June 11-13 | Nanaimo, BC
This year’s theme is Mechanical Contractors Speak Up: Keeping It On Point. This is your conference, led by the Mechanical Contracting community! Our industry’s top experts will lead the way, hosting engaging and dynamic panels that explore best practices and insights to help you maintain your competitive advantage as a Mechanical Contractor.
This is more than just a conference — it’s a gathering of industry experts and business thought leaders. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in engaging discussions, exclusive educational sessions, and networking opportunities with BC’s mechanical contracting industry.
What can you expect? Case studies and actionable takeaways that will enhance your skills and elevate your expertise as business owners, managers, and mechanical contractors.
Watch the 2024 Conference Recap!
MCABC is excited to open Day 2 of the Leadership Conference with Jeff Butler, an author and workplace strategist who explores what organizations need to do to navigate uncertainty. His keynote, Redefining the Leader’s Role: Driving Growth in a Rapidly Changing World, will explore the roadmap that the most disruptive companies in the world are leveraging to maximize their employees leadership abilities.
Jeff’s experience spans over 40 industries in 4 continents on how different cultures and employees interact with each other. He studies common threads of behavior in industries such as IT professionals, underground utility workers, police officers to clothing retail chains. In addition, Jeff has also worked with various Fortune 500 companies to my and pop shops. His ideas have made it to TEDx twice, appeared in dozens of media outlets including two books on human behavior:- The Authentic Workplace and The Key To The New You. Currently, he lives in Dallas, Texas as an out of place Californian.
MCABC is excited to open Day 3 with Mandy Gill, a highly sought-after speaker helping leaders thrive in the face of uncertainty by equipping them with strategies to navigate those inevitable challenges and detours that can often feel like failure.
In her keynote, Mandy will share how she’s built one of the world’s most effective behaviour changing apps, Hooked on Healthy Habits, focused on goal setting, resilience and maximizing positive results. Mandy’s newest book, “Reset with Resilience: A Guide to Greatness When Your Goals Go Sideways“, was released in January 2025.
After building and scaling one of the world’s most effective behavior change apps, Hooked on Healthy Habits, Mandy Gill has one of the world’s largest datasets focused on goal-setting, resilience, and maximizing positive results. As a highly sought-after keynote speaker, and published author, she helps leaders, and their teams thrive in the face of uncertainty by equipping them with strategies to navigate those inevitable challenges and detours that can often feel like failure.
Mandy has shared conversations with Lady Gaga and Rihanna while her career took shape in the broadcast world first, before branching off as a resiliency and workplace wellness expert.
When coaching clients, she draws on professional and personal experiences, which include running 10,000 km and climbing nearly one million feet of elevation over the past three years. Her clients to date include: the US Navy, adidas, docusign, TD Bank and Manulife.
In addition to being a highly successful female entrepreneur and CEO, Mandy is a Harvard Leadership Program graduate, and an author, who is passionate about leveling the playing field and opening doors for women across the globe, which has twice earned her Women of Distinction Awards. Mandy’s newest book, Reset with Resilience: A Guide to Greatness When Your Goals Go Sideways, is out now.
You can see Mandy in action on and connect with her via MandyGill.com.
MCABC will sit down with Keith Baldrey to discuss the ever-changing political landscape in BC, Canada and the US. Let’s dig into the newly elected NDP mandate and develop a better understanding of how the trades will be impacted by the current political climate.
Keith Baldrey is Global BC’s Legislature Bureau Chief and one of B.C.’s best-known political commentators.
The recipient of the 2021 Broadcast Performer of the Year by the B.C. Association of Broadcasters for his ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, prior to joining Global BC in 1995, he worked at the Vancouver Sun’s legislature bureau and has covered 11 premiers, 10 provincial elections, numerous federal elections, as well as many party leadership races.
Keith also writes a weekly syndicated column on B.C. politics for a variety of B.C. newspapers and websites, including the North Shore News and the Burnaby Now, and is a daily commentator on 980 CKNW Radio.
