Build for What's Next
Technology, Talent, & Leadership in a Changing Industry
This June, industry leaders and professionals will descend on the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver to explore how technology, political and economic shifts, workforce challenges, and people-first leadership are redefining the future of mechanical contracting.
Through real-world insights and immersive, expert-driven learning, delegates will gain the strategies and skills needed to adapt, thrive, and lead with confidence in a changing industry.
Come ready to learn. Leave ready to lead.
Conference Agenda
Wednesday, June 10
| 5:00 PM | Registration |
| 5:30 PM | Opening Night Reception + Tradeshow, hosted by Wilson M. Beck We’re kicking off this year’s Conference with an immersive tradeshow. Join us for cocktails, canapés, and a chance to connect with the people, products, and ideas shaping what’s next in our industry. |
| 7:30 PM | Leadership Conference Games Night, presented by Hisense From there we’ll be diving right into a night of arcade classics and interactive challenges, including a nod to the impending footy fever. Ignite the evening’s networking with the thrill of friendly competition! |
Thursday, June 11
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast, Tradeshow, Tech Table Lounge |
| 8:00 AM | Welcome + Land Acknowledgement |
| SESSION 1 | |
| 8:20 AM | Demystifying AI: The Power Move with Anna Sainsbury, GeoComply |
| The Power Move: AI in Practice | |
| 9:25 AM | The State of the Economy with Linda Nazareth, Macdonald-Laurier Institute |
| 10:10 AM | Coffee Break, Tradeshow, Tech Table Lounge |
| SESSION 2 | |
| 10:40 AM | Planning for the Future of Construction’s Skilled Trades with Laura Lurz, SkilledTradesBC |
| 11:10 AM | Shifting Politics & Economics with Keith Baldrey, Global BC |
| A Conversation with Keith Baldrey | |
| 12:15 PM | Lunch, Tradeshow, Tech Table Lounge |
| SESSION 3 | |
| 2:00 PM | Building a Resilient Clean Energy Future with BC Hydro |
| 2:15 PM | Reimagining Apprenticeship with Lucy Griffiths, Vancouver Community College |
| MAP in the Real World: Challenges, Opportunities, & the Role of Industry | |
| 3:00 PM | Coffee Break, Tradeshow, Tech Table Lounge |
| SESSION 4 | |
| 3:30 PM | From Resilience to Radical Collaboration: Effective Leadership with Mark Brand, Upward Kitchens |
| 4:30 PM | Closing Remarks |
| 5:00 PM | Cocktail Reception, Tradeshow, Tech Table Lounge |
Conference Tradeshow
Located at the heart of this year’s Conference in the venue foyer, the tradeshow floor will serve as a central gathering space for delegates as they enter and exit, move between sessions, and access refreshments throughout the event. With 10+ hours of dedicated tradeshow time built into this year’s program, there’ll be ample opportunity to connect with the people, products, and ideas shaping the future of our industry.
Tech Tables
Brand new for this year’s Conference, our Tech Tables provide delegates the chance to book a series of one-on-one appointments with vendors offering an innovative industry product or service. Think of it like speed dating, but for tech solutions! Not quite sealed the deal? Don’t worry – there’ll have plenty of time to follow up any loose ends with additional drop-ins throughout the event.
Westin Bayshore Vancouver
This year’s conference experience will be shaped by its immediate surroundings: the stunning Northshore Mountains, the beautiful Coal Harbor waterfront and Stanley Park, and the luxuriant grounds of the Westin Bayshore Hotel.
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, and just as the city will be reaching an absolute fever pitch, the Westin Bayshore offers the perfect hub to soak up all the excitement — or escape into nature for some peace and quiet.
Transportation + FIFA World Cup Road Closures
The FIFA World Cup will be kicking off in Vancouver on June 11. Numerous road closures will be in effect in downtown Vancouver and traffic congestion across the city is expected to increase in the week leading up to the tournament.
Road Closures
- Granville Street (between West Georgia and Davie) will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning June 11 as part of the FIFA pedestrian zone.
- Pacific Boulevard will be closed from the Cambie Bridge off-ramp to Carrall Street, with partial closures also in place around BC Place.
- Expo Boulevard will be closed between Main Street and Smith Street.
- Quebec Street will be closed in the area surrounding Andy Livingstone Park.
Expected Impacts
- Increased congestion is expected throughout downtown Vancouver and along major transit routes.
- Additional traffic management measures may be implemented near event and fan festival areas.
Transit Tips
Use public transit, walking, or rideshare when possible.
- Waterfront Station is the closest major transit hub to the hotel.
- The SeaBus, SkyTrain, and downtown bus routes are expected to operate with increased service around the FIFA World Cup.
- There is a Mobi bikeshare station just outside the Westin Bayshore Hotel.
- There is a Lime e-scooter station one block away (Coal Harbour Quay and Nicola Street, next to Cardero Restaurant)
- Allow additional travel time for airport transfers and downtown travel.
- Check local traffic updates before travelling.
When is this year's conference?
Wednesday, June 10 to Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Where is this year's conference?
At the Westin Bayshore Hotel, right in the heart of downtown Vancouver!
Who can attend the conference?
The conference is open to professionals, businesses, organizations, government officials, and all other stakeholders associated with the mechanical contracting industry.
Can my significant other attend the conference?
Absolutely! If your significant other wishes to attend, simply purchase an additional delegate pass or one of our many individual session passes.
How can I register and what form of payment is accepted?
Purchase your delegate passes here.
MCABC accepts Visa and Mastercard.
When does early-bird pricing end?
Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Are delegate passes refundable?
No. However, they are transferrable to a person at your company within the same rate category. Please email info@mcabc.org before June 1, 2026 to arrange this.
Can I purchase passes in-person on the day of the event?
No. Passes can only be purchased online and in advance.
Where should I stay?
At the Westin Bayshore Hotel! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Northshore Mountains and Stanley Park, and located right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, it’s a one-of-a-kind waterfront oasis.
Is there a discount code for the hotel?
Yes! Registered delegates can enjoy significantly discounted rates at the Westin Bayshore. The deadline for this offer is May 11, 2026, and rooms will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. You’ll receive your exclusive code in your registration confirmation email.
Where can I find information related to the tradeshow & tech tables?
Everything you need to know is in our sponsorship package.
Who will help me with tradeshow & tech table logistics?
Yleana Alvarez (yalvarez@mcabc.org) is here to support all your tradeshow and tech table needs!
How can I become a sponsor?
View our sponsorship package here.
Who will be speaking at the conference?
Explore this year’s speaker lineup here.