Women in HVACR (WHVACR) has announced key breakout speakers for its 2026 annual conference, “Built for Speed.” The nonprofit organization, dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trades, will host the event from Sept. 27-29 in Indianapolis. Carrie Fraser, Bryce Batts, and Michelle Myers are set to lead sessions offering practical guidance on leadership, workplace culture, and managing life transitions for professional women.
The conference aims to equip attendees with knowledge, confidence, and connections to advance their careers and strengthen the HVACR industry. Women in HVACR President Jane Sidebottom noted that the speakers bring distinct perspectives to common challenges faced by women and business leaders. Their sessions are designed to provide strategies applicable long after the conference concludes.
Addressing Leadership and Career Growth
Carrie Fraser, vice president of marketing at Nexstar Network, will present “Fearless Leadership: Cultivating Courage and Confidence in Decision-Making.” Fraser plans to draw on her experience leading organizational evolution. Her session will focus on recognizing when growth necessitates transformation within a leadership role.
Bryce Batts, a business consultant, certified career coach, and co-founder of Career Collective, will lead “Why Women Leave (And How to Build Teams They Stay For).” This session will explore why simply recruiting more women into HVACR is only part of the solution for workforce retention. Batts will examine how leadership, workplace culture, and hiring practices influence whether women remain with an organization and have opportunities for advancement. Efforts to support senior women executives often extend beyond initial recruitment.
Navigating Professional and Personal Transitions
Michelle Myers, founder and CEO of Pink Callers, will present “Integration in Motion: Leading Through Life’s Transitions.” Her session will challenge the notion that professional and personal success demands perfect balance. Myers intends to demonstrate how women can achieve alignment during varying seasons of life. Her discussion will cover energy management, delegation, and identifying nonnegotiable responsibilities. This approach highlights how entrepreneurs face integrated skill requirements that span personal and professional domains.
Sidebottom emphasized that these sessions align with the mission of Women in HVACR. The goal is to help women lead boldly while providing organizations with tools to build stronger, more supportive workplaces. Attendees can expect to hear honest experiences and learn proven approaches, understanding that meaningful growth often starts with the courage to initiate change. Many women-led cooperatives also focus on practical skills for growth.
For more information on the 2026 “Built for Speed” conference or to register, interested individuals can visit the Women in HVACR website.
Frequently asked questions
What key development does this article describe?
Women in HVACR (WHVACR) has announced key breakout speakers for its 2026 annual conference, “Built for Speed.
Why is the change in this article significant in its broader context?
The nonprofit organization, dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trades, will host the event from Sept.
What background does this article provide about the change?
Carrie Fraser, Bryce Batts, and Michelle Myers are set to lead sessions offering practical guidance on leadership, workplace culture, and managing life transitions for professional women.
What broader implications does this article identify?
The conference aims to equip attendees with knowledge, confidence, and connections to advance their careers and strengthen the HVACR industry.
