Mechancial Contractors Association of America Holds Annual Convention

ORLANDO, FL — Mechanical contractors large and small from around the nation gathered at the Grand Lakes Orlando resort this March 17-21 for MCAA24, the annual convention of the Mechanical Contractors of America Association.

Speakers on the first official day included outgoing President Robert Beck, who delivered a recap of the year gone by, and an update from UA General President Mark McManus about current UA initiatives. Keynote speaker Jocko Willink took the stage to talk about his experiences as a Navy SEAL and to motivate the crowd.  

Other convention speakers included journalist Soledad O’Brien, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly, author and motivational speaker Kevin Brown, magician Oz Pearlman, and counselor Dr. Christian Conte. Educational opportunities at the event included seminars and panel discussions—including three separate “Lunch and Learns”—on topics including government regulation, workforce development, new technology and more. 

(Most speaker presentations are available for download at mcaaconvention.org/speaker-handouts/.) 

Networking opportunities abounded, including the First Time Attendees meeting, the Women in the Mechanical Industry reception, and the closing party with special performance by the Barenaked Ladies. Activities such as golf, pickleball, and the MCAA Fun Run also helped to bring attendees together. 

As always, the focal point of the convention was the annual changing of the guard, with President Beck turning over the MCAA presidential gavel to his successor, incoming President Rick Gopffarth. (For CONTRACTOR's exclusive interview with Gopffarth, visit contractormag.com.)

Joining Gopffarth on the new executive committee will be:

• President-Elect Brian Hughes from Hughes Environmental Engineering
• Senior Vice President and Treasurer Curtis Harbour from Brandt, a Southland Industries Company
• Vice President and Assistant Treasurer Michael Russo from Fresh Meadow Mechanical
• Immediate Past President Robert Beck from John W. Danforth Company

The next annual convention, MCAA25, will be held March 2–6, 2025 in Austin, TX.