Enjoy the beauty of a Phoenix morning as you embark on a competitive 5k run or less competitive one-mile walk. From the complimentary t-shirt to the warm-up exercises to the continental breakfast, everyone—participants and spectators alike—has fun at this annual event. The race and walk will start from Sunset Lawn on property at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge.
Please visit www.mcaaconvention.org after January 1, 2026, for the official registration link.
The Annual Golf Tournament will feature an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. This year, we will be playing two beautiful courses on property at the Wildfire Golf Club, the Faldo Championship Course and the Palmer Signature Course.
The Faldo Championship Course plays up to 6,846 yards and offers an inspired variation of the typical desert-themed course. Featuring generous fairways, large green and 108 sand bunkers, the surrounding mountains and cacti become the backdrop for a championship round.
The Palmer Signature Course plays up to 7,145 yards and provides an unmatched scenic golfing experience. The flashed bunkering on Palmer is superb and the putting greens carry plenty of undulation, like many Arnold Palmer designs.
Both courses are on-property at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge and pairings will be available at MCAA’s Sports Desk on Saturday, March 14.
Registration will open for the golf tournament after January 1, 2026, and a link to register will be sent to all registered convention attendees. At that time, you can also secure rental clubs and indicate your pairing preference.
The 5th Annual Pickleball Tournament is always a fun convention event for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Please visit www.mcaaconvention.org after January 1, 2026, for the official registration link.
Curious which chapters are at MCAA26? Stop by the Connection Corner lounge to network with students during session breaks and note the “We’re Here” banner for a list of represented student chapters. This space is perfect for contractor/student casual employment conversations and student peer-to-peer meetups for chapters looking to discuss best practices and share ideas.
Is this your first time at the MCAA Convention? Start your experience off right with this special orientation designed just for you. You will learn how to make the most of your time at the convention—what to expect, how to navigate the schedule and insider tips to maximize networking, education and fun. Meet fellow first-time attendees, hear from experienced members of MCAA’s Board of Directors and leave with a clear game plan to ensure your convention experience is both productive and memorable.
This newly combined session brings together student chapter leadership teams for a dynamic and collaborative meeting designed to strengthen chapter success and engagement.
Recommended Attendees:
Session Highlights:
This session is a must-attend for chapter leaders and advisors looking to align on goals, share insights, and prepare for a successful year ahead.
Students and faculty will review MCAA26 program highlights and logistics, plus an alumni panel will share their personal roadmaps for creating a successful convention experience. The Marco Polo matching game will also return (with prizes)—don’t be late! This peer-to-peer networking game is somewhat chaotic, but that’s all part of the fun!
Colleagues, get ready to suit up and step into the world of Bond—James Bond—for an evening of elegance, entertainment and high-stakes fun. Hosted exclusively for MCAA, this private Casino Royale event brings the thrill of the casino floor together with the style and intrigue of a classic spy thriller.
What to Expect:
It’s not just another night out—it’s a chance to connect, unwind and channel your inner secret agent in style. The stakes are fun, the vibe is classy and the mission is simple: enjoy the night.
Beverages Sponsored by Procore
Dinner Sponsored by GF Uponor
Souvenir Photos Sponsored by EVAPCO, Inc.
Curious which chapters are at MCAA26? Stop by the Connection Corner lounge to network with students during session breaks and note the “We’re Here” banner for a list of represented student chapters. This space is perfect for contractor/student casual employment conversations and student peer-to-peer meetups for chapters looking to discuss best practices and share ideas.
Start the week off with President Brian Hughes’s reflections on the past year and what he envisions for MCAA’s future, followed by remarks from United Association General President Mark McManus on the UA’s initiatives.
Drew Brees is the former 2009 Super Bowl MVP-winning quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. A native of Austin, TX, Brees attended Westlake High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, while lettering in football from 1997-2000. Drew went on to play five years with the San Diego Chargers and fifteen years with the New Orleans Saints. He has been elected to 13 Pro Bowls while being named 2004 Comeback Player of the Year, 2006 All-Pro Team, 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, 2008 and 2011 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and Super Bowl XLIV Champion and MVP.
