The MEP Innovation Conference has built its reputation as the best-in-class event for contractors who want to stay ahead of industry change. By bringing together the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), this conference delivers programming shaped and driven by contractors themselves. That means real-world case studies, practical strategies, and insights directly from peers who face the same challenges and opportunities every day.
The sessions are built around proven practices and lessons learned from the field. Topics include benchmarking projects, rethinking fabrication workflows, and using data-informed strategies to guide business decisions. Every session is designed to give contractors practical tools they can apply immediately in their companies. It’s an investment in knowledge that consistently delivers value well beyond the price of admission.
The 2026 program highlights some of the most pressing and emerging issues facing contractors today. Attendees will see case studies on the construction of data centers, a market with tremendous growth potential for mechanical, electrical, and sheet metal contractors. Sessions will also cover how off-site manufacturing is reshaping project delivery, how data-informed approaches can strengthen organizations, and how leading firms are making better decisions across all levels of their operations.
By combining the expertise and perspectives of three leading national trade associations, the MEP Innovation Conference creates an unmatched learning environment. This collaboration ensures that attendees benefit from a broader set of experiences, whether it’s large-scale industrial fabrication, complex project coordination, or practical applications of new technologies. It’s a rare opportunity to learn not just from your discipline but also from partners in electrical and sheet metal work who are driving innovation in their own areas.
The 2026 MEP Innovation Conference will be held January 26–28 in Austin, Texas. Registration is now open, with early bird pricing set at $1,395. For MCAA members, this is one of the best values of the year—an opportunity to gain practical insights, benchmark against industry leaders, and build relationships that can strengthen your company for years to come. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the industry’s leading innovation event.