BOILER Expo 2026: Amplifying the Future of Steam

By SHAUNICA JAYSON, Vice President of Membership & Marketing, American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA)

The industrial steam landscape is standing at a critical crossroads. As facility managers, mechanical engineers, and consulting firms navigate the complexities of decarbonization, digital transformation, and a shifting workforce, the need for a centralized hub of innovation has never been greater.

At the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), we have heard this call clearly. Our response is AMPLIFY—the theme for our 2026 BOILER Expo, taking place from March 31 to April 2, 2026, at the legendary Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

As the only national trade show focused exclusively on the boiler supply chain, BOILER Expo has evolved into a catalyst for the next generation of steam technology. As of mid-January, we are currently seeing record registration numbers, pointing toward record all-time attendance. This signals a significant desire for the industry to reconnect and to keep evolving.

This year, we are also proud to be co-locating with the International BIOMASS Conference & Expo. In a major value-add for our community, attendees with all-access passes can attend the BIOMASS show in addition to the ABMA BOILER Expo—offering two shows for the price of one. To kick off this partnership, we will host a joint welcome reception that brings together leaders from both the boiler and renewable energy sectors.

Setting the Pace: Keynote Rusty Wallace

Every high-performance system requires precision, leadership, and a commitment to excellence—qualities that define both the boiler room and the racetrack. To kick off the 2026 Expo, we are honored to welcome NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace as our keynote speaker. Wallace’s legendary career was built on technical mastery and high-stakes decision-making. His insights into building winning teams and optimizing performance will set an inspiring tone for our general session, challenging attendees to apply that same "championship" mindset to their own operations.

Deep-Dives: Pre-Conference Workshops and On-Site Tours

To provide even greater value, ABMA this year is introducing specialized pre-conference workshops and unprecedented access to operational systems.

First, we will feature a workshop led by Jude Wolf from WARE Inc. Known for his popular "Boiler University" education programs, Jude brings hands-on knowledge essential for mastering boiler room operations. Additionally, we are partnering with the Association of Water Technologies (AWT) for a comprehensive Water Treatment Workshop, focusing on the chemistry that serves as the lifeblood of steam systems.

A unique highlight for 2026 is the opportunity for attendees to participate in hands-on boiler training and exclusive tours of the Gaylord Opryland’s own boiler room. Seeing one of the country's most complex hospitality thermal infrastructures in action provides a rare, real-world perspective on large-scale steam management.

The Pilot 'Qualified Buyer' Program

To maximize efficiency for high-level decision-makers, ABMA has launched its new "Qualified Buyer Pilot Program." This initiative is specifically designed for senior professionals responsible for boiler systems and thermal infrastructure. Rather than navigating the show floor independently, accepted participants receive a curated, pre-scheduled agenda of 1:1 technical meetings with manufacturers that align directly with their current priorities and project scopes. Participation in this program is complimentary for those who qualify, providing a streamlined, high-ROI experience for the industry's top leaders.

Technical Education: Confirmed 2026 Sessions

Our revitalized educational program features over 20 breakout sessions led by industry experts and categorized into four new key tracks: Fundamentals & Essentials; Safety & Compliance; Technology & Innovation; and Emerging Trends & What’s Next.

These sessions will provide actionable data attendees can implement ASAP.

Confirmed Speakers & Topics Include:

• Jay Ehrfurth (ASOPE): The Art of Replacing Boilers in a Centralized Plant

• Tom Garrett & William Evans (Autoflame): Emissions Standards & Future-Ready Monitoring

• Scott Kossman (Chicago Blower): The Truth About Unrealistic Fan Sound Ratings

• Nate Klein (Clark-Reliance): ASME Section I Requirements for Level Instrumentation

• Brandon Fultz (Elliott Tool Technologies): Master the Heavy Wall Challenge: Tooling and Techniques for Successful Drift Rolling

• Tim Dwyer & Russell Wilfong (Emerson): Boiler Valve Operations

• Jon Kapel (Steamworks): Top 10 Must-Have Skills for Boiler Operators

• Jamie Tighe (E-Tech): New Heat Recovery Retrofits into Legacy Systems

• Dominik Mahne & Bernie Sapp (Gestra): Improve Boiler Efficiency Through TDS Control

• Jim Lieskovan (Nationwide Boiler): Emissions Regulations, Control Strategies, Lessons Learned

• David Eoff (Preferred Utilities): Understanding the Fundamental Safety of Burner Management Systems

• Matt McDonald (RF MacDonald): Hybrid Systems with Gas or Electric Boilers Plus Heat Pumps

• Troy Edens (Rogue Combustion): CFD Modeling

• Robert Reid (Weishaupt): Combustion Theory and Low NOx Technology

• Don Whitman & Mokhtar Matallah (Superior Boiler): Firetube vs. Watertube: The Right Boiler Type for Your ApplicationAdditional topics and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. For the most up-to-date information, visit the 2026 BOILER Expo Speaker page.

Promoting a Diverse Workforce: WIBI + 'Ladies of Steam'

A vibrant future for the boiler industry demands a diverse workforce. This spring, ABMA’s Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) professional community is thrilled to host a lucheon panel featuring the remarkable Ladies of Steam, a platform dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and connecting the women of the steam world.

This confirmed panel will include Ladies of Steam co-founder Nicole Wallace, a licensed hobby boiler operator who has spent over 20 years restoring and operating steam traction engines. She even designed her own replacement boiler for a 1919 Minneapolis steam engine to modern ASME standards.

The Expo Floor: 120 Exhibitors and the Mobile Equipment Pavilion

The 2026 Expo floor will be a high-tech hub featuring over 120 exhibitors. Highlights will include three special attractions:

• Mobile Equipment Pavilion. This expanded area is the heart of the show floor, featuring the latest skid-mounted and trailer-mounted mobile units. It will also host our Grand Industry Reception with live country music;
• Lincoln Electric Virtual Welding. Partnering with Lincoln Electric, we offer virtual welding stations to test your skills and see the technology training the next wave of fabricators;
• The Viskup Race Car. A fun reminder of the engineering excellence that has historically linked motorsports with the boiler world.

Taken all together, the 2026 ABMA BOILER Expo is your chance to focus on the future of your facility and your career. ABMA is committed to bringing more qualified buyers to the Expo and our exhibitors, raising the ROI for the entire boiler community. We invite you to join us in Nashville as we AMPLIFY the volume on our industry.

Learn more and register at ABMABOILERExpo.com.