As much pride as Brees takes in his on-field performance, he takes even more pride in his community service endeavors. Drew and his wife, Brittany, established the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003 and since then have contributed over $50,000,000 to help improve the quality of life for cancer patients and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need. In addition to his personal foundation, Drew has co-founded SHIELD 1 Foundation to address the greatest needs in our communities including but not limited to housing, healthcare, education, business opportunity, economic development, urban farming, support of HBCUs, social justice and legislative reform.
Brees is a proud partner of the GBX Group, Jimmy Johns, Walk-Ons Enterprises, Football N America, Smalls Sliders, and Franworth. He participates as a Board Member for Surf Sports, Stretch Zone, Franworth and formerly with the NFLPA and President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
Brees has also proudly participated in five USO trips visiting Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Turkey, Djibouti, Dubai, Okinawa, and Guantanamo Bay. Drew currently lives with his wife Brittany and children Baylen, Bowen, Callen and Rylen in San Diego, CA.
This powerful keynote talks about what it takes to be ready for battle every day. What do the best leaders ask of themselves and of their teams, and how do teams operate best? Learn from the front lines of a Navy SEAL commander and put it into action right away.
Key takeaways:
The mechanical contracting industry is changing faster than it ever has before and we, as industry leaders, need to stay on top of the curve. In this interactive seminar, MCAA’s President-elect and three members of MCAA’s President’s Advisory Council, will share areas of concentration to successfully navigate this next era of mechanical contracting: strategic planning, market conditions and talent retention.
A contractor’s strategic plan looks different now as opposed to five years ago and has evolved to focus on agility, diversification and workforce sustainability, with investments in technology and expanded services. Meanwhile, current market conditions vary widely—some regions are booming while others face slowdowns—making strategic project selection and labor planning more critical than ever. Additionally, talent retention remains a huge factor as competition rises.
Join your peers to discuss how we are all handling and responding to these everyday challenges.
Determine how best to work through the days, weeks, months and years that follow a tragic workplace fatality or severe injury. We will discuss three aspects of an incident: Business, Emotional and Litigious. This session includes a true case study that explores a recent steel piping system pressure testing incident that resulted in a fatality.
Join Jorge Chavez, President of Topaz Sales Consulting, for a powerful session that uncovers why even skilled salespeople struggle to close and what to do about it.
You’ll learn a proven, time-tested Buyer Facilitator philosophy that helps your team stop selling and start helping people buy. Walk away with practical tools to shift mindsets, uncover real buying motives and increase close rates without pressure or pushiness.
Perfect for owners, leaders, sales professionals and project managers—or anyone who engages directly with clients and prospects.
The MCAA Hub is your one-stop resource for everything the MCAA has to offer. From upcoming conferences, association initiatives and industry best practices, the Hub connects you to the full range of MCAA events and educational opportunities. Whether you’re looking to expand your skills, grow your network or just find out exactly what MCAA has to offer, the Hub makes it easy to explore and access the resources that matter most to you.
Zack Kass is an advisor, researcher, keynote speaker, and the former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI.
At OpenAI, Zack led sales, partnerships, and customer success, helping turn breakthrough research into real-world business solutions. He has advised executives across dozens of industries on deploying AI at scale.
Today, as an executive business advisor, Zack works with Fortune 1000 boardrooms—including Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, and Amgen—to help leaders navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. His mission is to ensure individuals, businesses, and governments are active participants in the AI-powered future by making the technology both understandable and actionable. Recognized as a leading thinker in applied AI, his insights have been featured in Fortune, Newsweek, Entrepreneur, AdAge, and Business Insider.
Beyond his advisory work, Zack supports AI education and research at the University of Virginia. He holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and resides in Santa Barbara, California.
Student chapter members are encouraged to split up and spread out for a lunch designed with the targeted intention of connecting students from different chapters. The agenda is wide open for discussion topics relevant to each student chapter’s particular needs. Pop in, grab some lunch and get ready to talk about student chapter programming from A-Z. Faculty and Industry Advisors will have a set of reserved tables for their own lunch discussion. Stickers will be provided to note the number of years each person has been advising an MCAA student chapter to assist with facilitating mentor relationships for new advisors with veteran advisors. Have a question? Get an answer!
