With modern building practices, MEP contractors must coordinate precisely in their design and building for jobs to be profitable. In Austin, Texas, members from MCAA, NECA and SMACNA extended that collaboration at the MEP Innovation Conference. Members of the three associations came together to learn from each other on how new technologies are impacting their businesses.

The bourgeoning conference brought over 600 attendees from the MEP trades to better understand different viewpoints, roles and responsibilities. 

“This conference is quickly growing every year and the reason is simple — innovators come together across the trades and share honest feedback and ideas,” said Stacy Zerr, MCAA Innovative Technologies chair. “If you want to learn about new processes, software or products, attendees will share with you how they made their solutions work for them.”

Sharing insights and team building went further than the presentations. Networking opportunities, roundtables and workshops helped contractors interact more directly with each other. One of the conference highlights that showcased the interaction was the closing workshop, Applying Lean Manufacturing Approaches to a Multi-Trade Environment, led by Charlie Dunn from DPR. The workshop used a combination of challenges, games, interactions and collaboration to drive home points on collaboration.  

Another new feature of the conference was an optional facility tour. Hosts included Dynamic Systems, Inc, Procore Innovation Center, JATC 286 Training Center and 3M Electrical Innovation Center. Contractors were able to get a first-hand look at innovations in VDC strategy, training and product development.  

Plans are already underway for the 2024 MEP Innovation Conference, but further education is also in the works to bridge the gap between conferences. Be on the lookout for innovation education during the MCAA Convention and the 2023 Fabrication Conference.