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An Unforgettable Gathering of Tradeswomen in Chicago

This upcoming weekend, Chicago will host an unprecedented gathering of 6,000 tradeswomen during the 15th Annual Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference, taking place from September 19 to 21, 2025, at McCormick Place West. This event marks the largest global assembly of its kind, bringing together women from skilled trades and union leaders throughout North America.

The TWBN Conference, presented by TradesFutures in conjunction with North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), has grown into a cornerstone event for unionized craft professionals, facilitating a platform aimed at supporting and expanding nontraditional pathways for women and individuals from various backgrounds into the skilled trades industry.

Empowering Women to Lead

This year’s theme, “She’s not waiting. She’s leading.,” encapsulates the spirit of bold leadership, resilience, and the rising impact of tradeswomen in shaping the construction workforce. The conference aims to empower attendees, enhance their industry presence, and strengthen the recruitment, retention, and leadership roles of women within these fields.

In the words of Sean McGarvey, Board Chairman of TradesFutures and President of NABTU, "TWBN is more than a conference; it's a movement reshaping our entire industry. Each year, it grows both in energy and importance. Tradeswomen are leading our industry with skill, vision, and solidarity, strengthening our unions, workforce, and communities along the way."

Marina Zhavoronkova, Executive Director of TradesFutures, highlights the triumphs of women within more than 270 Apprenticeship Readiness Programs, emphasizing how they are breaking down barriers and transforming perceptions about skilled trades. "The TWBN offers a vital platform to showcase their achievements, share success stories, and inspire the next generation of women to envision themselves in these careers."

A Commitment to Social Causes

Moreover, this year, the conference reiterates its commitment to social responsibility through support for local nonprofit Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC), an organization dedicated to combating domestic violence. Contributions made during the conference will provide critical support for the nonprofit’s services and programs, which empower survivors and foster safe, healthy communities.

Conference Schedule Highlights

Attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities:

• - Friday, September 19: The event will kick off with an Opening Reception from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
• - Saturday, September 20: The morning will feature a plenary session with industry leaders, followed by a vibrant Tradeswomen Banner Parade. Afternoon sessions will provide breakout workshops focused on skills and challenges women face in the industry.
• - Sunday, September 21: The final day will include another plenary session, featuring testimonials from accomplished tradeswomen including notable figures such as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Phyllis Wilson, President of the National Military Women's Memorial.

Conclusion: A Future of Inclusion

The Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference promises to be an inspiring and transformational experience for all participants, reaffirming the importance of creating an inclusive workforce that values equity and the input of women in skilled trades. It sets the stage for ongoing dialogue, support, and growth within the industry, encouraging participants to step forward and lead changes that elevate their contributions to the labor force.

In summary, as the tradeswomen of North America gather in Chicago, they are not only sharing knowledge and skills but also reinforcing their pivotal roles in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all within the skilled trades.