b'2024 MCAC ANNUAL CONFERENCECharting a new path in TexasWARREN HEELEYN early 225 delegates attended theMCAC. Couple that with great weather,was Bruny Surin, Canadian Olympic 2024 MCAC Annual Conferenceand we had the right recipe for a verygold medalist and Team Canada Chef de held at the Omni Barton Creeksuccessful conference.Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics, who Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas. Located inHighlights for attendees included theenchanted the audience with his stories heart of the state, the resort provided thesecond-night off-site event at Bull andand insights from his career as a track and perfect setting for the four-day event heldBowlfeaturing a wide range of activitiesfield athlete.from November 27 to 30. The programincluding a mechanical bull and karaokeThe Business Sessionsfeatured interesting and well-attendedroomsand the closing night Boots andOn the business side, there was good seminars and panel discussions that cov- Hats reception and dinner with a countryattendance at all sessions, and the panel ered current issues of importance to the mechanical contracting sector, includingband and a popular photo booth. sessions were particularly conversational the future of the mechanical workforce,Two notable presentations includedwith good participation by the audiences. contract pitfalls, unlocking the power ofthe opening keynote with motivationalOf particular note was the panel AI, improving productivity, and economichypnotist Jason Cyrus, who spokediscussion on the future of the mechanical and labour force updates. about tapping into the potential withinworkforce in Canada, as well as the panel Initial feedback from attendees indicatedeveryone. This was the first time MCACpresentation on improving productivity the 2024 conference had a good balancehas had such a keynote speaker at thefor industrial contractors.between industry sessions and socialconference, and attendees enjoyed hisThe Women in Mechanical Contracting events, said Tania Johnston, CEO ofpresentation. The closing keynote speakerCommittee (WiMC) launched their 24 www.mcac.ca'