ABMA has created the BILT Forum and will be launching the Boiler Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (BILT) peer network to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the boiler industry. With a focus on leadership development, networking, and industry knowledge, ABMA is positioning the association to advance emerging talent within ABMA member companies.

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Two Powerhouse ABMA Events, One Unmissable Week in Pittsburgh

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The ABMA is headed to Pittsburgh this October 12-15, 2026 for a powerhouse week of leadership development, networking, and industry innovation. We are thrilled to bring you two signature events hosted back-to-back at the same location.

Whether you are looking to cultivate the next generation of leadership or connect with women and allies shaping our industry, this week offers unprecedented opportunities. Best of all? The schedules align, giving attendees a unique opportunity to maximize their travel and experience both events! Read on to learn more about each event and make sure to mark your calendars.

Boiler Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (BILT) Forum

(Formerly known as the Emerging Leaders Forum)

Dates: October 12 – 13, 2026

Empowering the Next Generation of Boiler Leaders

The BILT initiative is ABMA’s premier program designed to address the unique needs of up-and-coming talent within our member companies. Rooted in a vision for growth, the BILT Forum offers a dedicated space for emerging professionals to enhance their industry knowledge, develop essential leadership skills, and expand their professional networks. Don’t miss this long-term commitment to fostering the future leadership of the boiler industry! Expect dynamic professional development sessions, interactive workshops, and high-value networking designed to ignite career growth and propel the next generation of boiler industry leaders forward.

Opening Keynote:

Dr. Richard Marks, known as "Dr. Rick", holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology and two master’s degrees: marriage and family therapy and one in education. He is the Founder of the RelateWell Institute and the RelateWell program. RelateWell is a relationship skills process that teaches individuals, families, businesses, and social service organizations the fundamental principles and skills for emotionally healthy and mature relationships. Dr. Rick has served in various capacities from senior manager in psychiatric hospitals as well as a graduate school professor.  He is a proud twelve-year US Navy veteran. He is an author; his most recent book is The Values to Relate Well. Dr. Rick has been very happily married for over 41 years and has three adult children.  

In his session, Earned Influence: The Integrity Factor, Dr. Marks shares how true influence isn’t built on a title or position—it’s earned through trust, consistency, authenticity, and integrity. In this session, Dr. Rick Marks will explore how our actions, relationships, and everyday choices shape the influence we have with others. Attendees will gain insight into building credibility, strengthening relationships, and leading in a way that creates lasting impact. Through practical perspectives and engaging discussion, this session will challenge participants to consider how they are earning influence in their professional and personal lives. 

Confirmed Educational Sessions:

Often referred to as the leader of The New American Renaissance Manufacturing, Andrew Crowe is one of the most influential people in manufacturing today. Andrew, or Drew as he prefers, strives to ignite and energize American manufacturing by exposing youth, community, political leaders, and underserved communities to the industry. His mission is to ensure that we put our best innovators, creators, and thinkers in spaces where they can thrive and grow. 

In his session, The Courage Gap, Drew “The MFG” Crowe challenges leaders to rethink how they hire, lead, communicate, and build high-performing teams. Drawing from his own experiences and work in workforce development, Drew will explore how courageous leadership can help organizations recognize overlooked talent, strengthen retention, navigate today’s workforce, and create cultures where people can thrive. Attendees will leave with a fresh perspective on what it takes to lead differently, make bold decisions, and build teams prepared for the future. 

Kevin Day is a seasoned professional with an educational background in Architectural Design and over 36 years of experience in the boiler industry. Kevin began his career in the engineering department of a major boiler manufacturer. Throughout his tenure, Kevin held several key positions, including roles in Manufacturing, Engineering, New Equipment Sales, and Aftermarket Manufacturing, culminating in his role as Training Manager.

In his session, Boiler Industry Innovation: Understanding Today's Technologies and Tomorrow's Trends, Kevin will explore how boiler technology has evolved and the innovations shaping the industry today and into the future. This session will highlight emerging technologies, changing regulations, and industry trends that are influencing the way boilers are designed, operated, and supported. 

Who Should Attend: Up-and-coming talent, rising professionals, and future executives within ABMA member companies.

BILT Forum + WIBI Symposium: WHERE THE EVENTS MEET

Afternoon Transition: Wednesday, October 13

We have strategically coordinated our schedules to bring our community together! On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 13, the conclusion of the BILT Forum will come together with the kickoff of the WIBI Symposium. This transition allows attendees of both events to connect and network in Pittsburgh, multiplying your professional ABMA connections without requiring extra travel.

Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) Symposium

Dates: October 13 – 15, 2026

Building Connections, Elevating Voices & Celebrating Excellence

Following the momentum of our historic, sold-out inaugural gathering, the WIBI Symposium returns to bring together women and allies for an incredible experience focused on learning, connection, and empowerment. Expect inspiring technical and business sessions, dynamic keynote speakers, meaningful roundtable workshops, and exceptional networking designed to drive the WIBI movement forward.

Who Should Attend: Women and allies across technical, industrial, and leadership fields within the boiler industry.

Special Partnership Highlight: Robinson Fan’s She Builds Event

We are incredibly proud to announce that this year’s WIBI Symposium is partnering with ABMA Member, Robinson Fan’s She Builds Event! WIBI attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to attend the She Builds event directly, participating in hands-on activities interactive experiences, collaborative sessions, and facility tours that celebrate women and allies in manufacturing and engineering.

Click here to register for She Builds.

Why You Should Attend Both:

• One Location, Double the Impact: Save on travel costs and time by staying at the Pittsburgh Marriott North for both events.
• Expanded Networking: Connect across generations and specialties—from the industry's brightest rising stars to its top established executives and trailblazers.
• Comprehensive Professional Growth: Fill your toolkit with both foundational leadership development (BILT) and empowering, industry-specific strategy and advocacy (WIBI & She Builds).

Registration & Room Block Now Open! More Details Coming Soon!

Keep an eye on your inbox and visit ABMA.com to secure your registration today, limited space is available. You won't want to miss this monumental week in Pittsburgh!