June 12
The Urgency for BIM
Have you got it all figured out when it comes to integrating BIM into project planning and field execution? Are you outsourcing your modelling because your company structure can’t accommodate new (or more) technology? Is the idea of BIM daunting and not an investment that seems necessary in your business? Yes? No? It doesn’t matter – these sessions are for you!
To properly explore the “why me” of BIM, we have to start at the beginning. From the design stage to the tendering process to the final install or retrofit, whether strengthening your existing BIM competencies or adopting and applying the new technologies into your organizational processes, BIM is the enabler of your company’s competitiveness, growth and profitability.
It’s time to sound the alarms! If the urgency for BIM is not coming from within the mechanical contracting industry it should be because it’s certainly important to our project partners. Join a panel of external industry stakeholders who will lead us in an important discussion that will help the mechanical contracting industry in BC plan for the future.
Moderated by Keith Pearce, President & General Manager of Kal-West Mechanical Systems, attendees can expect the following learning outcomes:
- Why BIM is not a choice but a necessity to be competitive;
- Understanding BIM as part of the tendering process;
- How BIM is used by Mechanical Engineers;
- Why BIM is important to GC’s;
- How BIM applies to both new construction and retrofit projects.
A Mechanical Engineer who spends the majority of his time interconnecting complex hydronics systems in existing buildings, Moises De Alba says the benefits of modelling are numerous with the two biggest being team effectiveness and the opportunity for the client to provide feedback. Involved in the modelling process since 2019 – from the design to the review stages – Moises emphasizes the importance of being able to foresee issues in advance and the value that is realized from increased project engagement with the client.
About Moises:
Moises, a Principal with FirstLight Energy Solutions, was born and raised in Mexico where he earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. Following his move to Canada in 2007, he began his career as a senior technician, then earned a Master of Engineering in Clean Energy from UBC. Since that time, Moises has specialized in conducting comprehensive energy and decarbonization studies, feasibility assessments, and the design and management of large-scale energy retrofit projects in residential, commercial, and critical environments, including data centers, healthcare facilities, and laboratories.
Regulatory Confusion – Making sense of permits in different municipalities
Have you run into some snags assuming that the permit process is the same in every municipality? The work of mechanical contractors adheres to provincial building codes, so, how do we explain municipal differences? Permit processes can vary between BC municipalities because local governments have the authority to set specific regulations based on their unique needs. Not being clear on the areas where local governments have the authority to designate different applications can impact project deadlines and increase costs BIG TIME.
This session will explore permit processes and highlight key inconsistencies in BC Building Code interpretations, application procedures and design standards across different municipalities.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Navigating BC’s Ever-Evolving Energy Landscape
Are you ready to conquer today’s energy landscape while seizing new opportunities for growth and innovation? Do you find it challenging to navigate BC’s ever evolving energy landscape?
In this session you will gain first-hand knowledge from mechanical contractors and industry stakeholders who have navigated the various energy shifts. This discussion will be moderated by MCABC CEO Kim Barbero.
When Simon launched Porcupine Mechanical in 2024, he asked himself “How do we use existing infrastructure and systems and optimize them to be more energy-efficient?” As a new business owner, he recognized the momentum of the energy transition and the market’s potential for growth. His company focuses on providing high-efficiency systems for the residential sector in BC.
About Simon:
With 20+ years of experience in HVAC, Simon was focused on retrofits and energy upgrades in occupied buildings. Simon has worked multiple roles throughout his career, including installation foreperson, estimator/project manager, department head, and eventually as an executive. He founded his own company, Porcupine Mechanical, which specializes in custom-designed efficient heating & cooling technologies.
With a background in engineering and energy utilities, Sean has been at the forefront of research, industry capacity building programs, and the development of policies aimed at decarbonizing energy systems in Vancouver. Sean and his team collaborate with engineering firms to undertake technical/financial research, and engage with stakeholder groups to address challenges and set regulations for energy within the industry. With his involvement in the BC Energy Step Code Council, his team pioneered the development and implementation of this energy efficiency standard for new construction in the province. They have also introduced Canada’s first annual greenhouse gas limits for large existing commercial and retail buildings (in Vancouver).