Each day has 24 hours, no more, no less. Imagine having your best year ever. Imagine information that would assist you in getting twice as much done in less time. What if you could do more of the right things that need doing in your business or job? Imagine achieving your professional and personal goals in a fraction of the time.
You will learn:
All this and much much more…
Organizations are justifiably concerned about the ability to retain talent in an environment where the availability of workers is very scarce. Additionally, the changing needs of today’s workforce require employers to reassess their employee development programs. Career path mapping brings clarity to an otherwise cloaked path of progression, allowing the employee to understand opportunities within the company and engage them in creating and owning their own map.
Join this dynamic manufacturer/supplier panel, moderated by a leading contractor, for an in-depth discussion on applying continuous improvement strategies to drive efficiency and eliminate waste. Learn how proven methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma can help streamline operations, boost productivity and support long-term, sustainable growth.
Students looking for internships or full-time positions will be wearing “Hire Me” pins throughout the week. Three groupings of tables will be set up in the foyer space of the M/SC Exhibit with students eager to learn about employment opportunities at your company. The tables will be geographically split by west, central and east. Make your way over to the area that best represents your company and find your next great hire!
Discover the Latest Innovations in Our Industry
Join us for an exciting opportunity to explore the newest products and services shaping our industry. Representatives from MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council will be on-hand to showcase their solutions and share insights on how they’re helping contractors like you save time, cut costs and reduce errors.
Why Attend?
At MCAA, our Manufacturer/Supplier Council members are integral to our association. Their long-standing partnerships with contractors are built on trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to success.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn and grow.
Continental breakfast will be provided.
Curious which chapters are at MCAA26? Stop by the Connection Corner lounge to network with students during session breaks and note the “We’re Here” banner for a list of represented student chapters. This space is perfect for contractor/student casual employment conversations and student peer-to-peer meetups for chapters looking to discuss best practices and share ideas.
Mike Massimino is a former NASA Astronaut, a New York Times Bestselling Author, a Columbia University Professor, a media personality and the first person to tweet from space. He is a four-time spacewalker on two missions to the Hubble Space Telescope, including the final Hubble servicing mission which has been called the most dangerous and complex mission in space shuttle history. Mike has made numerous television appearances, including a recurring role as himself on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, hosted educational television programs and provides expert commentary on morning shows and network and cable news programs.
He has been called the real-life astronaut who inspired George Clooney’s role in the movie Gravity. He uses humor and his unique storytelling ability to inspire audiences to identify the passion in their work, to use teamwork and innovation to solve problems, to provide leadership in the face of adversity and crisis and to never give up when pursuing a goal.
The MCAA Hub is your one-stop resource for everything the MCAA has to offer. From upcoming conferences, association initiatives and industry best practices, the Hub connects you to the full range of MCAA events and educational opportunities. Whether you’re looking to expand your skills, grow your network or just find out exactly what MCAA has to offer, the Hub makes it easy to explore and access the resources that matter most to you.
How much does a service hour really cost your business—and are you charging enough to cover it? In this 60-minute session, MSCA Chair David Geith will break down the true cost of a service hour, line by line. From labor burden, overhead, tools, training, travel time and administrative support, David will explain all the hidden and not-so-hidden costs that impact your bottom line.
Learn how to accurately calculate your service rate while avoiding common pricing pitfalls and set rates that reflect value and viability. Whether you’re reviewing your rates or building them from the ground up, this session gives you the clarity and confidence to price smarter.
PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals”—are rapidly becoming a top concern in the plumbing industry, with evolving legislation, increasing client awareness and new filtration technologies driving the demand for contractor expertise. This seminar offers an overview of what PFAS are current legislation, available filtration and mitigation solutions and emerging technologies. You’ll also hear from PCA Board members, Adrienne Bennett and Michael Wallenstein, on how their companies are actively incorporating PFAS knowledge into their plumbing operations. Get the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the PFAS game.
