By / Jeremy Hallman, Executive Director, SMACNA-BC
This year, I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 SMACNA Annual Convention in Maui, Hawaii, held from October 26–29 at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. The weather certainly cooperated for our group, and the convention delivered an engaging and informative experience for contractors, chapter leaders, and industry partners. From the opening College of Fellows golf tournament to the closing dinner and show, every day showcased the strength and innovation of our industry.
Highlights from the 2025 SMACNA Annual Convention
Educational sessions this year focused on artificial intelligence, workforce development, and regulatory updates impacting contractors across North America. I arrived early for a keynote session on AI in construction, but the room was already standing room only. It’s clear that practical tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are becoming essential for contractors looking to streamline documentation, estimating, and project planning. These technologies continue to evolve rapidly, and I’m happy to see that SMACNA is actively helping members understand how to integrate them responsibly into daily operations.
Another interesting program discussed was software rollouts along with the lessons learned. I thought this program was good because it provided suggestions on implementation and trying to achieve buy in. It also provided tips to ensure that contractors avoid implementing programs that operate independently on incompatible databases.
The convention also featured discussions on the future of sustainability in HVAC design and updates to SMACNA’s technical standards. In my opinion, one of the best things I walk away with each year is the networking and learning opportunities provided by your peers. People seem willing to share what has worked and what hasn’t, especially if you’re not in a competing area.
Workforce and Industry Growth
SMART General President Mike Coleman reported that membership has now surpassed 235,000 across North America, with work hours exceeding pre-pandemic levels and expected to reach 123 million by the end of 2025. This growth continues to demonstrate both the strength of unionized sheet metal work and the resilience of our industry.
Locally, many BC contractors are seeing gradual improvement in workforce availability. While some scheduling and supply chain delays persist, project starts have stabilized compared to last year.
SMACNA-BC continues to work alongside industry partners to advance prompt payment legislation. Although this process obviously takes time, it appears to be moving in the right direction. Chris Atchison of the British Columbia Construction Association recently announced that the provincial government had tabled Prompt Payment Legislation. Members are encouraged to visit bccassn.com/industry-priorities/prompt-payment/ for additional updates and to send a letter of support to their local MLAs.
Recent and Upcoming SMACNA-BC Events
Our 40th Annual SMACNA-BC Golf Classic took place on September 12, 2025, at Northview Golf & Country Club. The weather couldn’t have been better as 172 golfers participated across both courses. Together, members, sponsors, and golfers helped raise $12,140 for the SMACNA-BC charity of choice, which this year was Zajac Ranch for Children zajacranch.com
SMACNA 2025 Golf Tournament Photo link:
https://www.kasselmancreative.com/SMACNA-Golf-2025
Password: classic 2025
I’m pleased to announce that on November 19, we will be hosting a Supervisor Program in Prince George. After a visit there with Phil McDonald of Summit Sheet Metal Ltd this past June, it was clear that there was enough interest to put something together. Kevin Dougherty will be presenting his program “How to Be a More Effective Supervisor” at the Courtyard Marriott Prince George. We will fly back to Vancouver later that night and he will present the same program at the Civic Hotel in Surrey on November 20. The two classes are currently showing attendance of 23 for PG and 53 in Surrey with registration open until November 17. Regardless of final numbers, we’re expecting a strong turnout.
Finally, we’ll close the year with our always-anticipated SMACNA-BC Christmas Party on November 29 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver. If you think you have the wrong calendar out, you are seeing it correctly. This year the event will be held on a Saturday night. We hope this gives everyone a chance to travel at their leisure on Saturday afternoon and enjoy some shopping, a seawall stroll, or a dip in the pool prior to getting ready for the party. This new venue also allows us to accommodate our growing attendance. We currently have almost 300 people attending compared to 274 last year. Members are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift or make a donation to the Helping Families in Need Society helpingfamiliesinneed.org
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, SMACNA-BC will continue to strengthen partnerships with SMART Local 280, advocate for our industry, and support ongoing education, training, and workforce development initiatives. I encourage all members to stay connected through our website smacna-bc.org and to participate in upcoming events and programs.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence within our trade. I look forward to another successful year ahead. ■