About Sean:
Sean Pander, P. Eng, is the Manager of Green and Resilient Buildings for the City of Vancouver. He is also a member of the BC Energy Step Code Council and the Buildings to Electric (B2E) Leadership Council, past-chair of the Zero Emissions Building Exchange ZEBx, and is a recipient of Canada’s Clean50 award. Under Sean’s leadership, Vancouver has rapidly transitioned its Building By-Law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings by over 70% to date and approved changes that will reduce emissions by 90% by 2025.
Bertine Stelzer is a seasoned professional in energy policy and industry collaboration at BC Hydro, where she has spent the past 8 years working alongside industry partners to advance the implementation of energy codes and standards, including the BC Energy Step Code and the Zero Carbon Step Code. In this role, she bridges practical, on-the-ground experience with the expertise of codes and standards professionals, refining these standards to ensure successful implementation and the achievement of energy efficiency goals. Bertine has built and maintained relationships with over 40 professional and training organizations across BC, supporting education, research, pilot projects, and best practices related to energy codes and standards.
About Bertine:
Bertine Stelzer, M.A., is the Co-Chair of the Energy Step Code Capacity Building and Communications Committee and serves on several technical committees, including the Building to Electrification (B2E) Capacity Building Committee and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Net Zero Council. As a passionate advocate for energy and renewables, she focuses on aligning the drivers of the energy transition with the motivations of individuals and organizations, accelerating the shift toward more sustainable energy sources and practices.
June 13
Where Are We on the BIM Journey?
Have you got it all figured out when it comes to integrating BIM into project planning and field execution? Are you outsourcing your modelling because your company structure can’t accommodate new (or more) technology? Is the idea of BIM daunting and not an investment that seems necessary in your business? Yes? No? It doesn’t matter – these sessions are for you!
To properly explore the “why me” of BIM, we have to start at the beginning. From the design stage to the tendering process to the final install or retrofit, whether strengthening your existing BIM competencies or adopting and applying the new technologies into your organizational processes, BIM is the enabler of your company’s competitiveness, growth and profitability.
It’s time to turn inward! We heard why BIM is important to our industry stakeholders on Day 1. Now it’s our turn. Where are we on the BIM journey? What are the barriers? From the vision to the structure, the modelling to the prefab and site execution, MCABC owners and leaders will share their successes and lessons learned.
Moderated by Scott Kenward, Senior Project Manager, Trotter & Morton, attendees can expect the following learning outcomes:
- BIMs importance to their company’s continued success;
- How to implement BIM;
- How BIM shows up in the planning and in the field;
- The barriers to BIM success.
When it comes to project modelling, there’s always that one person who has their finger on the pulse at every stage. In his role as Project Manager at Modern Niagara, James Taylor will share how his role is a constant touchpoint when it comes to BIM – from collaborating with Consulting Engineers and ensuring contract requirements are translated to the model, to facilitating design collaboration with Architects and Owners and between the field and the model, to leveraging the model to manage a project’s budget.
About James:
A Mechanical Engineering graduate, James has worked in the mechanical contracting industry for 10 years as a Project Manager. His project experience ranges from small scale to larger, complex ones, including his current role on the New St. Paul’s Hospital build where BIM is the platform that enables collaboration and efficient decision making. James, a member of MCABC’s Next Gen Board of Directors, values opportunities to help inform industry to how BIM can optimize work processes in the mechanical contracting industry.
The successful adoption and evolution of BIM in your company is dependent on a clear vision, a well-developed plan that measures incremental change, saying “yes” to jobs that lend themselves to BIM and a solid structure. Kyle Wisniewski, General Manager, Black & McDonald, and BIM champion, will share the company’s approach to project modelling – from when it was first introduced with the purchase of a 3D scanner for $75K (which collected dust for 95 per cent of the year) to its integration throughout Black & McDonald’s project processes today.
About Kyle:
An advocate for leveraging technology to spur industry advancement and innovation, Kyle brings more than 18 years of experience in the mechanical contracting industry. During his time at Black & McDonald, Kyle has been involved in projects that have provided opportunities to use BIM to troubleshoot issues, innovate solutions and create efficiencies. The current Chair of the MCABC, Kyle is an advocate for bringing industry together to share and strengthen competencies.
