By IUPAT
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)—together with the Finishing Trades Institute (FTI) and Painters and Allied Trades Labor Management Cooperation Initiative (LMCI)—will be hosting the 2026 Finishing Industries Forum (FIF), Feb. 16-18, 2026, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The event will bring together some of the brightest minds and strongest voices in labor, management, training and innovation in a dynamic three-day event dedicated to the finishing trades and shaping the next era of our industry.
Industry leaders will come together with the purpose of moving the finishing trades forward through unity, innovation and shared purpose. For decades, the IUPAT has set the standard for excellence, raising the bar for worker training, safety and professionalism across North America. FIF is an event built on that excellence, bringing together contractors, industry leaders, educators and manufacturers to share ideas, strengthen partnerships and develop strategies to strengthen the future of the finishing trades.
This year’s event features an extraordinary lineup of leaders, industry experts and visionaries, each bringing unique insights into leadership, workforce transformation and the power of collective progress. This year’s lineup includes:
Keynote Speaker:
- Mike Abrashoff, Former Commander of the USS Benfold of the Pacific Fleet and bestselling author of It’s Your Ship, will share a dynamic leadership presentation based on trust, accountability and excellence in any team.
Featured Speakers:
- Anirban Basu, Ph.D., J.D., M.A., MPP – CEO and Chairman, Sage Policy Group
- Jean Twenge, Professor of Psychology, San Diego State University and an expert on generation change and workforce behavior
- Daniel Hogan, CEO, The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC)
IUPAT General President Jimmy Williams Jr. will also lead a vital discussion on maintaining jurisdiction and expanding market share across the finishing trade.
Along with the above speakers, FIF will feature powerful panel discussions addressing the biggest challenges in today’s industry including the impact of mental health, substance use disorder and alcoholism in construction, and the collective responsibility we share to create healthier, safer workplaces. Each of these speakers will deliver actionable insights, inspiring every attendee to lead with purpose and drive the finishing trades forward in a rapidly evolving economic and labor environment.
The 2026 Finishing Industries Forum is where craftsmanship meets innovation, where we can come together and share our commitment to excellence, safety and progress. It’s a gathering of minds to build stronger partnerships, grow market share and empower the next generation of skilled workers. Together we are not just shaping the future of the finishing trades, we’re defining it.
Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn and lead alongside hundreds of professionals, contractors and union leaders from across North America.
For more information and to register, visit FinishingIndustriesForum.com.
