We kicked things off Wednesday with registration and check-in, where attendees picked up their swag bags, sponsored by DUNGS Combustion Controls, extra WIBI gear, amazing bag inserts sponsored by E-Tech, Fireye, and Robinson Fans, and lanyards sponsored by Groupe Simoneau.

Attendees also gained access to our private Wi-Fi network, sponsored by BoilerSource, keeping everyone connected as they shared moments and inspiration from this historic event!

The pre-conference session, sponsored by NBBI, opened the event with “NBIC Part 2 Inspection Code & Changes,” presented by Greg Goossens (Director of Jurisdictional Affairs, NBBI) and Howard Berny (Chief Boiler Inspector, State of Minnesota). The pair offered valuable updates on NBIC Part 2, exploring inspection codes, compliance changes, and safety practices essential to plant operations.

That afternoon, attendees enjoyed a guided tour of the Ever-Green Saint Paul District Energy Plant, gaining insight into sustainable energy practices and modern district energy systems. The behind-the-scenes look at this innovative facility showcased how the industry continues to evolve toward greater efficiency and environmental responsibility.

The evening concluded with the Fireside Chat & Dessert Social, sponsored by Hemingway Chimney. Moderated by Nancy Simoneau, ABMA Chair and President of Groupe Simoneau, the discussion featured Catherine Tojaga, President of CT Mechanical & Hemingway Chimney. Together, they shared candid stories of leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers as women leading in technical and industrial fields.

Thursday began bright and early with a technical tour of the Abbott Northwestern Hospital Central Utility Plant (CUP), sponsored by Campbell-Sevey, Preferred Utilities, and RENTECH Boiler. Attendees explored how advanced boiler operations power hospital infrastructure and support critical energy efficiency initiatives, and got a first-hand look at boiler room products supplied by Preferred Utilities and Rentech.

The Symposium officially opened Thursday morning with our Welcome & Introductions, followed by the Opening Keynote – “Empowered Leadership: Ignite Your Leadership Potential” presented by Julie Jones, Chief Encouragement Officer of Today’s Professionals Consulting & Development, and sponsored by Vector Systems.

Julie shared her AIM methodology for developing leadership presence, purpose, and personal mastery. Attendees learned how to strengthen their leadership identity, improve communication through the Process Communication Model (PCM), and lead with confidence and authenticity, no matter their title.

Immediately following her keynote, Julie led an interactive roundtable workshop, “Master the Art of Connection,” sponsored by Cleaver-Brooks. Participants explored how connection is the true currency of leadership, diving into strategies for trust-building, collaboration, and communication across diverse personality styles.

Over lunch, sponsored by Victory Energy, attendees continued networking before transitioning into a full afternoon of sessions.

Session 2 – Business & Personal P&Ls, Balance Sheets, and KPIs: Presented by Ruth King, the Profit & Wealth Guru and Founder of Financially Fit Business, sponsored by RF MacDonald, this session demystified financials and gave attendees practical tools to improve profitability and decision-making.

Session 3 – Boiler Hazards, Maintenance, & Safety: Led by Howard Berny, Chief Boiler Inspector for the State of Minnesota, and sponsored by Honeywell, this session emphasized practical safety and maintenance practices to enhance reliability and compliance.

The Networking Break & Hospitality Café, sponsored by Industrial Steam, Superior Boiler, and Weishaupt, provided the perfect chance to refuel and connect before diving into innovation-focused discussions.

Session 4 – Innovate & Elevate: Boosting Workplace Productivity & Creativity with AI: Colleen Keyworth, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Online Access Inc., explored how emerging digital tools and artificial intelligence can enhance efficiency, marketing, and communication across teams. Sponsored by Delval Equipment.

Session 5 – Positive Communication Isn’t a Soft Skill—It’s a Leadership Multiplier: Paule Genest, Director of Sales & ESG, Water & Energy at TGWT – The Tannin Guys, shared how positive communication builds trust, drives performance, and strengthens leadership. Sponsored by TGWT, this session reinforced that clear, compassionate communication is a measurable business advantage.

Session 6 – Fireside Chat: Igniting Confidence: Moderated by Tricia Staible, President of Robinson Fans, and featuring Jackie Hodes (Founder, J2Advisors) and Melissa Raphan (Partner, Dorsey), this discussion, sponsored by Premier Meetings, explored negotiation, self-advocacy, and building confidence in the workplace.

The evening wrapped up with a lively Welcome Networking Reception, sponsored by Nationwide Boiler, where attendees celebrated the day’s learning and connections over cocktails and conversation.

Friday morning began bright and early with the DUNGS Manufacturing Facility Tour in Blaine, MN. Attendees enjoyed breakfast and a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge combustion control innovation. Thank you to DUNGS Combustion Controls for hosting this incredible experience and showcasing the company’s world-class technology.

The Symposium concluded with the Closing Luncheon, Leadership Panel – “Empowering Excellence: Insights from Top Industry Leaders,” sponsored by Northern Blower.

Moderated by Shaunica Jayson, ABMA’s Vice President of Membership & Marketing, the panel featured Jessica Cooper (SVP Inspection, HSB), Madiha El Mehelmy Kotb (Past President, ASME), Heather Kozak (General Manager, Northern Blower), and Scott Schindlbeck (President & CEO, Karl Dungs).

The panelists shared their diverse experiences, leadership philosophies, and lessons learned throughout their careers, leaving attendees motivated to lead with purpose and authenticity.

The WIBI Trailblazer Award honored pioneering women who have broken barriers and transformed the industry. Recipients included Nancy Stephenson, the first female ABMA Board Member, and Nancy Simoneau, ABMA Chair, President & CEO of Groupe Simoneau, and WIBI Co-Founder.

The WIBI Excellence Award recognized exceptional volunteer commitment and dedication to advancing WIBI and the ABMA. Jennifer Guerrero-Ferreira of Dungs Combustion Controls and Dustin Divinia, President & CEO of Vector Systems, were honored for their extraordinary contributions and leadership.

These awards mark the beginning of a new ABMA tradition, honoring the trailblazers, allies, and rising leaders whose impact drives the WIBI community forward.

The 2025 WIBI Symposium was more than a meeting, it was the beginning of a movement! Together, we built connections, elevated voices, and celebrated the incredible women shaping the future of the boiler industry.

We can’t wait to continue this momentum and look forward to seeing everyone at the next WIBI Symposium!