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.
“Partners in Progress is an opportunity for labor and industry leaders to reflect on the spirit of partnership and to identify opportunities to advance our industry,” says Chris Schneider, executive director for SMACNA Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Our partnership is the secret ingredient helping make the unionized sheet metal industry the most productive and capable workforce in the nation. Our contractors can do any job, and the foundation of that capability is the partnership with our labor union.”
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.
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 honor 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 labor 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.
“The chapter will be sponsoring a number of contractors who wish to attend,” Schneider says. “I encourage you to join us in Orlando to learn more about how SMACNA and SMART can work together on the national and local levels.”
Visit pinp.org for a full list of speakers and their bios and to register. ♣
