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BILT ForumABMA 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. Registration is officially open! ABMA members have the option of registering for the BILT Forum, the WIBI Symposium, or for both at a discounted rate. If you or a member of your team does not have an ABMA Member profile that is needed for registration, please contact ABMA's Marketing and Membership Coordinator, Erin Gehringer at [email protected]. Click here to register. The official hotel room block is now open! Book your room today to secure the exclusive ABMA group rate. The room block closes September 21, 2026. Click here to book your room at our group rate of $169/night. Click here to view the Schedule of Events. SPONSORSHIP IS NOW OPEN TO ALL Put your brand in front of emerging talent, technical experts, and industry leaders this October. Gain premier exposure across two powerhouse ABMA events in one unmissable week! By sponsoring, your organization will gain direct visibility with the industry’s brightest rising talent, established executives, and champions of workforce diversity and technical innovation. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your leadership, support industry development, and maximize your brand’s reach. Opportunities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sales officially close on September 9th. Click here to view the Sponsorship Opportunities List REGISTER TODAY!Two Powerhouse ABMA Events, One Unmissable Week in PittsburghThe 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:
Drew Crowe, 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.
Tim Hines is a global keynote speaker, business coach, author, podcaster, and four-time founder who strives to help professionals accelerate their growth by guiding them to be more collaborative, innovative, and influential. Tim has worked with top organizations—including Accor, Air France, IMEX, Northstar Media, Ticketmaster, and the CIA—helping them navigate change and drive success by promoting the power of an entrepreneurial mindset. He’s the author of the book, The Marketing Starter: How an Entrepreneurial Spirit Will Make You a More Savvy Marketer and he also hosts The Marketing Starter Podcast. Tim served on the Community Advisory Board for the Future Founders Foundation helping underserved youth explore entrepreneurship and is a graduate of the Startup Leadership Program. Tim also taught marketing and entrepreneurship classes with the University of Illinois Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies program. In his session, The Attention Algorithm: How to Win Attendee Hearts and Minds in a Distracted World, Tim will share on how in an era of shrinking attention spans and endless digital noise, capturing audience interest isn’t enough—you have to keep it. This session unpacks the science and strategy behind attention marketing, offering event marketers a playbook for creating scroll-stopping content, emotionally resonant messaging, and experiential campaigns that transform fleeting moments into meaningful engagement. Learn how to map the modern buyer’s mindset, craft irresistible hooks, and harness behavioral insights to drive conversions and long-term loyalty. Attendees will leave with actionable tactics to elevate their brand presence and build real connections in the chaos. Julia Keen is a Professor of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science at Kansas State University holding the Bob and Betty Tointon Engineering endowed chair. She also owns her own consulting company, Keen Designs, PA. Her specific areas of interest include HVAC design, energy codes, high-performance building design, HVAC education, and the advancement of women in the building design and construction industry. In her session, Advocacy-Accelerating Professional Success, Julia will touch on how strong performance is essential to professional success—but it’s not always enough. This session explores how effective advocacy can increase visibility, strengthen professional influence, and create opportunities for both yourself and others. Attendees will learn how to recognize different forms of advocacy, identify personal and cultural barriers, and develop practical strategies for becoming a more effective advocate. The session will conclude with an individual action plan and key takeaways participants can apply to their own careers and organizations.
Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) SymposiumDates: 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:
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!
BILT Emerging Leaders Forum Recap
The inaugural Emerging Leaders Forum took place April 8–9 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio, bringing together the “Boiler Industry Leaders of Tomorrow” for two days of connection, learning, and growth. With a strong focus on leadership development, networking, and deepening industry knowledge, attendees walked away with fresh insights and practical tools to bring back to their teams and workplaces. ABMA’s 2025 Emerging Leaders Forum featured powerful keynote speakers, engaging peer roundtable discussions, a candid CEO Q&A session, hands-on interactive learning, and an exclusive tour of the National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors’ facility — all designed to inspire and equip the next generation of boiler industry leaders. Brent Falcone, VP of People and Culture at WARE, presented as the Keynote Speaker at the Tuesday Opening General Session sponsored by WARE. 
Dr. Rick Marks, RelateWell, presented a valuable session on “Leading with Emotional Intelligence” at the Wednesday Morning Session sponsored by Rentech. 
Dr. John Hillen, Strategy & Leadership Expert, presented as the Closing Keynote Speaker at Wednesday Afternoon Session sponsored by AUTOFLAME and LAARS.  Emerging Leaders Forum Included:Peer Roundtable Discussions In our “What’s Keeping You Up at Night?” session, participants broke into small groups to dive into real-world challenges and hot topics submitted through a pre-event questionnaire. 
Each group tackled key issues that are top of mind for their peers, fostering candid conversations and shared problem-solving. The session wrapped up with each group reporting out their key takeaways to the larger audience — sparking valuable insights, fresh perspectives, and a sense of shared experience across the industry. National Board Facility Tours Attendees had the unique opportunity to tour the National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors’ state-of-the-art Boiler Testing Facility and Pressure Relief Laboratory. The experience included informative sessions that offered an inside look at the National Board’s mission, the critical role of inspectors, and the process behind new construction inspections. 
After the tours, attendees enjoyed a relaxed and fun-filled BBQ, followed by some friendly competition in “Minute to Win It” team games — a great way to build connections and end the day on a high note. A big thank you to our generous hosts and sponsors at NBBI for making this incredible experience possible! CEO Q&A Joel Amato, Executive Director at the National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors, joined us for an engaging session titled “Insights on Career & Identifying Future Leaders.” 
Participants had the unique opportunity to ask Joel candid questions about his own career path, leadership philosophy, and the qualities he looks for in the next generation of industry leaders. The conversation provided valuable insights into how emerging professionals can position themselves for growth, build credibility, and make a lasting impact within the boiler and manufacturing industry. Networking Opportunities It wouldn’t be an ABMA event without meaningful connection. The Emerging Leaders Forum created the perfect setting for attendees to build relationships, exchange ideas, and expand their professional networks.  For many, it was the first time meeting peers from across the industry — sparking conversations, collaborations, and connections that will last well beyond the event.
WIBI Coffee Social Before the official start of the Forum, WIBI hosted a Coffee Social on Tuesday morning — bringing together women from across the boiler industry to connect, share experiences, and learn more about ABMA’s Women in the Boiler Industry professional group. 
It was a great opportunity to foster community, spark new conversations, and highlight the importance of supporting and empowering women in the industry.
Thank you to all who attended and to the ABMA Staff!
We look forward to keeping the Boiler Industry Leaders of Tomorrow connected throughout the year and at our next Forum!
Join the MovementTake an active role in shaping the future of the boiler industry. For more details about BILT and the Emerging Leaders Forum, contact Jordan Croson at [email protected].
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