
For plumbing professionals, 2026 is packed with high‑value conferences and trade shows that can sharpen your skills, expose you to new products, and grow your network. Below is a practical guide to the best events to put on your calendar, plus what to do if one has already passed by the time this post goes live on 2/16/26.
AHR Expo 2026 (Las Vegas)
The AHR Expo is one of the largest HVACR gatherings in the world, and it consistently delivers big value for plumbing contractors who work on hydronic systems, boilers, and mechanical rooms. You’ll find everything from advanced piping components to smart controls and water‑heating innovations.
- Dates: February 2–4, 2026 (already passed by 2/16/26) mhi+1
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NVacprosite+1
- Website: https://www.ahrexpo.com
If you missed it this year, then make sure to stay tuned for next year. Use the archive section on the AHR site to see what brands exhibited and which education tracks might be worth targeting when registration opens again.
WWETT Show 2026 (Indianapolis)
If you specialize in drain cleaning, septic, or municipal work, the WWETT Show (Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport) is a must‑attend. It combines a massive expo floor with live demos and technical sessions focused on wastewater and environmental services that directly impact plumbing businesses.
- Dates: February 16–19, 2026
- Location: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN
- Website: https://www.wwettshow.com
If you missed it this year, then make sure to stay tuned for next year. Keep an eye on the WWETT site for early‑bird registration and hotel blocks, because the best classes and nearby rooms tend to sell out quickly.
KBIS 2026 – Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (Orlando)
KBIS is the flagship event for the kitchen and bath world and is especially powerful if you do residential or light commercial plumbing. You’ll see the latest fixtures, luxury bath trends, smart kitchens, and water‑saving technologies long before they hit your local supplier’s shelves.
- Dates: February 17–19, 2026
- Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
- Website: https://www.kbis.com
KBIS runs as part of Design & Construction Week and is co‑located with the International Builders’ Show, which means you can meet builders, remodelers, and designers who may become long‑term referral partners. If you’re reading this right as the show is happening and can’t make it, explore the exhibitor list online and follow your target brands on social media to track product launches and education recaps.
Flow Expo 2026 (Pomona, CA)
Flow Expo is a focused regional event that gives plumbing contractors a full day of product demos, hands‑on training, and networking without a big travel commitment. It’s especially attractive for West Coast shops who want a tight, plumbing‑centric show.
- Date: March 14, 2026
- Location: Fairplex (Los Angeles County Fairplex), Pomona, CA
- Website: https://www.flowexpousa.com
Plan to walk the floor with specific goals: new leak detection tech, water‑heater updates, or tools that can speed up rough‑ins. Because it’s a one‑day event, booking travel and lodging early lets you maximize time with manufacturers and reps.
Plumbing Hacks “Hack Free Nation” 2026
The Plumbing Hacks Conference & Trade Show (often branded around the popular Plumbing Hacks community) blends education, community, and a true contractor‑to‑contractor vibe. It’s a good fit if you value peer learning as much as vendor exhibits.
- Dates: April 29 – May 2, 2026
- Location: As of the latest listing, hosted in a “beautiful” destination (full venue details on the event page)
- Website: https://www.plumbinghacks.co
Expect business‑building sessions, technical classes, and plenty of networking opportunities with other plumbers who are active in online communities. Register early if you’re interested in speaking opportunities or workshops, since those slots usually go fast.
The Water Expo 2026 (Fort Lauderdale)
The Water Expo leans into water treatment, wastewater, and infrastructure, making it ideal for plumbing contractors who handle pumps, treatment systems, and large‑scale water projects. It’s also a strong educational venue if you’re branching into more specialized water‑quality work.
- Dates: August 12–13, 2026
- Location: Broward County Convention Center (Hall A), Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Website: https://www.thewaterexpo.com
Because the show is more technical and niche, you can have deeper conversations with manufacturers about design, sizing, and installation best practices. If you’re in Florida or the Southeast, it’s a rare chance to access this level of content without traveling across the country.
ASPE Convention & Expo 2026 (Oklahoma City)
For anyone involved in plumbing design, engineering, or complex commercial systems, the ASPE Convention & Expo is one of the most valuable events of the year. It’s hosted by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers and pairs in‑depth education with a packed expo hall.
- Convention dates: October 8–14, 2026
- Expo dates: October 12–14, 2026
- Location: Oklahoma City Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- Website: https://expo.aspe.org
This is where you’ll find the latest in high‑efficiency plumbing system design, codes, and standards, as well as opportunities to earn continuing education credits. If your business touches hospitals, high‑rise buildings, or engineered systems, you’ll want this one in your 2026 travel budget.
WaterSmart Innovations 2026 (Portland)
WaterSmart Innovations focuses on water efficiency and conservation, and it’s a smart choice for plumbers who position themselves as sustainability experts. Many attendees come from utilities and municipalities, but there’s growing value for contractors who install water‑saving fixtures and systems.
- Dates: October 21–23, 2026
- Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
- Website: https://www.watersmartinnovations.com
Sessions typically cover drought response, high‑efficiency fixtures, and advanced metering, all of which tie directly into modern plumbing work. Attending can help you differentiate your services and win projects where sustainability is a deciding factor.
Service World Expo 2026 (Residential Contractors)
Service World Expo isn’t plumbing‑only, but it’s a powerhouse event for residential service contractors across plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. If you’re looking to scale your company, refine your marketing, or tighten your operations, this show deserves serious consideration.
- Dates: November 9–12, 2026
- Location: To be announced (check the event site for updates)
- Website: https://www.serviceworldexpo.com
You’ll find sessions on pricing, recruiting techs, leadership, and customer experience, plus a vendor hall full of software companies, marketing firms, and business‑growth tools tailored to home services. It’s an ideal capstone event to close out your 2026 conference calendar and head into 2027 with a stronger game plan.
Map Out Your 2026/2027 Events
By mapping your year around a few of these events—technical shows like WWETT and ASPE, product‑heavy expos like KBIS and Flow Expo, and business‑focused gatherings like Service World—you can keep your plumbing company ahead of both code changes and customer expectations.
Tommy Cue
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at JB Warranties













