SMACNA | Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors' Nat'l Assn. 2026
Event Date
October 25–28, 2026
Location
Orlando, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe SMACNA Annual Convention is the flagship event of the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), a trade association representing HVAC, sheet metal, and architectural sheet metal contractors. The 2026 edition takes place October 25–28, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. SMACNA describes it as its premier event of the year, where the industry's leaders come together to learn, connect, and celebrate at the largest gathering of SMACNA members and partners.
The convention is designed for contractor members, chapter executives, and Associate Members who want to network with peers, reconnect with colleagues, learn about significant industry trends and new skills, and discuss business topics with leading service providers and manufacturers. Attendees also gain access to keynote education sessions and a full slate of social functions.
Beyond the professional program, SMACNA pairs the business agenda with signature social and networking events — including the College of Fellows Golf Outing and Happy Hour — making it both a business-development and relationship-building destination. Held at a connected pair of resort hotels near Walt Disney World, the 2026 convention offers a resort-style setting that blends professional development with family-friendly activities.
Show Highlights
Featured programming for the 2026 convention includes:
- Keynote speakers: Lizzie Williamson, two-time author and founder of the Two Minute Method, and Jonathan Brill, a business futurist and AI keynote speaker.
- Signature social events: the College of Fellows Golf Outing and Happy Hour.
- New this year: the SMACNA Block Party at Universal CityWalk.
- Event app (coming September 2026): attendees can receive alerts, build a personal schedule, and learn more about speakers and sessions.
- Resort activities: a range of programs and activities available across the connected Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando resorts.
Registration
Registration is completed online through SMACNA's official registration portal.
Key registration windows and deadlines:
- Early Registration: opens April 14, 2026; early registration deadline is June 12, 2026, for discounted rates.
- Regular Registration: register by July 17, 2026.
- Late Registration: August 14, 2026, after which late fees may apply.
Registration rates (Early Bird / Regular / Late) include, among others:
- Member and Associate Member: $2,800 / $3,100 / $3,300
- Additional Member / Additional Associate Member: $2,250 / $2,500 / $2,700
- Member Spouse / Family Member (13+): $1,150 / $1,350 / $1,500
- Family Member (age 12 & under): $400 / $450 / $500
- Non-SMACNA Member / Non-Member Exhibitor: $3,950 / $4,250 / $4,450
- ASHRAE/IFUS Member: $3,100 / $3,400 / $3,600
Cancellation policy: Full refunds require a written request received on or before September 4, 2026. Cancellations between September 5 and September 25, 2026 incur a 20% cancellation fee, and cancellations after September 26, 2026 are not eligible for a refund.
History
SMACNA National was founded in 1943, tracing its roots to the National Association of Sheet Metal Contractors established in 1910. The association today is an international trade group with more than 4,500 contributing contractor members across roughly 103 chapters in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil, with headquarters in the Chantilly/Washington, D.C. area of Virginia. SMACNA members perform work in industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential markets, specializing in HVAC and sheet metal, and the association is an ANSI-accredited standards-setting organization. The Annual Convention serves as SMACNA's premier yearly gathering of members and industry partners.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
The convention is spread across two connected Orlando resorts. The event takes place across two hotels — Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria — both of which are connected, giving attendees seamless access to all convention events. The Signia by Hilton offers substantial meeting and event space: it welcomes meetings with 231,000 sq. ft. of flexible space plus outdoor venues, including the 35,925 sq. ft. Bonnet Creek Ballroom (divisible into 12 sections), the 27,300 sq. ft. Floridian Ballroom, the 35,098 sq. ft. Waterside Ballroom, 34 high-tech breakout rooms, and two dedicated boardrooms. The resort is surrounded by Walt Disney World Resort and a 482-acre nature preserve. Amenities include a three-acre lazy river pool, a spa, a golf course, and multiple on-site restaurants.
Parking
The resort offers both self-parking and valet options. The hotel offers 24-hour valet and self-parking; the valet fee is $60 per day plus applicable taxes with in/out privileges for overnight guests, and the self-parking fee is $40 per day plus applicable taxes. Note that parking rates are set by the hotel and are subject to change.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Orlando International Airport is about 20 minutes away from the resort. Driving time from the airport is approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic. Taxi, rideshare, and car services are available; the hotel lists approximate one-way pricing from MCO starting around $110 for a town car and $160 for SUVs and vans, with taxi service (operated by Mears) starting at a $70 minimum one way. The resort also provides private luxury motorcoach transportation directly to the four neighboring Disney theme parks and Disney Springs. A rental car offers the most flexibility for reaching Universal Orlando and other area attractions.
Nearby Hotels
The convention itself is hosted at the two host resorts, though SMACNA has noted both properties are officially sold out for the event; for housing questions attendees are directed to contact SMACNA. The host properties are:
- Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek — 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, the primary host hotel
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando — 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, connected to the Signia
Both are located in the Bonnet Creek / Lake Buena Vista area adjacent to Walt Disney World. Additional hotels are available throughout the nearby Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, and International Drive corridors, typically a short drive away.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 SMACNA Annual Convention?
The 2026 SMACNA Annual Convention takes place October 25–28, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. It is hosted across the connected Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando resorts.
Who should attend the SMACNA Annual Convention?
The convention is geared toward SMACNA contractor members, chapter executives, and Associate Members. Attendees network with peers, learn about industry trends and new skills, and connect with leading service providers and manufacturers.
How do I register and what does it cost?
Registration is completed online through SMACNA's official registration portal. Early registration opens April 14, 2026 (deadline June 12), with member rates starting at $2,800 early bird; non-member rates start at $3,950, and late registration runs through August 14, 2026.
Who are the featured speakers for 2026?
Featured speakers include Lizzie Williamson, a two-time author and founder of the Two Minute Method, and Jonathan Brill, a business futurist and AI keynote speaker.
How do I get to the venue from the airport, and is parking available?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about 20 miles (25–30 minutes by car) from the resort. The hotel does not run its own airport shuttle but recommends transfer partners; self-parking at the Signia is $40 per day plus tax.
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