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SMACNA, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, and SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, will be featured at the 2026 AHR Expo in Las Vegas from February 2 through 4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees can visit booth C3118 to learn how the organizations are advancing a stronger, more innovative unionized HVAC and sheet metal industry through workforce development, safety programs, updated technical standards, and labor-management partnerships. In addition to the booth, SMACNA national staff will lead two educational sessions on Monday, February 2, providing attendees with in-depth technical training: The first session, SMACNA System Air Leakage and HVAC Duct Systems Inspection, will run from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in Seminar Room S231 on Level 2 of the South Building (subject to change). Presented by Senior Project Managers Geoffrey Parks and William Farrell, the session covers the history of duct leakage, relevant codes and standards, and pass/fail testing procedures for system air leakage. Participants will explore the SMACNA System Air Leakage Test Standard, which addresses leakage testing for any portion of and up to the entire forced air system. The presentation also includes a detailed review of the fourth edition of the SMACNA HVAC Duct Systems Inspection Guide, highlighting significant changes and guidelines for inspecting commercial HVAC duct systems for compliance with SMACNA standards. The second session, How to Use SMACNAs Seismic Restraint Manual for Ductwork and Piping, will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the same seminar room. Led by Senior Project Manager Scott Barr, the session focuses on applying the fourth edition of SMACNAs Seismic Restraint Manual, including the most significant updates from the third edition. Topics include key terms, materials, general requirements, and exceptions, along with guidance from chapters on arrangements, concrete connections, and brace connections. Attendees will also learn the nine-step process for selecting seismic restraint braces and will work through practical examples for both rectangular and round duct systems, including alternative solutions. The SMACNA and SMART presence at the AHR Expo highlights their commitment to promoting workforce safety and fostering collaboration in the HVAC and sheet metal industries. Learn more and register now .

Devon Madon, co-owner of Madon Sheet Metal, joins Seth Lennon at the 2025 SMACNA Annual Convention. Seth and Devon talk about her unique journey to the industry and she outlines some of the best practices when it comes to working with family members in an incredibly competitive space.

Andy Phelps, Vice President with SMACNA Contractor Barnes & Dodge, sits down with Seth Lennon at the 2025 SMACNA Annual Convention. Seth and Andy talk about some of the work that his firm is doing on some of the leading edge sectors - especially when it comes to work surrounding EV factories.

We are pleased to invite your foreperson to participate in ITIs Foreperson Training Train-the-Trainer Course , a specialized three-day program designed for experienced sheet metal workers who are ready to train and mentor the next generation of jobsite leaders. Please note: Participation in this course is limited to current SMART members in good standing with the union. Contractors may not register individuals from other trades or anyone who has withdrawn or otherwise fallen out of good standing with SMART due to their position within the company. As with all ITI classes, ITI will cover airfare, hotel, and per diem for attendees. This is an excellent opportunity for your workforce to strengthen their leadership training capabilities at no cost to you. Built around ITIs current Foreperson Curriculum, this course equips participants with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to effectively guide new or aspiring forepersons. Over the three-day program, instructors will explore key topics, including: Foreperson duties and responsibilities Organizational, communication, and leadership skills Document management, coordination, and field technology Productivity, cost control, scheduling, and safety Promoting inclusion, bias awareness, and collaborative team environments Upcoming Sessions (Falls Church, VA): To register, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org/course-catalog , select, "INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT" then choose Foreperson Train the Trainer and select a time that works for you. Foreperson Train the Trainer (April 2026): April 1416, 2026. Register Now . Foreperson Train the Trainer (October 2026): October 2022, 2026. Register Now . We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to continue developing our industrys workforce.

Sabrina Sussman, Chief Program Officer of the City of Nashville's Choose How You Move initiative, joined us for our quarterly Capitol Hill Webinar series to discuss critical issues in transportation and infrastructure. Some of the topics discussed included how policy decisions are made, where the momentum is heading, and what contractors need to know to generate more business.