A big fan of project modelling, Erik Sundstrom, Site Supervisor at Trotter & Morton, espouses the benefits of best practice modelling; he’s also seen it take a turn in the wrong direction! Accountable for actioning the model in the field, Erik will share his first-hand experiences – from all contractors and subs subscribing to an extensive project model to the more common hybrid approach, and how each impacts the project.
About Erik:
With a background in mechanical systems and project supervision, Erik brings 25 years’ experience in residential, commercial and institutional construction, nine of which include actioning BIM in the field. As part of the project handover to the field, Erik is responsible for reviewing and confirming the model on site before the direction to start construction is issued; he also holds weekly clash detection meetings with project designers and other site supervisors. Currently, Erik oversees mechanical operations for the VGH Operating Room Upgrade project.
Le Hien, a Mechanical Engineering graduate (B.Eng) and Engineer in Training (EIT) who holds a CanBIM certification (CanBIM CP), brings to her role mathematical and analytical expertise, problem-solving skills, drafting experience and an eye for design. She is an advocate for increased collaboration within the mechanical contracting industry, noting that it is key to driving technological advancements. Le Hien’s goals include raising awareness amongst youth and women of the various opportunities available in the mechanical trades. Le Hien is a member of MCABC’s Next Gen Board.
Can AI Supercharge Your Business?
What the F* is AI?!** You’ve heard the buzz, but what does artificial intelligence actually mean for mechanical contractors? Is it a passing trend, or is it about to change the way we do business forever?
This industry-led panel, moderated by Maddie Davidson, Service Manager at Davidson Bros. Mechanical, will feature real-world insights from mechanical professionals and suppliers who are already seeing AI’s impact firsthand. No sales pitches. No fluff. Just honest talk about how AI can help (or hurt) your business and what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
From Challenges to Solutions - Product Design, Efficiency & Scope Gaps
Join us for an engaging panel discussion that will bring together mechanical contractors, designers, product and service suppliers to discuss practical solutions and strategies to improve design and delivery.
This session will explore equipment codes and changes, how to develop strong collaborative partnerships, understand how effective communications can minimize scope gaps, design efficiency, best practices, and how to implement a roadmap that minimizes common design and construction challenges.
Ed has been involved in numerous projects, collaborating closely with contractors, consultants, and engineers. Ed and his team provide valuable insights to ensure projects remain competitive and optimize efficiency.
A key aspect of Ed’s role involves evaluating design changes made at the factory level, working alongside manufacturers and engineers to help contractors choose the best products for their needs. By ensuring that the products are well-suited to the BC market and aligned with building code requirements, Ed focuses on delivering cost-effective, reliable solutions to meet evolving industry standards.
About Ed:
Ed Fox, P. Eng, has been with Johnson Barrow BC since 2016 as a Partner. Ed and his team at Johnson Barrow represent a diverse range of products for projects in the commercial, multi-family, and ICI sectors throughout BC.
Communication challenges and lack of standardized guidelines in the industry can lead to project inefficiencies, misunderstandings, and delays, increase the risk of errors and costs. The solution? Effective collaboration, according to Jonathan Brown, Director of Hydronics at Riada. Jonathan advocates for better communication tools and collaborative approaches, such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), to improve team coordination and decision-making to lead to better project outcomes.
About Jonathan:
Jonathan is the Director of Hydronics at Riada Sales and has had a dynamic career in engineering, sales, and procurement. Jonathan started his journey in the industry as a consulting engineer and quickly elevated to becoming a sales engineer over the course of a decade. Having now transitioned to the vendor side of the mechanical industry, Jonathan is dedicated to supporting projects with his breadth of experiences and expertise.
Bio coming soon.
MCABC is excited to offer our conference delegates activities, as well as exclusive discounts and preferred pricing when you book with one of our conference partners!
Upon registration confirmation, you’ll receive an email to access special discounts for travel and accommodations.
