EIMA welcomes an exceptional lineup of speakers for the 2026 EIMA Annual Meeting. This year’s program features a broader range of external voices than ever before, with experts contributing not only to the Opening Session but also to every EIMA Working Group meeting. Each Working Group will include a featured speaker who brings relevant insights and perspectives to inform discussions and support the work of the group. The show happens March 25-27 in Washington D.C.

Together, these thought leaders offer viewpoints from across the building industry, policy community, and related fields, helping advance the work of EIMA and its members. Learn more about this year’s speakers below.

Thursday, March 26

8:30 am – 10:00 am

Advocacy: Federal, State and Local Working Group

"Inside the Fly-In: Legislative Insights Impacting the EIFS Industry”

Presented by: Mike McSherry, Managing DirectorMercury Public Affairs

10:15 am – 11:45 am

Promotion Working Group:

"The Architectural Pipeline: Market Intelligence and What It Means for the Building Industry”

Presented by: Michele A. Russo, LEED AP, Vice President of Research, The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

1:15 pm – 2:30 pm

Advocacy: Technical and Research Working Group

"The High-Performance Building Envelope: Policy, Codes, and Market Drivers"

Presented by:Amy Schmidt, CEO & President, Nest Solutions

Executive Director, Energy Efficient Codes Coalition

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm

EIFS EPD Working Group "Progress Report: The North American EIFS PCR, LCA, and EPD Project"

Presented by Anna Lasso, Founder + CEOSmart EPD

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm

EIFS EPD Working Group

"Advancing Environmental Transparency: The PCR Open Standard"

Presented by Debbie Steckel, Executive Director, American Center for Life Cycle Assessment (ACLCA)

4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

Opening General Session

Congressional Keynote Address

Presented by Annie Brody, Director of Business Coalitions, Office of Majority Whip, U.S. House of Representatives

Friday, March 27

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Education and Workforce Development Working Group

"Federal Policy Insights: Workforce Development and Education Initiatives Impacting the Building Industry"

Presented by Isabel Soto, Professional Staff Member. U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce