By / Jessica Kirby
The 2026 Partners in Progress Conference in Orlando, Florida, is set to be another success, bringing labor and management representatives from the United States and Canada together for three days of collaboration and education under the theme, “Leading Together to Deliver Results.” Partners in Progress is the only jointly funded conference focused exclusively on labor-management cooperation and offering learning, networking, and strategies for building a stronger industry together.
“The Conference offers an opportunity to hear perspectives from both management and labour on issues that impact the entire industry,” says Jeremy Hallman, executive director at SMACNA-BC. “It encourages open dialogue and mutual understanding between the two sides. For our group, it’s also a great chance to connect socially, outside of the regular work environment.”
This year’s line-up of breakout sessions is dynamic and diverse, focused on market development, diversity, labor and training, leadership, and more. The general sessions will include talks by SMART General President Mike Coleman and in-coming SMACNA National President, Todd Hill, as well as a fireside chat with these and other leaders representing labor and management.
“Labour and management are interdependent; one cannot succeed without the other,” Hallman says. “For SMACNA, which works exclusively with union labour, this relationship is a genuine partnership.
“A conference focused on labour-management reinforces that shared responsibility and helps strengthen our relationship. It’s not about ‘us versus them,’ but about working together toward common goals that benefit the entire industry.”
Partners in Progress has some incredible keynote speakers lined up. Mike Massimino is a former NASA Astronaut, a New York Times bestselling author, a Columbia University professor, an advisor at The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum, and a television personality. A spacewalker on the final two Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions, Mike and his crews traveled faster (Mach 26) and higher (350 miles) than any other astronauts in the 21st century while increasing the discovery capabilities of arguably the greatest scientific instrument ever built by a factor of 100.
Mike 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.
Melissa Stockwell is an American war hero who has triumphed over personal tragedy to achieve greatness and World Champion status, and she has dedicated her life to chasing remarkable accomplishments while giving back to others, particularly those who face challenges similar to her own.
In 2002, Melissa graduated from the University of Colorado and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. In March 2004, she deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. Just three weeks later, a blast from a roadside bomb struck Melissa’s Humvee, causing the loss of her left leg above the knee. After enduring numerous infections and surgeries, Melissa was medically retired from the Army. She is the first female to ever lose a limb in active combat.
Melissa is proud to have served her country as a member first of The US Army and now as part of Team USA. On September 11, 2016, Melissa raced in honour of her fellow soldiers and their families who had given the ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting America. After a grueling race, the day ended on the podium, draped in the American flag, as the newly crowned Paralympic Bronze Medalist.
Both of these speakers are sure to deliver engaging, relatable talks that will inspire and connect your teams.
If you’re thinking about attending the 2026 Partners in Progress Conference, consider that there is irreplaceable value in meeting with your labour partners in a more casual, less pressured environment. In fact, one way to get the most out of the conference is to plan time in advance.
Reach out ahead of time and agree to spend hour together before dinner or grab a cocktail afterwards to connect and make the effort It will be beneficial for everyone.
SMACNA-BC and SMART Local 280 will support attendance at the upcoming Partners in Progress Conference by encouraging member firms and local union partners to nominate two Emerging Leaders (under age 35) for full registration waiver.
“This is a great opportunity for the next generation of sheet metal professionals to connect with industry peers, labour-management leadership, and bring back new ideas to our BC region,” Hallman says.
Visit pinp.org for a full list of speakers and their bios and to register. For more information or to nominate an Emerging Leader, please reach out to the SMACNA-BC office. ■