The Top 6 Plumbing Trade Shows for 2023

[Updated 2/20/23]

Staying up to date on the latest technology is essential for plumbers. You need to stay a step ahead of your customers and the competition.

That’s why plumbing trade shows are so valuable.

These events provide an opportunity to learn about new products and services. They also give you a chance to network with other professionals in the industry. Plus, you’ll hear about all the latest plumbing trends.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top plumbing trade shows for 2022 and beyond. In this article, you’ll find a summary of each trade show. We’ve also included important details, like dates and locations.

What Is a Trade Show?

A trade show is an event where companies in a specific industry showcase their latest products and services. Trade shows typically run from one to four days, depending on the size.

These events are a great way to learn about new technologies, tackle continuing education, and network with other professionals.

Plus, most trade shows are held in fun locations, so you can fit in a little rest and relaxation while you’re at it.

Why Attend Plumbing Trade Shows?

Plumbing podcasts and trade magazines are great ways to stay informed on a day-to-day basis. But tradeshows offer some things no podcast or publication can match.

First, there’s the in-person experience. Attending a trade show gives you a chance to visit face-to-face with vendors and industry leaders. You can:

• Ask questions
• Watch demos
• See products in action
• Visit with other plumbers to find out what solutions work best for them

And speaking of visiting with other plumbers, the networking opportunities are hard to beat. If you’ve never been to a regional or national trade show, there’s a good chance your professional network is limited to local plumbers.

There’s nothing wrong with that. But it can be helpful to meet others, share ideas, and discuss common challenges.

And finally, a trade show (especially in another city) means focused time. There’s real value in listening to industry podcasts between service calls. But that means you’re juggling a lot.

Attending a trade show allows you to really focus on learning, networking, and growing. It’s a worthwhile experience.

Top Plumbing Trade Shows for 2023

Here are our picks for some of the best trade shows to attend in the next couple of years.

1. The Water Expo 2023

Looking for a trade show that covers everything from plumbing to water quality?  The Water Expo is one of the largest plumbing industry conferences. It offers a variety of educational sessions and product expos.

Plus, it’s a great excuse to visit the beach.

You’ll learn about the latest innovations, including:

• Plumbing
• Environmental services
• Sanitation
• Sewer infrastructure

When: August 22–24, 2023
Where: Miami, Florida

2. ASPE Convention & Expo

The ASPE Convention & Expo is offered by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.

This trade show boasts an incredible selection of plumbing system design products. Learn about the best solutions to current plumbing design challenges. You can even visit directly with product engineers at the show.

The ASPE Convention & Expo happens every other year, so your next chance to attend this one is in 2024.

When: October 18–23, 2024
Where: Columbus, Ohio

3. PHCCConnect 2023

PHCCConnect is a great choice for anyone who owns a plumbing business.

It’s packed with educational sessions on business management, workforce trends, and leadership. The tradeshow covers both the plumbing and HVAC industries.

When: October 25–27, 2023
Where: Cleveland, Ohio

4. Service World Expo

If you’re interested in learning about what’s happening across the home services industry, Service World Expo is the trade show for you.

Enjoy presentations, exhibitions, and workshops on plumbing, HVAC, electrical, remodeling, and connected homes. You’ll also learn how to better serve customers and collaborate more effectively with other contractors.

When: October 3–6, 2023
Where: Phoenix, Arizona

5. WWETT Trade Show

The WWETT Show is a popular conference for wastewater and environmental services professionals. If your plumbing business focuses on fixing drains, replacing pipes, and working on sewer lines, you should consider attending this trade show.

You’ll learn about new wastewater and plumbing equipment, plumbing tools, and technology, watch product demos, and network with other professionals in these fields.

When: February 20–23, 2023
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana

6. Flow Expo

Flow Expo is one of the country’s longest-running and largest plumbing and HVAC trade show events.

It brings exhibitors together from all over the world and features more than 500 brands. Plus, it’s completely free to attend. (Pre-registration is strongly recommended.)

If there’s a new tool, fixture, idea, or piece of equipment that plumbers or heating and cooling technicians can benefit from, you’ll find it at Flow Expo.

When: March 11, 2023
Where: Pomona, California

Make the Most of Plumbing Trade Shows in 2023

The more industry knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be for success.

Plumbing trade shows have it all—from new tools designed for improved efficiency to streamlined systems and processes. You’ll be able to use what you learned to grow your business and provide superior services to your customers.

If you’re sold on attending a trade show in the next year, here’s what you can do to start making plans today.

• Do your homework. We’ve focused on national trade shows, but there may be smaller trade shows in your area. Less travel means less expense. If you’re operating on a limited budget, a local trade show is a great option.
• Set a goal for the show. Why are you attending? Is this a learning opportunity? Are you there to network? Is there a specific product you want to check out? Decide exactly what you want to accomplish ahead of time.  
• Review the schedule and vendors. Save time by picking the vendors you want to visit ahead of time. Plan each day of the show based on the event schedule so you can make the most of your time.
• Allow for downtime. Speaking of your schedule, be sure to do something for fun during the trade show. Multiple days of presentations and demos can be exhausting. A little relaxation in the middle will help you get more out of the trade show.