By Rob Bertram, President, TIAC
Dear TIAC Members,
I am pleased to reflect on the resounding success of our recent conference this past August in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The conference’s foundational focus, “The Pursuit of Excellence,” truly resonated throughout the event, driving insightful discussions, inspiring presentations, and fostering a sense of unity and purpose among our members.
Our conference was packed with exceptional keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities. One of the highlights was Cory Janssen’s presentation on AI and Machine Learning. Cory’s insights into how these technologies can transform our industry were eye-opening and inspiring, offering a glimpse into the exciting future of construction and mechanical insulation.
Another standout session was the panel “Pursuing Excellence through Technology Adoption.” Highlighting one of TIAC’s core values, this panel aimed to explore and promote technological advancements that enhance our industry’s practices and overall pursuit of excellence. Attendees joined industry experts in an interactive session to discover the possibilities that cutting-edge technology offers. They gained valuable insights on integrating tech into their operations and explored examples of its impact on businesses in the thermal insulation industry. This panel showcased our commitment to innovation and provided practical knowledge to help our members stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Huge thanks to Tim Pullyblank (Thermec Insulation Services Ltd.), Darren Sloane (All Temperature Thermal Insulations Ltd.), Corey Shelson (Appello), Erik Johnson (Pathlayer Digital), and Cory Janssen (Alta ML) for sharing their expertise and insights during the panel.
During the AGM, the live polling session, “Gathering Industry Insights,” was a perfect example of harnessing technology to improve operations and provide more value to TIAC’s members. Thanks to our attendees’ active participation, the data collected gave us a clearer picture of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. This real-time feedback allows TIAC to align our strategies and focus on opportunities that advance our mission of establishing Canada as a global leader in thermal efficiency and energy conservation.
I am also proud of the successful launch of the Training Providers Breakout Session, a significant step forward in line with TIAC’s strategic plan. By bringing together Canadian Insulator (Heat and Frost) training providers from across Canada, this session emphasized our commitment to fostering national workforce development. This initiative represents a significant step forward in aligning with TIAC’s strategic objective to attract more individuals to the mechanical insulation industry and meet the rising labour demand. The collaborative spirit within the session and shared dedication to advancing the mechanical insulation industry were truly inspiring. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on TIAC’s collaboration with Canadian Insulator (Heat and Frost) training providers.
Our conference’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, members, speakers, and organizers. Your attendance and contributions are deeply appreciated and reaffirm our commitment to pursuing excellence and innovation within our industry. We are deeply grateful for your support and dedication to TIAC. If you couldn’t attend our past conference, I hope to see you during our next conference in Whitehorse, Yukon, from August 13-16, 2025, at the Sternwheeler Hotel and Conference Centre. Whitehorse promises to be another incredible opportunity to unite, share knowledge, and advance the mechanical insulation industry.
I encourage all members to mark their calendars and make plans to attend. Our conferences are not just about learning and networking; they are about being part of a community that is passionate about driving the mechanical insulation industry forward. Your participation and engagement are what make these events truly special.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to TIAC. Let’s carry the momentum from our August conference forward as we look ahead to Whitehorse. Together, we can achieve new heights of excellence and ensure a bright future for our industry.▪