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Women in HVACR Conference Recap

The Women in HVACR (WHVACR) organization recently held its annual conference, 'Bet on Yourself,' in Las Vegas, gathering industry leaders, advocates, and aspiring professionals for an energizing event. This three-day gathering was not just a celebratory event; it also marked a pivotal moment for women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) fields.

The highlight of the conference was the induction of Jane Sidebottom as the new president of WHVACR, following her successful tenure as the Executive Board Vice President. Sidebottom, who is also the president and founder of Applied Marketing Knowledge, LLC, is well-prepared to lead the organization into the year ahead. Outgoing president Kristin Gallup expressed her confidence in Sidebottom, noting that her leadership will build on the momentum created in 2025, culminating in a conference that was described as both motivational and impactful.

At the conference, attendees participated in dynamic workshops and engaged in lively discussions, fostering an environment of support and empowerment. The Power of Women Supporting Women was evident, as members connected and shared insights throughout the event.

In an exciting development, WHVACR awarded its inaugural Pillar Awards, recognizing three exceptional women for their contributions to the HVACR industry. The Mentorship Pillar Award was given to Stephanie Postell, co-owner, and COO of Anchor Heating & Air, for her dedication to guiding new entrants into the field. Nasim Rahman, who serves as a senior product manager at Lennox, received the Education Pillar Award due to her leadership in training programs and mentorship efforts in electrification.

Jessica Slaughter, marketing manager at Rapid Locking Systems (RLS), was honored with the Network Pillar Award for her successful initiatives in creating partnerships and enhancing community outreach through live events and national training programs. Each award recipient represents the spirit of WHVACR's mission to empower women in all facets of the industry, and their achievements set the tone for the future of the organization.

In an effort to further celebrate women's contributions to the sector, WHVACR unveiled its first-ever magazine, Empowered. This annual publication aims to showcase women who are influencers, mentors, and leaders in the HVACR domain. Its debut issue highlighted the 'Women to Watch' recognition program, which celebrates influential women in HVACR for 2025. The magazine was distributed during the conference, with digital versions available for online viewing, and hard copies accessible through the organization's Swag Store.

Keynote speakers such as Angela Gaffney and Erin Hatzikostas inspired attendees with their insights on leadership and authenticity in the workplace, providing empowering messages that resonated throughout the conference. Furthermore, a special presentation honored the ACHR News' Top Women in HVAC, adding to the celebration of leadership.

Overall, the Women in HVACR conference not only honored past achievements but also set an agenda for future initiatives aimed at increasing female representation and success in the HVACR trades. With a robust membership of over 1,200, WHVACR continues its commitment to providing a supportive network and professional development opportunities for women in the industry. Their annual events, scholarships, and programming endeavor to guide more women toward successful careers in HVACR.

As the conference drew to a close, the sentiment among participants was one of renewal, hope, and a shared commitment to uplift one another in this traditionally male-dominated field. For more information about Women in HVACR and future events, please visit Women in HVACR.