2026 Alair Conference: Fueling Growth, Accelerating Results

The checkered flag may have waved, but the momentum from the 2026 Alair Conference in Montréal is only just beginning.

Under this year’s Formula 1-inspired theme, Fueling Growth, Accelerating Results, Alair partners from across North America came together for an unforgettable week of connection, insight, and celebration.

Designed to inspire collaboration and strengthen relationships across the network, this year’s Alair conference delivered a dynamic mix of innovation, education, and recognition set against the vibrant backdrop of Montréal.

The builders behind The New American Home® reflect on operational lessons learned from building the award-winning project. From left: Jim Krantz (left), partner at Alair Orlando | JNJ Group; Steven Hayhoe, partner performance specialist at Alair; and Daniel Kennerly, partner at Alair Orlando | Kennerly & Co.

The week began with a VIP pre-reception experience at the Cosentino showroom, where attendees connected over a hosted experience and explored one of the city’s premier design destinations. Just steps away, the welcome reception at Bord’Elle set the tone for the days ahead, offering an energetic and memorable evening that blended vintage glamour with Montréal’s unmistakable character.

Sign reading — The welcome reception at Bord'Elle, sponsored by Kohler, kicked off the 2026 Alair Conference.

Three Alair conference attendees view the Cosentino showroom in Montreal. — Conference attendees viewed the Cosentino showroom on Wednesday night in Montréal.

Earlier in the day, the Alair Fair greeted attendees as they arrived in Montréal. The Alair Fair is an internal event designed to connect partners with Alair’s Home Office teams and deepen understanding of the resources, support, and opportunities available across the network. The experience reinforced the strength of collaboration and the shared commitment to helping every location succeed.

Monica Affleck, regional partner of Alberta, tests a QR code at an Alair Fair booth, where the Alair home office teams shared insights, answered questions, and connected with Alair partners.

Throughout the conference, partners engaged in impactful presentations and panel discussions led by Alair leadership, Home Office teams, and leading partners from across the network. These sessions brought fresh perspectives, practical takeaways, and valuable strategic insights that builders can bring back to their businesses and teams.

Over a half dozen home appliance and building industry vendor partners sit in chairs onstage during a panel at the 2026 Alair conference. — The industry panel featured vendor partners sharing insights on home trends in 2026.

Justin Thompson, regional partner of Ontario and Ohio, speaks onstage during the conference sessions. Justin was later awarded the Jamie Affleck Legacy Award, Alair's most prestigious recognition.

The room delivered a standing ovation during the 2026 Alair conference in Montreal. — The room delivered a standing ovation during the 2026 Alair conference in Montréal.

The week concluded with an elegant gala dinner, where the dress code of “creative black tie” let guests express their unique style. After dinner, acrobats at the Caf’Conc’ Theatre opened the highly anticipated 2026 Alair Awards, followed by an unforgettable Alair talent show.

These moments created the perfect opportunity to celebrate excellence, recognize outstanding achievements, and enjoy the kind of connection that defines the Alair network.