In the fast-paced and ever-changing mechanical industry, strong communication is essential to effective leadership and career growth. Join renowned broadcaster and communications expert Gerry Sandusky for an engaging, high-impact session focused on helping industry leaders refine their personal brand, speak with clarity, and lead with greater confidence.
From high-stakes meetings to everyday conversations, this session will equip you with practical strategies to communicate with purpose, adapt to your audience, and make a lasting impression. Whether you’re presenting ideas, managing teams, or building client relationships, you’ll gain tools to enhance your presence and influence in any professional setting.
Witness our industry’s emerging leaders as they compete in the annual MCAA Student Chapter Competition. Four teams will compete for a total prize package of $26,500, with the first-place team going home with $10,000! These accomplished students secured their Final Four spot by submitting a written proposal that rose to the top of nearly 30 submissions for a real-world project bid (contributed by Helm Group).
Students will display their impressive presentation skills and insightful knowledge of mechanical systems as they take the stage for Round 2 of the competition. Following their 10-minute formal presentation, each team will be put on the spot for an additional 10 minutes of live Q&A from the panel of judges.
Don’t miss your opportunity to vote for the MVP—Most Valuable Presenter—and cheer on your favorite team!
Please join us to honor the achievements of our members and future professionals.
Inky Johnson is a former collegiate athlete, entrepreneur and one of the most sought-after inspirational speakers in the world. After a life-altering injury ended his football career at the University of Tennessee, Inky turned adversity into purpose—motivating others to lead with resilience, perseverance and heart.
With a Master’s in Sports Psychology, Inky has inspired audiences, and his powerful message transcends sports and business, focusing on leadership, mental toughness and embracing change. He is the host of the Serendipity with Inky Johnson podcast, co-founder of The Inky and Allison Johnson Foundation and a dedicated mentor to young athletes and underserved youth.
Curious which chapters are at MCAA26? Stop by the Connection Corner lounge to network with students during session breaks and note the “We’re Here” banner for a list of represented student chapters. This space is perfect for contractor/student casual employment conversations and student peer-to-peer meetups for chapters looking to discuss best practices and share ideas.
In most ways, people today are more comfortable than ever. For example, we spend 93 percent of our time indoors in temperature control, we get our food from a drive-through window or microwave instead of hunting and gathering and our biggest stresses are presentations and artificial deadlines rather than ferocious tigers.
This lifestyle clearly has benefits, but it also has pernicious drawbacks. Michael Easter’s investigative reporting shows that our overly comfortable and convenient lifestyles explain everything from why we feel burnout and get so stressed by events as harmless as traffic jams and work presentations, to why we’re suffering from a creativity crisis and face the highest rates of chronic mental and physical diseases in human history.
Michael spent 33 days in the Arctic and traveled the globe researching his book, The Comfort Crisis. Through vivid storytelling, he reveals the life-changing power of leaving our comfort zones. Along the way he lays out a handful of simple tactics we can use to expand our comfort zone. The result: We’re left healthier, happier, more creative and productive, with calm and grace in the face of even the biggest stressors.
Join a session focused on where AI is at, where it’s going and how organizations like yours can be prepared.
This foundational course introduces AI concepts tailored for mechanical contractors. Attendees will learn how AI is transforming the industry and walk away with practical tools and strategies for immediate adoption.
This class will be limited to 50 attendees and pre-registration is required (sign up available during the convention registration process). All attendees should bring a laptop and smart phone to the class. Attendees are also encouraged to bring any Excel files or project files they want to use to experiment with the AI tools being explored.
This seminar will provide a comprehensive examination of business succession planning, with a focus on business valuations, exit strategies and ownership transfer options. The program will address the methodology and considerations involved in obtaining a business valuation, outline the key stages of the business sale process and evaluate the potential outcomes and implications associated with various ownership transfer strategies.
This interactive roundtable discussion will hop, skip and jump your company’s understanding and perception of your future workforce prominently into the winner’s circle. The game is on for not only securing talent, but for truly developing a cohesive workplace that uses the unique skillsets of all generations on your team.
