MCAA’s 2025 AEC Best Practices Conference, held July 27–30 at The Westin Copley Place in Boston, MA, drew AEC professionals from across the country for three days of insight, innovation, and collaboration, all aimed at enhancing affiliates’ effectiveness for their members.
Conference Highlights
The agenda featured standout sessions from peers.
- Labor Relations: Glenn Rex shared expertise in navigating workforce negotiation and union partnerships.
- Meeting Planning & Logistics: Lesley Ravas and Jocelyn Jackson created collaboration on memorable meeting ideas within a budget.
- Collective Bargaining: Ed Kommers led forward‑looking discussions addressing the evolving demands of industry negotiations.
- Service Agreements & NSMAs: Teresa Pezzi clarified key procedural factors and contractual frameworks.
- Mental Health: Scott Middleton explored essential topics on proper awareness and training for mental health struggles.
- Innovation & Technology: Aaron Hall sparked a discussion on innovative uses of AI and technology to streamline daily workflows and boost productivity.
- Practical Industry Tools:
- Anne Saloff‑Smith guided a session on the NCPWB and its impact.
- Steve Lamb moderated an open “Ask Anything” format, fueling frank dialogue and peer learning.
- Workforce Development Focus:
- Leah Gutmann (NEI Instructor) addressed strategies for bridging generational gaps to improve recruitment and retention.
- Charles Mitchell (NEI Instructor) reviewed the Legal Landscape in 2025 and Beyond, offering critical compliance insights.
- Veterans in Construction: Martin Helms wrapped up the conference with an inspiring presentation on Helmets to Hardhats, profiling the successful transition of more than 50,000 veterans into union construction careers.
With a strong focus on practical tools, strategic thinking, and workforce well-being, the 2025 conference left attendees energized and better equipped to lead their organizations forward.
Leadership Announcements
During the closing business meeting (held on the final day of the conference):
- Outgoing AEC Chair Stephen Affanato (New England MCA, Inc.) completed his term.
- Incoming leadership was announced:
- AEC Chair: John Rayburn (MCA of Chicago)
- AEC Vice Chair: Glenn Rex (MCA of Texas, Inc.)
- AEC Program Chair: Scot Stoltenberg (MCA/MSCA of Iowa, Inc.)
- ELI Committee changes were reported:
- Stephen Affanato (New England MCA, Inc.) finished his term.
- Anne Saloff‑Smith (MCA of Northwestern Ohio, Inc.) joined the committee.
Save the Date: 2026 Conference
The next AEC Best Practices Conference will take place July 26–29, 2026, at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma, CA.