Report: 28th Annual New England IEA Conference

May 9-10, 2025 

MGM Resort, Springfield, MA 

The New England Chapter of the Indoor Environments Association (IEA) hosted its 28^th annual Regional Radon and Vapor Intrusion Conference on May 9-10, 2025, at the MGM Resort in Springfield, Massachusetts. The event drew a diverse group of nearly 50 attendees including radon and vapor intrusion contractors, measurement professionals, state radon and environmental program leaders, and related industry experts, plus a surprise guest. This annual conference provided a unique platform for discussing the latest state and national updates, practical applications, and technical and business challenges facing today’s radon and VI professionals.

The New England Chapter also gratefully welcomed event sponsors RadonAway, represented by Bryan Garrity and Nathaniel Weber; Fantech, represented by Crystal Lytle; Radonova, represented by Zan Jones; and AprilAire, represented by Tony Jesse.

The Annual Luncheon Meeting on Thursday, May 9^th provided not only Chapter election results and business reports but also some fun and laughter during awards for the winners of the First Annual Best and Worst Awards.

National and State Plans & Achievements

New England Chapter President Michael Christophides introduced a distinguished roster of speakers, starting with David Hill, President of the IEA national organization. Dave provided updates on IEA’s progress and plans, emphasizing the organization’s many accomplishments, including enhancing the professional stature of IEA members through NRPP credentialing, representation on the state and national levels, and ongoing efforts to continue federal funding for radon programs and the continuation of radon requirements in federal funded housing. 

On Thursday, May 9^th, State Radon Program representatives provided updates on state radon planning and progress.  Radon Program speakers included:

Connecticut – Alessia Frasco                              

Maine – Jonathan Dyer

Massachusetts – Jennifer Lajoie

New Hampshire – Mary Butow

Vermont – Michelle Thompson

Michelle Thompson also provided a national report from CRCPD.

A highlight throughout the first day of the conference was the surprise appearance of a special guest – the reclusive New England Yeti. The tall, hairy guest assisted Michael and Board of Directors member Ed Beauregard, along with attendees, by holding up signs to provide helpful reminders regarding membership, certification, and so on, including: “Have you tested for radon…Yet-i?” “Have you mitigated…Yet-i?”, “Have you tried our sponsors’ products…Yet-i? He also graciously posed for photos with speakers and attendees.

Annual New England IEA Luncheon & Meeting

The educational aspect of the conference is enhanced each year by the Chapter’s Annual Luncheon and Meeting. After attendees enjoyed their meal, Chapter President Michael Christophides presided over the business portion of the event, including recent activities and plans. Treasurer Jordan Clark provided a summary of the Chapter’s financial health and detailed finances. During the meeting, attendees voted to donate to and support several nonprofit organizations, including American Radon Policy Campaign (ARPC) and three local charities. The 2024-2025 Officers are: Michael Christophides, President; Matt Hendrick, Vice President; Dave Hill, Secretary; Jordan Clark, Treasurer.  Board members are: Ed Beauregard, Joshua Clark, Peter Crowley, and Shawn Price.

Once the business meeting concluded, it was time to announce the winners of the first annual awards to members who found and provided photos of the Worst Radon System (Hall of Shame Frankenstein Award) and Worst Radon Testing  (Hall of Blame SNAFU Award). The winner of the Frankenstein System Award was Melanie Miranda, Apex Radon Solutions. The Testing SNAFU Award was presented to Aimee Lariviere, House Doctors Home Inspection. Congratulations to this year’s winners. The Chapter intends to expand the awards to additional categories next year. Stay tuned.

Two special awards also were presented this year. Matt Hendrick received the Eternal Blue Flame Award for his “dedicated and enduring spirit.”  Dave Hill received the GOAT Award for his “many years of leadership and service to chapter and the industry, including 2.5 terms (2 from 2002 to 2006 plus his current term) as National AARST/IEA President.”

Educational Presentations and Courses

In addition to formal presentations, the conference offered CE courses, providing practical knowledge and skill-building opportunities.
Guest Presentations were offered on May 9^th and 10^th.
The first guest presenter was Sean Rizzo, Principal and Director of Marketing, Tiger Home Inspection. He provided critical information and insights on “An Act Protecting Consumer Rights in Purchasing Safe and Habitable Homes.”
After the luncheon meeting, representatives from the conference sponsors, RadonAway, Fantech, Radonova, and AprilAire presented information and tips regarding their products and services.
Rounding out the first day, Massachusetts Real Estate Agent Lyndsey Sennott Wakeham provided valuable insights through her presentation, “Radon and Real Estate: An Agent's Perspective, Navigating Radon Testing During a Real Estate Transaction.”
Day two brought an additional expert presentation plus two courses.
Leading off was a dynamic presentation/course from Business Education Consultant Dan Fitzgerald, “Selling in Today’s Climate / Your Business Pipeline.”     
Next up, Matt Hendrick, Training Manager at Spruce Training, provided two CE courses: “Commercial Measurement Review” and “Commercial Multi / Large Building Mitigation Review.”
The event’s grand finale was both educational and fun: “The Good …The Bad…and the Ugly: Shared Tales and Submissions of Measurement and Mitigation Designs,” which led to lively discussions both before and after the conference adjourned.

What’s Next?

The conference succeeded in fostering collaboration among attendees, and providing new and updated ideas, information, and solutions. Looking to the future, the Chapter intends to continue to foster a clear sense of momentum among attendees and all members through additional activities throughout the year, building to an even more dynamic event for 2026.

2025 Photo Gallery