NSA Conference ’26 – Annapolis

There is something special about putting slate contractors, quarriers, suppliers, preservation advocates, and friends of the industry in the same room. The discussions that begin during a presentation tend to continue over dinner, on a walking tour, or aboard a boat on the harbor. That was certainly the case at the 2026 National Slate Association Conference in Annapolis.

Welcome Slate Industry!

Attendees gathered at the Historic Inns of Annapolis for a full program of presentations. NSA President Tom Stortz opened with a look at the state of the slate industry and the opportunities and challenges ahead. Demand for natural slate remains strong, but quarrying costs, labor, training, and the need to explain slate’s long-term value are issues that require all of us to work together.

Day 1 – Presentations, Walking Tour, Harbor Cruise

Our speakers approached that work from several directions. Trent Cotney discussed legal developments for addressing synthetic roofing products. Nick Redding of Preservation Maryland spoke about the economic value of historic preservation and the funding that helps make it possible. Natalie Henshaw of the Historic Trades Campaign covered roofing apprenticeships and the importance of bringing new people into the trades. Rick Miller and John Aaron of Epilay led a discussion on underlayments. The range of topics reflected the range of people who make up this association: people working on roofs, supplying materials, preserving historic buildings, and helping the next generation enter the field. Finally, John Chan, Julie Butler, and Dean Jagusch went over the details of a few projects that we were going to see on a walking tour shortly after.

In the afternoon, we took those conversations into Annapolis for a walking tour of slate projects, with Wagner Roofing Company and The Durable Slate Company helping bring the work on the ground into focus. Seeing slate on actual buildings is always a reminder of why the details matter. The day continued with a harbor cruise, giving everyone a chance to catch up, meet new colleagues, and enjoy Annapolis from the water.

Day 2 – Presentations and Naval Academy

Friday’s presentations covered synthetic slate test results from geologist Victor Cárdenes, the history of synthetic “slate” roofing from Rob Miller, and a training update from Joe Jenkins and Chad Brandon. John Chan discussed UK slate techniques, while Clay Heald, Brittany Brown, and Julian Calvo shared industry updates moderated by Brian Chalsma. Dean Jagusch closed the presentations with details of slate repairs at the U.S. Naval Academy. Finally, the NSA Standards and Membership committee gave their reports to wrap up the conference.

After lunch, attendees gathered at the Naval Academy Visitor Center for a guided tour, followed by a group photo. Apologies to the international attendees who were not permitted on the grounds.

Thank You!

This was one of our strongest attended conferences, and the momentum reaches beyond one event. The NSA recently reached 147 current members, a milestone made possible by people who believe in sharing knowledge and strengthening the natural slate industry. The conversations in Annapolis gave us plenty to build on, particularly around training, collaboration, and making a clearer case for the lasting value of slate.

Thank you to every attendee, speaker, sponsor, and volunteer who made the conference possible. Special thanks to Wagner Roofing Company and The Durable Slate Company for their part in the walking tour. We hope you left Annapolis with a new connection, an idea to put to work, or simply a renewed appreciation for the people behind this industry.

A slate roof is a gift passed down from one generation to the next. The knowledge and relationships we share at gatherings like this help us keep that tradition going.