2025 MEP Innovation Conference Recap: Record Attendance, Contractor-Driven Education, and Industry Innovation

The 2025 MEP Innovation Conference in Los Angeles brought together over 700 attendees from the mechanical, electrical, and sheet metal trades. This marks another successful year of bringing together industry leaders, technology experts, and contractors focused on driving innovation.

As in previous years, the conference was built by contractors, for contractors, with real-world case studies serving as the backbone of the educational sessions. Presenters shared firsthand experiences with the challenges and successes of implementing new technology, refining workflows, and navigating the evolving role of CTOs and CIOs in construction technology oversight. The peer-led format provided attendees with practical takeaways, reinforcing the value of innovation through direct application in the field and the office.

The MEP Innovation Conference has continually evolved to stay ahead of the rapid changes in construction technology. While it has always focused on real-world applications of emerging tools, the education now goes beyond technology itself—it is designed for company leaders who are redefining their business strategies in an increasingly digital industry. As contractors shift toward data-driven decision-making, automation, and AI-powered processes, the conference provides the insights and peer connections necessary to navigate this transformation. As Jeff Elwell puts it, “Innovation in construction isn’t just about adopting new tools—it’s about transforming how we work. At the MEP Innovation Conference, we’re not just learning about AI, process automation, and programming; we’re seeing how these technologies can be applied in real-world projects. This conference connects forward-thinking contractors who are using data and automation to streamline workflows, reduce risk, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital construction.”

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the MEP Innovator of the Year Award to Robert Snyder Jr. of Binsky & Snyder. Snyder was recognized for his leadership in bringing operations science into fabrication, optimizing workflows, and pushing the boundaries of efficiency in mechanical contracting. His ability to apply operations science to improve fabrication and design processes set a new standard for the industry. The selection committee noted that his commitment to continuous improvement, lean methodologies, and practical innovation made him a standout choice for this year’s award. 

Hear from MEP Innovator of the Year Award winner Robert Snyder Jr. in the video below.

The 2025 MEP Innovation Conference once again demonstrated that the future of mechanical, electrical, and sheet metal contracting is shaped by those willing to embrace change, experiment with new technologies, and share their insights with peers. As the industry evolves, this event remains a critical forum for advancing best practices, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that contractors stay ahead of the curve. 

Don’t Miss Next Year’s Event!

The 2026 MEP Innovation Conference will take place January 26-28, 2026 in Austin, TX. Watch this site and the National Update for an announcement when registration opens this fall.