The 2025 Industry Funds Conference brought together industry leaders, fund administrators, and association executives for two days of education, networking, and strategic insight from December 3–5 at the Resort at Longboat Key Club in Longboat Key, Florida.
Colleagues reconnected and new relationships were formed when the conference kicked off Wednesday evening with a record-breaking number of attendees.
Thursday began with opening remarks from Nick Sapnar, Industry Funds Chair. MCAA President Brian Hughes provided an MCAA Update that outlined organizational priorities and upcoming initiatives.
The morning continued with a forward-looking discussion on New Recruiting Strategies for Workforce Development. Speakers Chris Madello (UA), Tyler Jeffries (2060 Digital), and Tom Bello (MCA of Metropolitan Washington, Inc.) shared innovative approaches to connecting with the next generation through social media, digital tools, and school partnerships, providing attendees with practical strategies to enhance local and regional recruiting efforts.
Michael Galfano of the UA followed up with an Apprentice Recruiting Standards Update, offering clarity on evolving expectations and sharing information about how locals and contractors can best work together to support new apprentices.
MCAA’s Frank Wall walked attendees through the newly updated Industry Improvement Funds Guide, highlighting enhancements designed to strengthen fund management and provide clearer guidance for both administrators and trustees. He was followed by Chuck Daniel (MCAA’s Senior Advisor to the CEO), who examined the opportunities and challenges that contractors face when considering private equity partnerships.
Friday morning began with a powerful session on Safety & Mental Health led by Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director, Safety, Health, and Risk Management, who walked through injury data, mental health trends, and the steps that MCAA and the UA are taking to support workers across the industry.
Next, attorney Jim Estabrook of Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper provided practical insights to help attendees better understand current shifts affecting construction, service, and labor relations—and how local Industry Funds can help navigate these challenges.
After a short break, MCAA CEO Tim Brink detailed The MCAA Roadshow, a fast-paced overview of the tools, resources, and programs available to help members thrive. Following that, Steve Lamb (MCAA’s Executive Trainee Program Consultant) gave attendees a deeper understanding of how to strengthen board performance through MCAA’s Board Mastery Workshop.
The conference concluded with an informative Legislative and Regulatory Update from Andrew Siff and Chris Granberg of Longbow Public Policy Group, who briefed the group on federal activities, regulatory changes, and policy issues impacting the mechanical contracting industry.
After two days of dynamic presentations, valuable networking, and productive discussions, the 2025 Industry Funds Conference closed. Attendees returned home with a clearer vision for supporting the long-term health of their industry funds and the broader mechanical contracting community.
MCAA thanks everyone who participated in and contributed to this exceptional event. We look forward to seeing you next year!
Save the Date: 2026 Industry Funds Conference
December 2–4, 2026
The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Longboat Key, Florida
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