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Women in HVACR Opens Call for Speakers for 2026 Annual Conference

Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization committed to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) fields, has officially announced its call for speakers for its upcoming annual conference. Scheduled from September 26-30, 2026, in Indianapolis, the event, titled "Built for Speed," aims to bring together professionals to share expertise and foster growth within the industry.

The organization is actively seeking speakers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge on crucial topics such as career advancement, leadership development, and technological innovation in HVACR. This year's conference hopes to attract individuals from various backgrounds, including industry leaders, technicians, educators, and experts in business strategies.

Submission Guidelines

To apply for a speaking position, interested professionals must complete a speaker submission form by April 20, 2026. Proposals should include a proposed topic and outline, which will be evaluated by the selection committee. If chosen, speakers will need to finalize their presentations and audio-visual needs by August 14, 2026.

Jane Sidebottom, President of WHVACR, expressed her enthusiasm about the conference, stating, "This annual conference presents an invaluable opportunity for professionals across the HVACR landscape to learn from one another and grow together. We're on the lookout for speakers who can share actionable insights and innovative ideas that empower attendees to enhance their careers and contribute meaningfully to the HVACR industry."

Focus Areas for Proposals

This year’s theme revolves around essential professional topics designed to equip attendees with the skills to navigate the evolving HVACR environment. Suggested sessions include:

• - Career Acceleration Strategies: Tips on advancing within the HVACR industry.
• - Tech Trends: Exploring the roles of AI, sustainability, and smart systems.
• - Negotiation Skills: Securing opportunities with fair compensation.
• - Personal Branding: Building visibility and influence in the trade.
• - Work-Life Integration: Balancing career ambition with personal well-being.
• - Fearless Leadership: Developing courage and self-confidence in decision-making.
• - Focused Communication: Enhancing clarity and impact in professional conversations.
• - Innovation Under Pressure: Thriving amidst change and uncertainty.

Additionally, WHVACR encourages sessions that hone essential professional skills such as negotiation, communication, and personal branding. They are particularly interested in proposals that can be transformed into panel discussions depending on the expertise of the speakers and the topics proposed.

Who Attends?

The Women in HVACR annual conference typically attracts a diverse audience of mostly female professionals, including tradespeople, manufacturer representatives, service companies, partner associations, students, and educational leaders. It serves as a significant platform for professional development, networking, and educational opportunities for individuals at all career stages.

Since its inception in 2002, WHVACR has focused on increasing the presence of women in HVACR while empowering them through mentorship and educational opportunities. The nonprofit organization also offers scholarships for women pursuing careers in HVACR, which include those gaining engineering, business degrees, or trade school education.

For further details about the organization and its initiatives, visit Women in HVACR's website. This conference not only promises to be educational but also aims to inspire and empower the future leaders within HVACR. Join us in making a difference in the industry and encouraging the next generation of experts!