PACNY 29th Annual Environmental Conference Returns to Three-Day Format at Turning Stone

The Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 29th Annual Environmental Conference, held at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, marked a strong return to a full three-day format, taking place February 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2026. The expanded schedule provided additional opportunities for education, collaboration, and industry engagement, beginning with the President’s Reception on the evening of February 25th.

Early Afternoon Session: Technology, Design, and Industry Insight

The conference officially opened on Wednesday with a timely and forward-looking presentation by Mark and Mike Gonzales, of Cornerstone Training Institute, titled: “The Emergence of AI, Robotics, Virtual Reality, and Modern Technologies in the Environmental Remediation Industry.”  This was an excellent, highly relevant session that explored not only the availability of these technologies but also their active implementation across the environmental and remediation sectors.

Mark Gonzales of Cornerstone Training Institute

The discussion covered:

• Real-world applications of artificial intelligence and robotics
• The role of virtual reality in training and hazard simulation
• The benefits of increased efficiency, safety, and data collection
• The limitations and challenges that still exist with AI adoption

A key takeaway was the growing role of advanced sensors and exoskeletons, which are now being used to assess hazards in real time and, in many cases, eliminate or significantly reduce worker exposure.  The integration of these tools represents a meaningful step forward in both safety and productivity.

Mike Gonzales of Cornerstone Training Institute

Additionally, the use of drones equipped with 360-degree cameras continues to evolve, offering enhanced site assessments, documentation, and inspection capabilities—particularly in areas that are difficult or unsafe to access.

The session struck a balanced tone, emphasizing both the promise of these technologies and the practical limitations the industry must still navigate.

Late Afternoon Panel Discussion: The Criticality of Design

Following a short break, the focus shifted from emerging technology to one of the foundational elements of our industry—project design.  Benjamin Reddy of Ravi Engineering moderated a panel discussion with Gary Lasky of LCP Group Inc. on “The Criticality of Design.”  This was a highly engaging and comprehensive discussion that drew significant participation from attendees. What made this session particularly valuable was the open exchange of real-world experiences related to asbestos project design.

Ben Reddy of Ravi Engineering

Topics included:

• Common strengths and weaknesses in project specifications
• Challenges encountered in the field due to design deficiencies
• The importance of clear, enforceable, and practical design documents
• Lessons learned from both successful and problematic projects

The dialogue reinforced something many in the room already know—good design sets the tone for the entire project, while poor design can lead to confusion, delays, increased costs, and compliance issues.

President’s Reception: Kicking Off the Conference

The day concluded with the PACNY President’s Reception, which provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to reconnect with colleagues, meet new professionals, and begin the conference on a strong networking note.

As always, these informal settings continue to be just as valuable as the formal sessions, fostering conversations that often lead to collaboration and shared solutions across the industry.

Looking Ahead

With a strong opening day that balanced innovation with practical field experience, the PACNY Conference set the stage for two more days of education and discussion.  Stay tuned for Part 2 and Part 3, where we’ll cover the remainder of the conference sessions, speakers, and key takeaways.

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