
The jam-packed schedule kicks off with a keynote from Anna Sainsbury on Demystifying AI: The Power Move, where the GeoComply Co-Founder will cut through the noise surrounding artificial intelligence to answer one simple question: how can it be used to drive efficiency and profitability? Anna’s keynote will be followed by an industry panel exploring real-world applications and a case study on AI-powered predictive building maintenance.
After a short coffee break and a chance to visit the brand-new Tech Table Lounge, the economic and political conversation will take centre stage. Linda Nazareth, economist and authority on the future of work, will help business leaders find stability, mitigate risk, and identify opportunity in the midst of economic uncertainty at home and abroad.
Complementing Nazareth’s analysis, veteran political commentator Keith Baldrey will share insight into B.C.’s evolving political landscape and what developments businesses should be planning for. He’ll then sit down with MCABC’s Barbero for an in-depth Q&A on the hot-button issues affecting the industry.
Exhibitors at this year’s Leadership Conference include innovative product manufacturers, software providers, and business services.
SkilledTradesBC’s Chief Strategic Officer Laura Lurz will provide an overview of how the B.C. Government’s landmark $241M investment will be used to modernize and strengthen trades training across the province, including access, delivery, certification recognition, and barriers to progress. Later on, BC Hydro will deliver an update on its evolving capital and energy efficiency plans, highlighting where the opportunities lie for mechanical contractors.
Following an extended lunch, the skilled workforce focus continues with Lucy Griffiths, Dean of the School of Trades, Technology, and Design at Vancouver Community College, who will lead a session on VCC’s Modernized Apprenticeship Pathway and E-Prentice initiatives. After Griffiths’ presentation, a panel discussion will drill down into a recent pilot program, unpacking the benefits, the lessons learned, and what employers can expect.
Lucy Griffiths will shed light on VCC’s Modernized Apprenticeship Pathway.
Rounding out the 2026 Leadership Conference will be social impact entrepreneur and local Vancouver legend Mark Brand. With more than a dozen brick-and-mortar businesses and a multinational charity under his belt, Brand will outline his proven leadership model, rooted in radical collaboration and a people-first approach.
With only one week to go, members of B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry are strongly encouraged to register and be part of the conversations shaping the industry’s future.
Learn more: https://conference.mcabc.org/