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Two Powerhouse ABMA Events, One Unmissable Week in Pittsburgh

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The ABMA is headed to Pittsburgh this October 12-15, 2026 for a powerhouse week of leadership development, networking, and industry innovation. We are thrilled to bring you two signature events hosted back-to-back at the same location.

Whether you are looking to cultivate the next generation of leadership or connect with women and allies shaping our industry, this week offers unprecedented opportunities. Best of all? The schedules align, giving attendees a unique opportunity to maximize their travel and experience both events! Read on to learn more about each event and make sure to mark your calendars.

Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) Symposium

Dates: October 13 – 15, 2026

Building Connections, Elevating Voices & Celebrating Excellence

Following the momentum of our historic, sold-out inaugural gathering, the WIBI Symposium returns to bring together women and allies for an incredible experience focused on learning, connection, and empowerment. Expect inspiring technical and business sessions, dynamic keynote speakers, meaningful roundtable workshops, and exceptional networking designed to drive the WIBI movement forward.

Opening Keynote:

Karin Lund is an international speaker and Amazon best-selling author of Volume I & Volume II of Women In Steel, Women Of Steel, Compassion Is the Competitive Edge-Leading with Compassion while Delivering Results and the Language of Loss-Breaking the Silence-Starting Conversations at Work and Home. Her online program, Your Journey through the Islands of Life and Loss was developed to help employers assist their employees in navigating significant life events.

In her session, WHAT WE NOTICE—AND ACT ON—CHANGES WHAT’S POSSIBLE-Real Stories from Women in Steel and Manufacturing That Challenge Us to Rethink Who We Notice, What We Value, and How We Work, Karin will guide attendee how what we notice, value, and act on shapes the people, teams, and workplaces we build. Drawing from real stories and experiences of women in steel and manufacturing, Karin Lund will challenge us to rethink who we notice, whose contributions we value, and how those choices influence what is possible. Through candid stories and practical insights, this session will explore how awareness, culture, and intentional action can create stronger workplaces, open new possibilities, and help individuals and organizations thrive. 

Confirmed Educational Sessions:

Julia Keen is a Professor of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science at Kansas State University holding the Bob and Betty Tointon Engineering endowed chair.  She also owns her own consulting company, Keen Designs, PA.  Her specific areas of interest include HVAC design, energy codes, high-performance building design, HVAC education, and the advancement of women in the building design and construction industry.

In her session Confidence in Action - Strategies for Success, Julia will walk attendees through how confidence can shape how we communicate, navigate challenges, build relationships, and pursue opportunities in the workplace. This session explores the factors that influence confidence and the ways perfectionism, self-doubt, communication habits, and workplace dynamics can hold us back. Attendees will gain practical strategies for building confidence, communicating with greater impact, developing supportive networks, and navigating professional obstacles. Through discussion and personal reflection, participants will leave with actionable tools to put confidence into practice and support the success of others along the way. 

Who Should Attend: Women and allies across technical, industrial, and leadership fields within the boiler industry.

Special Partnership Highlight: Robinson Fan’s She Builds Event

We are incredibly proud to announce that this year’s WIBI Symposium is partnering with ABMA Member, Robinson Fan’s She Builds Event! WIBI attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to attend the She Builds event directly, participating in hands-on activities interactive experiences, collaborative sessions, and facility tours that celebrate women and allies in manufacturing and engineering.

BILT Forum + WIBI Symposium: WHERE THE EVENTS MEET

Afternoon Transition: Wednesday, October 13

We have strategically coordinated our schedules to bring our community together! On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 13, the conclusion of the BILT Forum will come together with the kickoff of the WIBI Symposium. This transition allows attendees of both events to connect and network in Pittsburgh, multiplying your professional ABMA connections without requiring extra travel.

Boiler Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (BILT) Forum

(Formerly known as the Emerging Leaders Forum)

Dates: October 12 – 13, 2026

Empowering the Next Generation of Boiler Leaders

The BILT initiative is ABMA’s premier program designed to address the unique needs of up-and-coming talent within our member companies. Rooted in a vision for growth, the BILT Forum offers a dedicated space for emerging professionals to enhance their industry knowledge, develop essential leadership skills, and expand their professional networks. Don’t miss this long-term commitment to fostering the future leadership of the boiler industry! Expect dynamic professional development sessions, interactive workshops, and high-value networking designed to ignite career growth and propel the next generation of boiler industry leaders forward.

Who Should Attend: Up-and-coming talent, rising professionals, and future executives within ABMA member companies.

Room Block Now Open! Registration & More Details Coming Soon!

Keep an eye on your inbox and visit ABMA.com to secure your spot as soon as registration opens, limited space will be available. You won't want to miss this monumental week in Pittsburgh!

2026 ABMA BOILER Expo took place March 31 – April 2, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. The Women in the Boiler Industry Panel and Luncheon, occurred on Expo Day 1, Wednesday April 1, 2026, and was sponsored in part by Preferred Utilities and Vector Systems.

The WIBI Panel and Luncheon in partnership with Ladies of Steam, was moderated by Shaunica Jayson. Panelists included Nicole Wallace, Co-founder of Ladies of Steam, Julie Collins, Foreman and Steam Locomotive Engineer at Dollywood, Lilly Wahl, Vice President of the Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Association, and Joel Amato, Executive Director at the National Board of Boiler Inspectors.