Over the last four years, the MEP Innovation Conference’s success and popularity have continued to skyrocket. The 2024 conference drew record-breaking attendance, with more than 725 participants in attendance. Together, MCAA, NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), and SMACNA (the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association) have grown this meeting into one of the premier construction events of the year.
Innovators and industry pioneers from all three associations expanded their comprehension, relationships, and skills across all building trades during the January 29–31 gathering in Orlando. As it does each year, the conference helped registrants better understand new technologies and project trends as well as develop collaboration opportunities.
Attendee demographics are shifting. A live survey revealed that more than half of the attendees were either company executives or department heads. This is a shift from the conference origins when attendees were primarily working within BIM and VDC.
“This year, I’ve noticed an increase in leadership representation at the conference,” remarked Chris Weaver, Director of Technology at Andy J. Egan. “This trend reflects both the growing recognition among executives of technology’s pivotal role in business success and the promotion of individuals spearheading technology implementation within their organizations.”
With more than 50 educational sessions, all based upon contractor case studies, the conference provides a heavy dose of practical innovation. The breakout sessions proved to be the real workhorse of the sessions. More than 70 speakers from the three trades shared their wins and losses when it comes to software, technology, processes, and hardware.
Plans are already underway for the 2025 conference, to be held January 27–29 in Los Angeles. Watch for more information and resources as the date draws nearer.
