More than 20 expert-led education sessions and roundtable discussions will address today’s most pressing business and workforce challenges.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – August 2026 – The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) announces that PHCC CONNECT 2026, October 19-22 in Milwaukee, will feature expanded educational programming focused on giving plumbing and HVACR contractors practical strategies, expert insights and peer-to-peer perspectives to help them build stronger businesses.

Covering today’s challenges and opportunities across the plumbing and HVACR industries, CONNECT 2026 will offer more than 20 educational sessions, panel discussions and roundtable discussions led by industry experts and experienced contractors. Programming will cover topics including workforce development, leadership, business operations, regulatory compliance, technology and strategies to help contractors build stronger businesses.

Interactive roundtable discussions will encourage attendees to exchange ideas, share best practices and learn from peers facing similar challenges. One featured session is the Quality Service Contractors (QSC) Lunch & Learn: Stories from the Breakroom, presented by Nora Burns, The Undercover Employee™. Drawing from firsthand experience working in frontline roles and proprietary workforce research, Burns will share practical strategies to improve employee engagement, strengthen workplace culture and increase employee retention in the skilled trades.

Signatory contractors will have access to dedicated programming through PHCC’s Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC) enhanced service group. Sessions will cover topics including labor and employment law, collective bargaining, contractor obligations, behavioral health in the workplace and practical strategies for supporting employees through challenging situations.

Additional education continues throughout the expanded Product & Technology Showcase, where attendees can participate in Learning Labs, explore hands-on training opportunities and experience manufacturer demonstrations showcasing the latest technologies and innovations shaping the plumbing and HVACR industries.

“PHCC CONNECT is where our industry comes together to share ideas, strengthen relationships and learn from one another,” said Jason Pritchard, president of the PHCC-National Association. “The education at CONNECT 2026 is designed to give attendees practical strategies they can take home and implement immediately while building the relationships that help move our industry forward.”

PHCC CONNECT 2026 brings plumbing and HVACR professionals from across the country together for education, networking, industry insights and the expanded Product & Technology Showcase. For more details, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT. Register today here.

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About PHCC
The PHCC—National Association, formed in 1883, provides legislative advocacy, education, and training to approximately 3,500 plumbing and HVACR businesses and 65,000 technicians. Members of PHCC have access to a wide variety of services designed to increase their professionalism, grow their business, and improve profitability. For more information about PHCC, visit phccweb.org.