BILT FORUM

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Two Powerhouse ABMA Events, One Unmissable Week in Pittsburgh

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.

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.

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 Details Coming Soon!

Keep an eye on your inbox and visit ABMA.com to secure your spot as soon as registration opens, limited space will be 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 Movement

Take 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].