SIMA will celebrate its 30th anniversary in Milwaukee in 2027 while advancing education, deicer application training and company accreditation to help address key challenges facing the snow and ice management industry.
The Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) is preparing for a milestone year in 2027, with plans to bring its annual symposium to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for its 30th anniversary. In a recent interview with Snow Plow News, SIMA representative Martin Tirado discussed the upcoming celebration, new education and accreditation initiatives, and efforts to address ongoing challenges facing snow and ice management businesses.
Milwaukee to Host SIMA’s 30th Anniversary Symposium
The 2027 symposium will take place in Milwaukee, home to SIMA’s headquarters and several manufacturers that helped shape the organization in its early years.
Tirado said the association is planning special celebrations to recognize the people who founded SIMA and the organization’s history while looking ahead to the industry’s future.
With Milwaukee’s connection to the snow and winter market, SIMA expects the location to provide a fitting backdrop for the milestone event.
The association is already planning activities to make the 30th anniversary symposium a memorable gathering for snow and ice management professionals.
New Credentials Aim to Advance Industry Education
Beyond the anniversary celebration, SIMA is continuing to expand its education and credentialing opportunities for the snow and ice management industry.
One initiative is the launch of a Certified Deicer Applicator program. The credential is designed to provide training for professionals responsible for applying deicing materials, an area receiving increased regulatory attention as states and provinces examine the environmental effects of salt on freshwater resources.
Tirado said the program could help businesses respond to evolving regulations by ensuring applicators have the knowledge and training needed to follow appropriate practices.
As environmental requirements continue to develop, a recognized credential could become a valuable asset for professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in responsible deicer application.
Company Accreditation Could Address Insurance Challenges
SIMA is also developing a company accreditation program focused on business-wide compliance with industry best practices and standards.
While individual credentials recognize a worker’s training, company accreditation would demonstrate that an organization is committed to operating according to established standards.
According to Tirado, the initiative could help snow and ice management businesses navigate one of the industry’s persistent challenges: the rising cost and availability of insurance.
Insurance expenses have put increasing pressure on contractors, with some businesses leaving the snow and ice sector because of the difficulty of maintaining affordable, appropriate coverage.
Tirado said company accreditation could help address this issue by demonstrating a business’s commitment to best practices. While accreditation would not guarantee lower premiums, it could potentially support more sustainable insurance rates and help businesses secure the coverage they need.
For contractors facing rising operating costs, initiatives that strengthen professional standards while helping businesses manage risk could play an important role in the industry’s long-term stability.
Building the Next Generation of Snow and Ice Professionals
As SIMA prepares to celebrate three decades of industry development, the association is also focused on attracting new people to the profession.
Tirado emphasized that winter maintenance remains an essential service. Snow and ice management professionals help keep roads, parking