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The EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA) convened its Fall Board and Working Groups Conference last month at The Westin Denver International Airport, drawing an engaged and highly participatory group of members. Notably, every working group session drew more than half of all conference attendees—an indication of the strong interest and commitment driving industry-wide initiatives. Across technical standards, sustainability, advocacy, promotion, and workforce development, the meetings showcased meaningful progress and a high level of collaboration.
Technical & Research Working Group
The Technical & Research Working Group provided a comprehensive review of several ongoing projects. Attendees discussed updates to building codes and standards, recently published EIFS TechLine bulletins (see below article), and the AWCI Codes and Technology Council's EIFS initiative. The core work of this group over the next year will be updating the ANSI/EIMA Standard on EIFS, the North American PCR/LCA/EPD project, and developing additional technical bulletins.
EIFS EPD Working Group
The EIFS EPD Working Group session featured important updates on the EIFS industry’s North American environmental declarations initiative. Sustainability consultants TrueNorth Collective and Smart EPD provided progress reports on the development of the new PCR, LCA, and EPD documents. Participants included U.S.-based EIFS manufacturers—Dryvit Systems, Master Wall Inc., Sika USA, and Sto Corp.—as well as representatives from Decoplast, Facades Xi, Total Wall, and Ultrakote. ADEX Systems Inc. and the EIFS Council of Canada also took part, reflecting the North American scope and cooperation driving this effort.
Federal, State, and Local Advocacy Working Group
The Federal, State, and Local Advocacy Working Group focused on the industry’s evolving advocacy strategy and the increasing importance of establishing a strong federal presence. The discussion emphasized why shifting more fully to the federal level will allow the industry to establish a profile on Capitol Hill. Since The 2026 EIMA Annual Meeting is being held in Washington, D.C. which could serve as a launching point for this federal strategy, offering an opportunity for outreach to policymakers.
Promotion Working Group
The Promotion Working Group opened with a review of EIMA’s current programs and communications initiatives, including the EIFS Excellence Awards, The EIFS Effect, EIFS TechLine, and the association’s architectural outreach materials. The group also highlighted the launch of “EIFS on the Map,” new city guides designed to showcase EIFS projects regionally.
Following this overview was one of the conference’s most dynamic sessions - an architectural presentation delivered by Jason Bergfalk and Marcell Davis of Davis Partnership Architects, with contributions from Tyler Vander Vegt of DM Construction. The presenters talked in-depth about their award-winning innovative EIFS project One River North located in Denver. The presentation was followed by an insightful and lively Q&A session.
Education and Workforce Development Working Group
The Education and Workforce Development Working Group addressed several topics including the ANSI Quality Assurance Standard and AWCI’s Construction and Technology Council’s initiative to educate insurance professionals on modern day EIFS (with Drainage). Special guest Tyler Vander Vegt of DM Construction shared his experience and success with the ACE Mentor workforce development program. He emphasized the importance of supporting the next generation of builders by participation in youth development and mentorship programs and noted that it is increasingly important for craft and trade contractors to invest meaningfully in building sustainable, accessible, and inspiring pathways into the skilled trades.
The conference concluded with the Board of Directors meeting where discussions were held reviewing activities and initiatives of 2025 and planning for 2026.
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