Golf
We’ve arranged exclusive tee times for conference attendees! This is the perfect opportunity to network, unwind and have some fun. Tee times are limited and first come, first serve!
Travel
Starting April 1, 2025, MCABC Conference attendees can get 20% off regular fare sailings (offer extends across all fare types and service levels, excluding applicable taxes, mandatory fees, and optional services) when you book for sailings between June 7-16.
MCABC Conference attendees can get up to 10% off select WestJet fares when booking for travel to Nanaimo.
- 5% off Econo and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada.
- 2% off Econo, 5% off EconoFlex, and 10% off Premium fares for trans-border travel.
No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings.
MCABC Conference attendees can get up to 10% off select Air Canada fares when booking for travel to Nanaimo.
- 5% off standard fares, 10% off flex fares & higher for travel within North America.
MCABC Conference attendees can get 20% off ZNA Full fares for flights booked between June 9-16, 2025.
Accommodations
Conference delegates can get a special rate when they book at the Courtyard by Marriot! Just steps away from the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, it’s the best place to stay if you want to be near all the conference activities!
Vancouver Island Conference Centre
It’s the many options from sea to sky that attract visitors to Nanaimo, where pedals push you over trails and the soles of your boots take you down to the base of rainforest waterfalls. And yet all will find the stillness to rejuvenate when kicking back on the beach to watch the ferry dock or enjoying a cold handmade beverage at one of 4 craft breweries.
Just steps away from the scenic Nanaimo Harbour in the heart of a walkable downtown, The Vancouver Island Conference Centre is Vancouver Island’s finest full-service conference centre.
What are the dates of the conference?
The conference dates are Wednesday, June 11 to Friday, June 13, 2025.
Where is the location of the conference?
Vancouver Island Conference Centre
101 Gordon St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J8
Who can attend the conference?
The conference is open to all professionals, educators, suppliers and government officials working with the mechanical contracting industry. All MCABC members and non-members are welcome.
What is this year’s Conference about?
This year’s theme is Mechanical Contractors Speak Up: Keeping It On Point. This is your conference, led by the Mechanical Contracting community! Our industry’s top experts will lead the way, hosting engaging and dynamic panels that explore best practices and insights to help you maintain your competitive advantage as a Mechanical Contractor.
This is more than just a conference — it’s a gathering of industry experts and business thought leaders. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in engaging discussions, exclusive educational sessions, and networking opportunities with BC’s mechanical contracting industry.
What can you expect? Case studies and actionable takeaways that will enhance your skills and elevate your expertise as business owners, managers, and mechanical contractors.
How do I register and what form of payment is accepted?
Purchase your delegate passes here.
MCABC accepts Visa and Mastercard.
Can my significant other attend the conference?
People who have purchased a full delegate pass have the option to purchase an additional full delegate ticket for their significant other to attend the Welcome Reception and/or the Thursday evening event and/or 1 keynote speaker, and/or both keynote speakers. These tickets can be added at the time the Full Delegate Pass is purchased.
When does the early-bird rate end?
Early-bird rate ends 11:59 PM on Friday, March 7, 2025. Make sure to grab your passes early!
Are Delegate Passes refundable?
While Delegate Passes are non-refundable, they are transferable to someone else at your company.
Can I purchase tickets onsite on the day of the event?
Tickets can only be purchased online and must be purchased in advance.
Where should I stay?
Conference delegates can get a special rate when they book at the Courtyard by Marriot! Just steps away from the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, it’s the best place to stay if you want to be near all the conference activities.
100 Gordon St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J8
Is there a discount code for hotel and travel?
Upon registration confirmation, you’ll receive an email to access special discounts for travel and accommodations.
Are families welcome?
Yes, there are various options and delegate pass options for your significant other available.
Where can I find information related to the Trade Show?
For all information related to the Trade Show, click here.
Who will help us with the Trade Show logistics?
After securing your exhibitor booth, a member of the MCABC business conference team will be in touch to assist you with the logistics for your exhibitor’s boot
How can I become a Sponsor?
View our sponsorship packages here.
Who will be speaking at the conference?
For more information, see our list of speakers here.
SPONSORED BY: