ABMA Sets Lineup for First WIBI Symposium
By SHAUNICA JAYSON, Vice President, ABMA
The American Boiler Manufacturers Association is excited to host its inaugural Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) Symposium this October 15-17 in Minneapolis. This dynamic two-day event has been designed to empower and connect individuals who support the advancement of women throughout the boiler industry.
With that in mind, four featured speakers have now been confirmed for the event: Catherine Tojaga, PE, President of CT Mechanical & Hemingway Chimney; Howard Berny, Chief Boiler Inspector, State of Minnesota; Colleen Keyworth, VP of Sales & Marketing, Online Access, Inc.; and Ruth King, renowned profit and wealth guru for the HVACR industry.
“WIBI is about celebrating the talent, vision, and leadership of women in our industry," said ABMA Board Chair Nancy Simoneau. "This symposium gives us a space to share our stories, build meaningful connections, and inspire the next generation.”
Simoneau, president of Quebec-based Groupe Simoneau, in January became the first woman ever to lead the 137-year-old trade group, as well as the first non-U.S.-based member to fill that role.
Event Highlights:
- Educational Sessions: Dive deep into the critical topics shaping our industry. From confidence building and leadership development to understanding the evolving business landscape, our expert-led sessions will equip you with the tools to excel.
- Confirmed Topics:
- AI & Marketing Tools;
- Business & Personal P&L's, Balance Sheets, & KPI's;
- Boiler Room Hazards, Maintenance & Safety;
- Negotiation Strategies with Confidence;
- Technical NBIC Boiler Inspection Code & Changes.
- Confirmed Topics:
- Fireside Chats & Leadership Panels: Engage in thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders. Explore current trends and tackle key career challenges as we shine a light on the unique experiences women face within the industry.
- Keynote on Emotional Intelligence: Discover the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and team dynamics through an inspiring keynote that will leave you empowered.
- Networking Breaks & Receptions: Connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful professional relationships that can support and uplift you throughout your career.
- Boiler Room and Energy Plant Tours: Experience firsthand the heart of our industry. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Ever-Green Energy St. Paul Cogeneration Biomass Combined Heat and Power Plant, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Central Utility Plant, and Karl Dungs Manufacturing Facility, offering insight into key industry operations.
WIBI Symposium Key Topics to Explore:
- Building Confidence in a Male-Dominated Industry;
- Leadership Development Strategies;
- Navigating Career Progression and Development;
- Understanding the Changing Business Landscape;
- Effective Communication and Negotiation Skills;
- Work-Life Balance Strategies;
- Mentorship and Sponsorship: Finding Your Advocates.
REGISTRATION
Early Registration: $525
Begins July 10th and ends August 5th
Regular Registration: $625
Begins August 6th and ends September 16th
Late Registration & Non-ABMA Member Access: $725
Begins September 17th and ends October 15th
**Please Note: Registrants must have a profile with ABMA prior to registration. If you need a profile, are unsure if you have one, or have any other questions, please contact Yasmin Rowe at [email protected].
Non-ABMA member registration will open in September if space permits. For more details about WIBI and ABMA, please visit www.ABMA.com/WIBI. To connect with current WIBI members and stay up to date, please join our LinkedIn professional group!
WIBI Advisory Committee
The inaugural event is made possible through the leadership of the WIBI Advisory Committee:
Nancy Simoneau, Tricia Staible, Shaunica Jayson, Yasmin Rowe, Jordan Croson, Jihan Shogan, Carrie Murakami, Chelsey Ryker, Christa Rogers, Colleen Keyworth, Dustin Divinia, Jennifer Guerrero, and Tricia Fredrick.
Click here to learn more about WIBI.