Roundtable Teams
Don’t settle for a participation trophy, round out our championship discussion team and learn how to position your company for the ultimate victory—a GREAT future!
Contractors today are reshaping how technology is applied in the office and in day-to-day operations, while also advancing how it is used in fabrication facilities and in the field. This roundtable, moderated by Sean McGuire and joined by Jeff Elwell, CTO of E.M. Duggan, will highlight lessons learned directly from MCAA members. Drawing on insights from the 2025 MCAA Fabrication Conference and the 2026 MEP Innovation Conference, the discussion will show how contractors are using new tools and strategies to improve performance, productivity, and workforce well-being.
Topics will include the rise of data centers and their impact on manpower and mental health. We’ll look at approaches to productivity tracking and the use of analytics as operations digitize. The discussion will also cover automation in both project management and welding, the role of AI in construction workflows, and how service contractors are applying automation to improve efficiency. New emphasis will be placed on model-based fabrication and the growing role of CTOs in guiding technology strategy for contractors. Attendees will also hear what’s driving the focus of the 2026 MCAA Fabrication and 2027 MEP Innovation Conferences, with a preview of the conversations and innovations that will define the next phase of contractor-led progress.
The MCAA Hub is your one-stop resource for everything the MCAA has to offer. From upcoming conferences, association initiatives and industry best practices, the Hub connects you to the full range of MCAA events and educational opportunities. Whether you’re looking to expand your skills, grow your network or just find out exactly what MCAA has to offer, the Hub makes it easy to explore and access the resources that matter most to you.
Join your friends and colleagues at the Closing Reception hosted by MILWAUKEE TOOL, the perfect prequel to the Closing Dinner & Concert.
The Closing Dinner offers the opportunity for one more meal shared with your MCAA family and friends. Dinner seating is based on your registered state, so please be sure to check your registration packet for specific dinner location information.
Dinner Beverages Sponsored by Daikin Group
Dinner Sponsored by Watts Water Technologies
Built around rich vocal harmony, vivid emotional writing and a smooth fusion of country, rock and pop, Lady A have long been a model of mainstream success. The group has become one of the 21st century’s premier vocal groups, blending deeply felt emotions with classic Country sounds. As a Country-radio staple, the trio has amassed record-breaking success ushering in 10 No. One hits with more than 18 million album units and 34 million tracks sold and nearly 5 billion digital streams. Known for their 11X PLATINUM hit “Need You Now” which is the highest certified song by a Country group, they have earned ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row and countless other honors including seven Grammy awards, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards and a Tony Award nod.
Beverages Sponsored by Daikin Group
Curious which chapters are at MCAA26? Stop by the Connection Corner lounge to network with students during session breaks and note the “We’re Here” banner for a list of represented student chapters. This space is perfect for contractor/student casual employment conversations and student peer-to-peer meetups for chapters looking to discuss best practices and share ideas.
MCAA President Brian Hughes will pass the gavel to his successor, Curtis Harbour, who will share his vision for the year ahead. We will recognize our outgoing and incoming Board of Directors and our new MCAA officers will be presented to the membership.
Ken Schmidt is a renowned business strategist, speaker and former communications leader behind the legendary turnaround of Harley-Davidson. He helped transform the brand by shifting its focus from products to people—redefining how businesses connect with customers through authenticity, loyalty and memorable storytelling.
Ken’s high-energy keynotes challenge companies to reject complacency, embrace bold differentiation and tap into timeless human desires to stand out in today’s commoditized world. He’s the author of Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance, host of the Tailgating with Geniuses podcast and co-founder of Torque Sessions Leadership Training.
Through his speaking, writing and consulting, Ken delivers unconventional insights that inspire lasting competitive advantage—rooted in being memorable not for what you do, but for who you are.
Join us in Phoenix at the JW Marriott® Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, a AAA 4-Diamond luxury retreat set in the stunning Sonoran Desert. With championship golf, 17 pickleball courts, five pools with a lazy river, and breathtaking views, this destination blends relaxation, recreation, and world-class hospitality for an unforgettable experience.
