MEP Innovation Conference: “You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know.”

Learn more about the practical education that this critical conference will bring to the table from one of SMACNA’s leading innovators.

At the 2025 MEP Innovation Conference, Jennifer Clark of General Sheet Metal made a strong point: training is the key to realizing the full value of your technology investments and avoiding falling short.

“If you don’t train people, they will not adopt the technology. They won’t know how to use the tools fully. You won’t get your money’s worth. You won’t get that ROI.”

Even experienced users can miss out. As Jennifer explained, most people are comfortable with the basics, but there are always hidden features that go unnoticed unless one has the proper education. When contractors provide training that employees request, participation increases, adoption improves, and companies achieve stronger results.

This focus on practical education is precisely what defines the MEP Innovation Conference. The sessions are built by contractors, for contractors. That means the insights come directly from people in the field who are solving the same challenges you face — not vendors pitching solutions, but peers sharing tested strategies and real-world case studies.

Looking ahead, MEP 2026 (January 26–28, Austin, TX) will continue this mission. Attendees can expect sessions on technology adoption, fabrication strategies, and data-informed decision making, all geared toward delivering actionable takeaways.

You can watch Jennifer Clark’s full clip from MEP 2025 here:  Don’t Forget the End Users: Internal Training and Development for Non-Tech People.

Registration for MEP 2026 is now open at mepconference.com.


Sep 23, 2025 Member Update

Latest Articles


Project Spotlight: Medal of Honor Center

Sep 30, 2025 - Learn more about how SMACNA Member Contractor Southland helped build this iconic memorial that honors the men and women who served in the Armed Forces.


Registration Now Open: December 2025 Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting

Sep 30, 2025 - This bi-annual meeting is an opportunity for you to learn more about SMACNA initiatives and have your voice heard by SMACNA leadership!


Start Your MEP Journey with a Pulse on Innovation: Join the Monday General Session

Sep 30, 2025 - Attendees will be greeted by an immersive kickoff experience, titled the Pulse of Innovation, which will set the tone for the entire event.