February 2026 | Volume 17, Issue 1

A Historic First: EIMA Annual Meeting Heads to Washington, D.C. - Registration is NOW OPEN

For the first time in its 40+ year history, the EIMA Annual Meeting will take place in Washington, D.C., March 25–27. Timed to coincide with the iconic Cherry Blossom season—when the city is at its most vibrant—the 2026 EIMA Annual Meeting offers an exceptional setting for connection and engagement. The timing couldn’t be more strategic as federal energy, sustainability, and housing policies increasingly influence the built environment, EIMA is strengthening its presence where those decisions are made.

What’s New in 2026

• Legislative Fly-In to Capitol Hill: Interested members will meet directly with Senate offices to introduce EIFS, highlight its energy and sustainability benefits, and position the industry as a solution for affordability and resilience. More details in the article below.
• A National-Level Meeting Format: Working Group sessions will feature speakers from federal agencies and national organizations, offering insight into how policy priorities will shape the future of building enclosures.
• Unforgettable Networking: Kick off the meeting with a dinner cruise on the Potomac, followed by a premier cocktail reception, the Members Dinner & EIFS Excellence Awards, and continuous connection in the EIMA Networking Lounge.

Click on the links below to view the meeting schedule, and to register and make hotel reservations.

Bringing the EIFS Industry to Capitol Hill: Inside EIMA’s First Legislative Fly-In

EIMA will host its first-ever legislative fly-in, a long-standing advocacy practice that brings industry stakeholders to Washington, D.C. for in-person meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. Fly-ins give policymakers a clearer understanding of how an industry operates and how legislation and policy decisions affect jobs, manufacturing, construction, and local economies. For associations like EIMA, this direct engagement is a critical way to ensure the industry’s voice is heard as new policies are developed.

The goal of EIMA’s inaugural fly-in is to introduce the EIFS industry and its stakeholders to key congressional offices and establish a visible presence on Capitol Hill. Working alongside advocacy partner Mercury Public Affairs, participants will present a unified message that highlights EIFS as a viable cladding solution that supports housing affordability, economic growth, and workforce development. By engaging together as an industry, EIMA members can have a greater collective impact than individual companies acting alone.

EIMA is now calling for participants, and interested members are encouraged to complete the form linked below no later than February 20.

Supporting the 2026 EIMA Annual Meeting Through Sponsorship

The 2026 EIMA Annual Meeting presents a unique opportunity for companies to support and engage with the EIFS industry at a pivotal moment. As EIMA brings members together for policy discussions, education, and relationship-building, sponsorships offer a meaningful way to participate in the meeting’s most visible and impactful experiences.

Sponsorship opportunities are available across the meeting’s key events and engagement points, including the Dinner Cruise on the Potomac, Members Dinner, EIFS Excellence Awards Ceremony, educational sessions, and networking gatherings throughout the three-day program. These sponsorships are designed to enhance the attendee experience while providing brand visibility in settings that encourage connection and conversation.

Organizations that sponsor the 2026 Annual Meeting will be positioned alongside industry leaders, manufacturers, contractors, suppliers, and partners who are shaping the future of EIFS. In addition to increased visibility, sponsors demonstrate their commitment to EIMA’s mission to advance EIFS through advocacy, education, and promotion.

Additional details and the sponsorship form are available through the link below.

EIFS on Display at World of Concrete 2026

The World of Concrete, the international trade show for commercial and masonry construction, returned to the Las Vegas Convention Center with more than 1,500 exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees. EIMA’s Stephen Sears attended for the first time and connected with several EIMA members on-site, including Sika, Dryvit Systems, Sto Corp., and ADEX Systems Inc. Sears also visited the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International (OPCMIA) EIFS application competition—supported in part by Sto—and met with representatives from the Western Wall & Ceiling Contractors Association. Beyond the show floor, Las Vegas itself reinforced EIFS’ commercial impact, with many prominent casino properties featuring EIFS cladding. 

EIFS TechLine: EIMA’s Technical Bulletin Series

The EIMA Technical and Research Working Group presents the next edition of the EIFS TechLine, a technical bulletin series authored by EIMA members that delivers clear, practical guidance on key technical topics in the Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) industry.

This issue is about Wind Loads for EIFS and EIFS with Drainage clad wall assemblies. EIFS are engineered to meet demanding wind load requirements—including those of Miami-Dade County’s Hurricane Code—when properly specified and installed.

Wind load performance depends on three key factors: the strength of the EIFS and its attachment, the stiffness and strength of the substrate wall, and code-determined design pressures, all of which work together to ensure the wall assembly performs safely under both positive and negative wind forces. Testing shows that adhesively attached EIFS can easily exceed typical wind load requirements, while mechanically fastened systems and substrate design must be carefully evaluated to ensure full compliance and performance.

EIFS TechLine represents EIMA’s ongoing commitment to industry leadership, education, and quality. We invite all members and industry partners to explore this edition and look forward to sharing future bulletins on additional technical topics.

Discover the Latest "EIFS Effect" Case Studies

The EIFS Effect case study series highlights innovative projects across North America that showcase the performance, design versatility, and sustainability of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). These real-world examples demonstrate how EIFS is helping architects and builders meet modern design and energy goals. Explore the latest award-winning featured projects below.

Stay tuned for next month’s EIFS Briefs, and thank you for your continued support of the EIFS Industry Members Association.