The testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) industry gathered in St. Louis recently for the International Certification Board/Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (ICB/TABB) Conference. The event, held from April 29 to May 2, brought together members, contractors and other professionals for a mix of education, business development and networking. But one of the highlights of the conference was the induction of Matt Sano, owner of Fisher Balancing, into the TABB Hall of Fame.

Sano, a member of SMART Local 19 in Philadelphia, is the 21st inductee and the third from his local to receive the honor. He was presented with the award by Jennifer Lohr, vice president of Fisher Balancing, who has been with the company since she was an apprentice.

"I was very surprised. I can tell you I don’t seek recognition. When my peers talked about this award, I wasn’t concerned about it. My first response was I guess they ran out of people," Sano joked about the unexpected honor.

Despite his humility, Sano's induction into the TABB Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication and contributions to the industry. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant impacts through their work, leadership and commitment to advancing the field of testing, adjusting and balancing.

“TAB draws in those with certain skills. You have to have a propensity for math, and I enjoy that,” he said. 

Sano was introduced to TAB and indoor air quality shortly after he began his sheet metal apprenticeship, in 1980. The technical aspect of TAB is what caught his attention, and kept it for his entire career.

“Matt Sano has been a stalwart supporter of this industry for decades, and he is greatly deserving of the TABB Hall of Fame,” said Lisa Davis, administrator for the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI), TABB’s parent organization. “When you’re inducted into the Hall of Fame, you’re inducted by your peers. And his peers think very highly of him, as do we.”

The conference also featured a keynote address from Sean McGovern of The Joint Commission, who discussed TAB requirements in hospitals and how contractors can meet these critical standards. Other speakers included representatives from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and SMART, who provided updates on codes, standards and best practices.

Alice Yates, director of government affairs for ASHRAE, summed up the general mission of the industry when she said, "We exist to serve humanity." Several speakers emphasized the importance of getting involved and staying engaged in industry issues. "You have to be at the table, or you’ll be on the menu," Randy Young, SMART codes and standards representative, added.

The event also included educational sessions, a vendor fair and networking opportunities. Attendees had the chance to earn new certifications, learn about the latest technologies and connect with other professionals in the field.

For many, the highlight was seeing Sano inducted into the TABB Hall of Fame. "I just knew there would be some pretty key players in TAB here, and it would be a good opportunity to connect with those people," said Sheena Jones, a fourth-year apprentice at Local 36 who attended the Fire Smoke Damper Supervisor course. "And who can say no to another certification?"

The conference concluded with a message of optimism from Davis.

"I'm filled with deep gratitude and inspiration for this conference, for all of you, for this industry. I hope you are able to take some kernel of it home with you,” she concluded.