PHCC CONNECT 2026 Expands Contractor Education in Milwaukee
Key Highlights
- 20+ sessions tackle contractor business and workforce challenges
- Peer roundtables offer real-world strategies and best practices
- Learning Labs provide hands-on exposure to new technology
FALLS CHURCH, VA — PHCC CONNECT 2026, this Oct. 19-22 in Milwaukee, WI, will feature more than 20 education sessions, panel discussions and roundtables designed to give plumbing and HVACR contractors practical strategies for addressing workforce, business and operational challenges.
The expanded education program will cover workforce development, leadership, business operations, regulatory compliance, technology and other issues affecting contractors. Sessions will be led by industry experts and experienced contractors, with an emphasis on strategies attendees can take back to their companies.
Peer Roundtables Put Jobsite and Business Challenges in Focus
Interactive roundtables will give contractors an opportunity to compare approaches, share best practices and learn from peers dealing with similar workforce and business issues.
One featured session is the Quality Service Contractors (QSC) Lunch & Learn: Stories from the Breakroom, presented by Nora Burns, The Undercover Employee™. Drawing on her experience working in frontline roles and proprietary workforce research, Burns will address employee engagement, workplace culture and retention strategies for the skilled trades.
UAC Programming Addresses Contractor-Specific Issues
Signatory contractors will have access to dedicated programming through PHCC’s Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC) enhanced service group.
Topics will include labor and employment law, collective bargaining, contractor obligations, workplace behavioral health and strategies for supporting employees through challenging situations.
Product Showcase Adds Hands-On Technology Training
Education will extend beyond traditional conference sessions through the expanded Product & Technology Showcase. Attendees can participate in Learning Labs, hands-on training and manufacturer demonstrations focused on technologies and products affecting plumbing and HVACR work.
The combination of classroom sessions and product-focused training gives contractors opportunities to evaluate new technologies while learning how they can apply them in their businesses.
“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 will bring plumbing and HVACR professionals from across the country to Milwaukee for education, networking, industry insights and the expanded Product & Technology Showcase.
To learn more, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT.
To register, visit phccconnect2026.eventscribe.net.