IW26 is Future-Focused 

Speakers and sessions for InspectionWorld 2026 have been announced, and this year’s tracks reveal a true dedication to preparing home inspectors to do their best work. 

The much-anticipated educational and networking event coincides with ASHI’s 50th anniversary and takes place from February 15 to 18, 2026, at Valley Forge Casino & Resort in Valley Forge, just over 20 miles from the Philadelphia International Airport. A special vendor hall kickoff will take place on February 15, followed by three days of educational programming as part of this premier home inspector conference for home inspection professionals across North America. ASHI Members can take advantage of early bird pricing for $399 when they register before December 31 ($459 for non-members). 

This year’s conference will feature some of the biggest names in the industry. This includes everyone from ASHI Past President Bruce Barker, who quite literally wrote the book on the National Home Inspector Examination, to electrical expert Mike Twitty, a current ASHI School instructor, and experts at Clarke Engineering, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the International Code Council, Monroe Infrared, and more. 

“We have a very big range of speakers this year,” says Edwin Barrera, director of education and curriculum development at ASHI. “We will also have a lot of future-facing topics, from smart homes and a session on EV charging systems to PV and generator power systems.” 

Focuses on structural and electrical inspections are major highlights of this year’s IW, Barrera says, while inspecting concrete will be a topic never before explored in-depth. “We’re excited to have that from expert Dan McLaughlin. His content is well-regarded and high-rated for its technical expertise.” McLaughlin is a well-known educator from the West Coast, an instructor at Ventura Community College since 1997, and a Residential Building Inspector from 1978 to 2010. The session on concrete will cover everything from placement and curing methods to the use of steel rebar and how to properly construct forms. 

This year’s session speakers and topics include: 

Brian Eisenman: Don’t Get Hurt Like They Did! 

Brianne Smith: Expand Your Scope; Protect Your Future

Bruce Barker, ACI: Inspection Quiz

Dan McLaughlin: Administration, Plumbing Fixtures & Residential HVAC Sizing

Dan McLaughlin: Residential Ventilation

Dan McLaughlin: Concrete

David Goldstein, ACI: Structural Defects – When to Recommend an Engineer

David Goldstein, ACI: Consulting Work – Becoming an Expert Witness

Diana Goldstein: How Does Your Business Look Naked?

Duane Morrison, ACI: Building a Scalable Inspection Company

Brad Keyes: The Future of Comfort: Heat Pumps, HVAC Trends, & Refrigerant Regulations

Graham Clarke, ACI: The Ins & Outs of Crawl Space Inspection

Graham Clarke, ACI: Cracks, Creaks, & Concerns Navigating Structural Integrity in Home Inspections

Joseph Wages: The Grounding Electrode System

Joseph Wages: GFCI & AFCI Requirements, An Adoption History

Mark Goodman, ACI: Smart Homes 

Mike Twitty, ACI: Inspecting PV & Generator Power Systems

Mike Twitty, ACI: Inspecting EV Charging Systems

Peter Muehlbronner, ACI: Pool Inspections & the Real Estate Market

David Goldstein, ACI: Discussing ASHI’s New Standard
of Practice for Home Inspections

Carson Dunlop & Associates: Business Opportunities & Exploring Franchising

Sandra Hyde: Townhouse Building Safety Features

Bill Fabian: Infrared Applications for Home Inspectors

Tom Urban: Masonry Fireplace & Chimney

This year, ASHI members will also be able to earn ASHI CEs for some of their time spent with speakers, colleagues, and vendors. 

For a complete schedule and session details, or to register, visit homeinspector.org/education/inspectionworld-annual-conference. The January issue of the Reporter will also include more information about the events.  

Preconference Education Opportunities

International Residential Building Code Boot Camp

February 14 & 15, 2025 

$399 for two-day IRC B1 Residential Exam prep class 

The International Residential Building Code Boot Camp is not your typical code review class. The 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) has taken effect in many jurisdictions across the US. The hands-on IRC Boot Camp is intended to develop expertise in navigating the actual code book. 

The class will go through the IRC codes chapter by chapter. A series of open-book quizzes will be administered to reinforce familiarity. At the end of day two, inspectors will take a final open-book mock B1 exam covering all chapters. All quiz answers are reviewed collectively and self-graded.

The class is ideal for individuals interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the IRC, as well as those preparing to take the ICC International Residential Building Inspector Certification Exam (B1). 

Each attendee will need a copy of the 2024 IRC with speed tabs to fully participate in the class. To ensure you have a book, reserve a copy ahead of time by emailing education@ashi.org. A very limited supply of books will be available onsite.

Chimneys 101

February 15, 2025

$249 for one-day CSIA Chimneys 101 inspection class

The Chimneys 101 inspection course will be taught by John Pilger out of Smithtown, New York. With more than 30 years of certification, Pilger has been a leader in the chimney industry since 1983. 

Inspectors can expect this 7- to 8-hour course to offer the latest information presented by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps who are experts in inspection. This class will follow the inspection process using factual and material-based content and design. This course will provide a complete overview of the anatomy of a fireplace, chimney, and up-to-date standard of care referencing the NFPA 211 as well as review the importance of a thorough and factually based inspection.

Pilger owned and operated Chief Chimney Services for 35 years and served as CSIA Past President and Trustee. A long-time member of the NY State Chimney Sweep Guild and NFPA 31 committee, he also teaches for CSIA and NFI. Pilger holds multiple industry certifications and an applied science degree in fire protection technology. Pilger is a former fire marshal and fire chief and continues to serve his community as he advocates for chimney safety through education and leadership.

More Fun at Valley Forge

The region offers plenty of entertainment for those who have extra time before or after InspectionWorld, too. These are just a few of the area’s top attractions: 

Valley Forge Casino Resort is a full amenity gaming resort with a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor. 

Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a chance to explore where General Washington and his Continental Army stayed in 1777 and see the renovated log huts.

The John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove is typically open Wednesday through Sunday, with an immersive bird museum and hiking trails. 

The Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College is a free museum showcasing innovative art exhibitions. 

The Centre Theater offers a calendar of various theater and art events, from plays and musicals to magic acts and more. 

For anyone needing a shopping fix, the King of Prussia Mall has more than 450 stores. 

Check out Stress Factory Comedy Club in Valley Forge Casino for a night of laughs.