In the third week of September, the Mechanical Insulators Labor-Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) attended two trade shows to increase awareness of the Mechanical Insulation Industry.
LMCT representatives attended the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) World Workplace 2025, held in Minneapolis, and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) AEE World 2025, which took place in Atlanta.
The primary objective during each trade show was to inform and empower professionals responsible for security and insulation procurement within the mechanical construction sector. By engaging directly with decision-makers, LMCT representatives aimed to elevate industry standards and promote informed choices that enhance facility performance and safety.
Unlike more widely recognized trades such as electrical, plumbing and roofing, the mechanical insulation and firestop sectors often remain underappreciated within the broader construction and building maintenance industries. This ongoing lack of visibility underscores the critical need for continued advocacy and education, ensuring that the essential contributions of mechanical insulation professionals are fully recognized by all stakeholders.
IFMA World Workplace 2025
IFMA World Workplace 2025 stood out as a premier global conference and exposition dedicated to facility management professionals. With more than 3,000 participants in attendance, the event brought together industry leaders, technical experts and innovators to exchange knowledge, share best practices and explore emerging trends in facility management. The LMCT booth offered a distinctive, mindfulness-focused experience that resonated with attendees and highlighted the specialized expertise within the mechanical insulation field.
“It is vitally important for participants to understand that there is a specialized, trained workforce dedicated to mechanical insulation, and it should not be viewed as an afterthought,” said LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini. “Our booth featured the slogan ‘It’s Time for You to Think Differently about Insulation,’ which resonated with many attendees.”
AEE World 2025
AEE is a global organization representing more than 17,000 energy professionals across 125 countries. Its membership spans a broad spectrum of expertise, including energy engineering, management, renewables, power generation, energy services and sustainability. The organization offers an extensive portfolio of outreach initiatives, including live and virtual seminars, international conferences, peer-reviewed journals, technical publications, and industry-recognized certification programs.
Notably, Certified Energy Auditors play a pivotal role in analyzing facility energy consumption, identifying conservation opportunities and recommending strategies to optimize performance and reduce costs.
At AEE World 2025, James Petrides, LMCT Senior Mechanical Insulation Expert, delivered the opening presentation, “The Exceptional ROI of Mechanical Insulation and Why You Need an Inspection.” His address set the stage for the event, capturing the attention of decision-makers and industry stakeholders.
The positive reception was evident, as numerous attendees sought out the LMCT booth to engage further with him and deepen their understanding of the value of mechanical insulation. The high volume of booth visitors throughout the conference underscored the impact and relevance of his message.
For LMCT, the dual role of presenting and exhibiting at a conference of this caliber represents an unparalleled opportunity to advance industry awareness. While many professionals recognize the fundamental importance of insulation, these direct interactions provide a platform to reinforce key concepts and introduce critical updates, addressing knowledge gaps and delivering new insights that are essential for energy engineers and facility managers.
LMCT tradeshow booth staff
Both trade shows also benefited from the involvement of local insulation industry professionals, whose active participation fostered meaningful and technical dialogue with attendees, further strengthening the industry’s network and outreach.
The LMCT thanks International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators International Midwest States Conference Vice President Sam Schultz, Troy Day from Mavo Insulation LLC, Insulators Local 48 Atlanta Business Manager Kenny Slaven and Local 48 Business Agent Philip Rainwater for their contributions to the booths.
“These events provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the value of Mechanical Insulation and the significant savings it can deliver,” said Slaven. “They also allowed us to share information about our trusted contractors with potential customers.”
The representatives staffing the LMCT booths expertly addressed a wide array of inquiries covering mechanical insulation best practices, compliance with current codes and industry standards, future opportunities for contractor and member engagement, firestop regulations, abatement protocols, cost-benefit analysis, health and safety requirements, and strategies for ensuring optimal indoor air quality. Throughout the events, they effectively emphasized the multifaceted value of mechanical insulation – including substantial energy savings, superior return on investment, enhanced fire protection, and numerous additional benefits – demonstrating the critical role these solutions play in both immediate and long-term facility performance.
“The AEE World 2025 Conference was a great forum to educate energy engineers about the numerous benefits provided by mechanical insulation,” said Petrides. “Many individuals are unaware of the lack of national code requirements for the installation of mechanical insulation. The return on investment is often the primary consideration for those designing a commercial remodeling project. Still, they are often unaware of the numerous additional benefits provided by a well-designed and properly installed mechanical insulation system.”
The LMCT is committed to attending a diverse range of trade shows to enhance education and awareness within the mechanical insulation industry. Future events will include the Firestop Contractors International Association (FICA), the National Association of Energy Service Companies, PowerGen, and Greenbuild.