Washington – October 16, 2026 -- More than 6,000 unionized tradeswomen, labor leaders and industry representatives from the United States and Canada attended the 2026 Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference in Houston, Texas, on October 9–11.
TradesFutures hosts three-day conference with NABTU backing
TradesFutures hosted the event under the theme "Breaking Barriers, Expanding Horizons," with continued host sponsorship from North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU). The program combined plenary sessions, workshops and panel discussions on education, professional development and networking. Its stated focus was helping more women enter, succeed and lead in the union construction industry.
Labor, contractor and NASA speakers headline the program
Featured speakers included NABTU President and TradesFutures Board Chair Sean McGarvey and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. Megan Armstrong, president of Water Delivery at Kiewit, also spoke, along with retired NASA astronaut Marsha Ivins and Ullico President and CEO Brian Hale. International Union of Operating Engineers General President John Downey and SMART Director of Special Projects Louise Medina rounded out the list.
McGarvey said NABTU remains "steadfastly committed" to ensuring women are respected and have access to the training and support needed for careers in the unionized construction trades.
Sessions target apprenticeship access, safety and retention
Rank-and-file tradeswomen described how onramp programs, Registered Apprenticeships and union construction careers changed their lives. Discussions covered workforce development, apprenticeship and training, physical safety, mental health and supportive jobsite cultures. TradesFutures Executive Director Marina Zhavoronkova said the attendees are building infrastructure and that TradesFutures will work with partners to strengthen pathways into quality union apprenticeships.
TradesFutures, NABTU and their partners will continue work on apprenticeship readiness, recruitment and retention to help women enter and remain in the union construction workforce. The 2027 TWBN conference is scheduled for October 22–24, 2027, in Kansas City, Missouri.