Wednesday, April 15, 2026
10:00am: Golf Outing/Shotgun Start
5:00 pm: Welcome Reception
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Program Duration: 7:00 am – 3:30 pm (Tentative)
Walking in a Business Manager’s Shoes – Business Managers juggle a lot more than most realize—legal obligations, contract enforcement, jurisdictional issues, and the constant push-and-pull of representing their members while maintaining productive contractor relationships. This session offers a frank, behind-the-scenes look at what drives their decisions, where tensions often arise, and how open communication can solve more than it complicates. We’ll discuss real-world challenges—like “shopping answers,” tough terminations, and missed communication—and how both sides can work together to spot opportunities early and build trust between Labor and Management.
Risk, Responsibility, Reward: The Owner’s Perspective – Running a mechanical contracting firm is full of unseen risks. In fact, mechanical contractors face one of the highest business failure rates in the country, second only to restaurants. Behind every bid, workforce decision, and project award lies a delicate balance of risk, cost, and responsibility.
In this candid session, contractors pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to run a successful business in today’s market. Learn what drives their decisions, from choosing which projects to pursue to determining how to stay competitive when “lowest price wins.” Gain insight into how labor costs, crew composition, jurisdictional differences, and workforce quality impact a contractor’s ability to compete—especially in mixed union/non-union markets.
Geopolitical Trends Affecting the Western States – We are bombarded on a daily basis by political news, and many of us hear legislative reports through our own organizations. This session will provide a unique perspective on upcoming federal legislation, with a focus on the impact to the markets in our western states.
Beyond the Training Center – Apprentices spend more time on the job than they do in class. How do we maximize on-the-job training? This session will explore some innovative ideas for delivering education outside of the traditional model.
Breaking the Silence: Collective Action on Suicide Prevention & Loss – We hear it all the time: Construction has one of the highest rates of death by suicide. And it’s not limited to Labor: Management is also experiencing alarming numbers. The effect is devastating, not only for the individuals and their families, but for the entire industry. This session will highlight important resources, provide guidance on how to be prepared and how speak to someone in crisis. It will also briefly touch on what to do in the aftermath of a suicide event.
Creating the Bond: Building the Foreman/Project Manager Relationship – The relationship between a Foreman and a Project Manager can make or break a job. When it’s strong, communication flows, problems get solved early, and teams thrive. When it’s strained, small misunderstandings turn into costly delays and frustration on both sides. This session brings labor and management voices together to explore what a truly collaborative PM–Foreman relationship looks like—and how to build one rooted in trust, humility, and shared goals.
The Ripple Effect: How Supply Chains, Tariffs, and Commodity Volatility Are Reshaping Mechanical Contracting – This session will discuss and debate current impacts, and foreshadow future impacts, to our industry. These include the following:
- Supply chain disruptions and capacity to provide the necessary materials
- Tariffs and trade policy – What is the outlook and how do we prepare for this uncertainty?
- Commodity pricing and volatility – How to plan for a project 12-24 months out in a world where commodities have risen drastically, with additional volatility expected?
**Raffle Prize Drawing
***Western States Pipe Trades Meeting
Friday April 17, 2026
Program Duration: 7:00 am – 11:00 am (Tentative)
Fostering a Great Labor/Management Partnership – In this interactive session, we will draw on our experiences to collectively explore reasons for, as well as ways to maximize the labor/management partnership
Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: A Labor–Management Dialogue – This hands-on session brings labor and management together for focused table discussions on the industry’s most pressing people-centered challenges. Participants will explore how to bridge cultural divides, develop leaders at every level, attract more women and minorities into the trade, foster a culture of lifelong learning, and reshape the public perception of our industry. Each table will generate practical ideas and report out, creating a shared roadmap toward a stronger, more inclusive future workforce.
- Understanding and Engaging Gen Z
- Developing Leaders at Every Level
- Attracting and Retaining Women and Minorities
- Lifelong Learning, Continuing Education, and Cross-Training
- Reframing the Industry’s Image
- Bridging Generational and Cultural Divides
Gaining and Retaining Market Share – New technologies, regulatory pressures, shifting client expectations, and evolving workforce needs are reshaping our competitive landscape at a rapid pace. To gain and retain market share, labor and management must clearly understand the threats—and the opportunities—facing our industry. This session will explore where we’re vulnerable, where we can lead, and how collaborative strategies can position signatory contractors for long-term success.
Final Keynote Message – TBD
**Raffle Prize Drawing
***WMLMC Board of Directors Meeting