A Century of Standards: BHMA Celebrates 100 Years This Fall
Honoring a Legacy of Standards and Safety
Did you know that the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) is turning 100 this year? For a century, BHMA has been the voice of North American builders hardware manufacturers, working hand-in-hand with ANSI to develop the standards that help keep our buildings secure, safe, and reliable.
From locks and hinges to exit devices and door closers, ANSI/BHMA standards shape the hardware we interact with every day; whether it’s the front door of a home, a hospital emergency exit, or the revolving doors at an airport. Today, more than 40 ANSI/BHMA standards ensure performance, durability, and safety where it matters most.
A Centennial Celebration in Tahoe
This October, BHMA will mark its centennial at the 2025 BHMA Annual Fall Meeting, October 21–23 at Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Stateline, Nevada. The three-day event will bring together members, industry partners, and stakeholders to celebrate the association’s legacy and future.
Of course, no anniversary would be complete without thought leadership sessions and a dynamic agenda. The special centennial programming will feature an in-person timeline that brings BHMA’s 100-year journey to life, a virtual museum showcasing archival milestones, and a commemorative book filled with historic photos, member reflections, and key achievements that highlight how the association’s work has evolved through the decades. Additionally, attendees can look forward to keynote sessions, industry panels, and the 100th Anniversary Gala, which will cap off the celebration in style.
The Annual Fall Meeting will provide members and stakeholders an opportunity to celebrate but also to participate in member engagement through technical committee meetings, working groups, and exclusive networking opportunities. These gatherings will continue the association’s long tradition of collaboration providing a platform that brings manufacturers, code officials, and industry experts together to develop consensus-based solutions on new and revised ANSI/BHMA standards.
Looking Ahead Together
For ANSI and BHMA, the centennial is more than a celebration of the past, it’s a commitment to shaping the next 100 years of builders hardware standards. As the industry continues to evolve with new technologies and changing safety requirements, ANSI/BHMA standards will remain at the center of guaranteeing innovation and reliable performance across residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
As BHMA begins its second century, its mission remains clear: to advance builders hardware standards that support safer buildings, more efficient construction, and long-lasting product performance.
For additional information on BHMA Standards, visit the Hardware Highlights page for helpful one-page summaries of each ANSI/BHMA A156 series standard. Learn more about BHMA’s centennial celebration and the 2025 Fall Meeting here.
Contributing Author: Ralph Vasami, BHMA Executive Director
Ralph Vasami, Esq has been the BHMA Executive Director for more than 15 years. Ralph has a broad background in engineering, business management, operations, finance, strategic planning and law. He is actively involved with leading clients’ efforts to modify and enhance national building codes, and is regularly called upon to facilitate client strategic planning meetings. Ralph received a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University and a law degree from Pace University. He is a member of the New York State Bar.
