VMA News

VMA and VRC Annual Meeting Delivered Connection, Insight and Industry Intelligence

VMA’s premier member gathering took place this fall in Naples, Florida, drawing more than 100 attendees for three days of high-value content, discussion and networking. Participants reconnected with colleagues, engaged with an experienced slate of speakers and enjoyed ideal weather and first-class hospitality. Post-event evaluations reflected strong satisfaction with both the educational program and the numerous opportunities for peer interaction between industry leaders.

A central theme of the meeting was the rapidly increasing demand for power — particularly due to the influence of the tech sector and the related expansion of data centers across North America. Attendees engaged with speakers who examined whether the current build-out is sustainable, and what the potential implications are for flow control manufacturers, suppliers and distributors.

Additional sessions explored critical government affairs issues, including pending and proposed PFAS legislation, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and tax implications for manufacturing and distribution businesses of all sizes, and evolving tariff policy. Industry-focused presentations highlighted power, water and wastewater and foundry market trends, and other presentations focused on suggestions for managing supply chains, workforce considerations and strategies for transforming data into actionable business intelligence.

Programming concluded with economic outlooks for the U.S., Canada and global regions, followed by a geopolitical briefing outlining potential global scenarios and their impacts on supply chains, workforce availability, political dynamics and economic stability, both in North America and globally. Potential impacts on U.S. and Canadian businesses were also discussed.

The meeting also featured numerous networking activities for attendees and guests, as well as business meetings for both VMA and VRC members and a VMA Membership Awards Ceremony. VMA and VRC members are encouraged to mark their calendars for next year’s gathering, scheduled for September 9–11, 2026, in Québec City, Québec, Canada.

VMA Honors 2025 Membership Award Recipients

At the 87^th Annual Meeting Member Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, VMA recognized two individuals for outstanding service to the association and the industry.

The Person of the Year Award, VMA’s highest honor, was presented to Matt Thiel, former Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of AUMA USA. The Person of the Year celebrates an individual who truly possesses passion for the industry and sharing their knowledge with others to help advance VMA and the industry at large. Thiel was honored for his long-standing commitment to VMA, his leadership on the Board — including three terms as Past Chairman — and his sustained contributions to the broader valve industry.

The Service Award was presented to David Escobar, Director of R&D at Valmet Flow Control. The VMA Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service, expertise and guidance while participating on a VMA committee. Escobar currently chairs the VMA Technical Committee and has served on several VMA issue-focused committees over the past years. He is widely recognized for providing expert technical guidance that strengthens both the association and the industry at large, and has been a driver in the educational content at the Valve Forum: Conference & Exhibits and the VMA Technical Conference.

VMA is proud to recognize these leaders for their dedication and service and congratulates both individuals.

Outgoing Board Members Recognized for Their Service

VMA extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing members of the Board of Directors, each of whom has contributed leadership, industry expertise and valuable time in service to the association and its membership.

Kirk Wilson, Flowserve, concluded five years of service on the VMA Board, most recently as the 2025 Chairman of the Board. During his tenure as Chair, Wilson guided Board discussions on how VMA could better communicate tariff updates and their implications to members. He also played a key role in strengthening alignment between VMA Committees and the Board of Directors and supported the launch of VMA’s updated strategic planning process.

“During his time on the VMA Executive Committee and as Board Chairman, Kirk has led in a very genuine way,” said Heather Rhoderick, President of VMA. “He has created pathways for others to take on leadership roles and fostered an inclusive environment across our committees. The entire membership has benefited from his focus on delivering member value.”

Dave Loula, ITT Engineered Valves, completed six years of service on the Board of Directors. Loula also contributed extensively to the Market Trends Committee, supporting the Market Outlook Workshop and developing pulse surveys that provided members with timely benchmarking information.

Alex Alcala, Crane Co., served five years on the Board of Directors and championed the participation of numerous Crane Co. employees across VMA workshops and committees, expanding the company’s engagement and strengthening the association’s collective expertise.

“Kirk, Alex and Dave’s voices will be missed at future Board of Directors meetings,” Rhoderick added. “VMA is a stronger organization because of the commitment and contributions of these leaders.”

 

 

 

 

VMA Business Meeting Previews Strategic Priorities

The final day of the Annual Meeting opened with the VMA Business Meeting, led by VMA President Heather Rhoderick, outgoing Chairman Kirk Wilson, and Board members Rachel Hollinger and Rob Velan. The slate of nominees for the Board of Directors was presented, and leadership discussed current industry challenges and opportunities which are influencing the association.

Members also received a summary of the 2025 membership survey results. These findings will help guide the development of VMA’s new three-year strategic plan and shape initiatives aimed at delivering greater value to members.

Valve Repair Council Reviews Progress, Sets 2026 Priorities

The Valve Repair Council (VRC) convened its Business Meeting during the Annual Meeting to review progress on current initiatives and outline priorities for 2026. Leadership recognized Cliff Smith of Valmet for 18 years of service on the VRC Board of Directors and welcomed new Board member Mike Farano of Riggio Valve. Farano brings extensive field and supervisory experience gained from his background as a Naval nuclear submarine machinist and his career in valve repair operations.

Members also previewed the draft 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, setting the stage for the Council’s next phase of growth. Proposed bylaws updates were introduced, with additional information forthcoming. A call for volunteers was issued for the Planning Committee for the 2026 Valve Repair Seminar, scheduled for June 9–10, 2026, in Pasadena, Texas. The meeting concluded with an open forum and a strong sense of momentum for the year ahead.

For questions or to get involved with the VRC, contact Caitlin Hughes, Executive Director, at chughes@vma.org.

VRC Welcomes Atlantic Valve Services

Atlantic Valve Services (AVS), an Emerson Impact Partner, serves customers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region and is now a member of the Valve Repair Council. AVS technicians provide onsite, emergency, and in-shop valve repair services for s customers in a multitude of industries including petrochemical, refining, pharmaceutical, utilities, power, offshore and more. Find out more at atlanticvalveservices.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valve Forum Call for Abstracts Shows Strong Response; Exhibit Sales Now Open

VMA’s Valve Forum: Conference & Exhibits returns to the Houston area April 13–15, 2026, at The Westin in The Woodlands. This year’s call for abstracts closed with double the number of submissions compared to previous cycles — an indication of the event’s growing industry recognition and the variety of emerging technical and business topics.

The 2026 Valve Forum will feature sessions on valve design innovations, actuators and automation, business best practices and more. All content will be delivered in a noncommercial, educational format by respected industry thought leaders. The full program will be announced in early 2026.

The conference includes tabletop and small booth exhibits, a tour of a local manufacturing facility, multiple networking opportunities and interactive activities designed to test attendees’ valve knowledge. Participants can expect to leave with new industry connections and practical insights relevant to their organizations. The exhibit area will once again provide ample time for exchanging ideas with manufacturers, suppliers and service providers.

A pre-conference Valve Basics Seminar — offering six professional development hours, hands-on demonstrations and networking — will also be available for those new to the industry or seeking a refresher.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales and attendee registration are now open.
Learn more at vmaevents.org/valve-forum.

Calendar of Events

Learn more at vmaevents.org or contact Caitlin Hughes, VMA’s Director of Education and Operations at chughes@vma.org.

Virtual Valve Basics: Ongoing

Valve Basics Seminar | April 13, 2026 | The Woodlands, TX

Valve Forum: Conference and Exhibits | April 13-15, 2026 | The Woodlands, TX

Valve Repair Seminar | June 9-10, 2026 | Pasadena, TX

VMA and VRC Annual Meeting | September 9-11, 2026|Quebec City, Montreal, Canada