Join us at the 2026 IAPMO Annual Education and Business Conference — the premier gathering for professionals passionate about advancing the plumbing and mechanical industries. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just beginning your career, this event offers valuable opportunities you won’t want to miss.

1. Engage with Industry Leaders and Innovators
   Connect with a wide network of professionals, including contractors, engineers, inspectors, manufacturers, educators, utility professionals, and more. Build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore new partnerships.
   
   
2. Expand Your Expertise Through World-Class Education
   Attend dynamic seminars, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions led by respected experts. Stay current on evolving regulations, breakthrough technologies, and best practices you can apply immediately.
   
   
3. Experience the Conference in Iconic Universal City, CA
   Set in the heart of Universal City, just steps from iconic Hollywood attractions, the conference offers the perfect mix of professional development and exciting Southern California energy. Enjoy world-class entertainment, nearby studios, and vibrant city life while advancing your career and expanding your network.

The annual Education and Business Conference is an event organized by IAPMO that brings together industry professionals, policymakers, manufacturers, and stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on advancements in plumbing, mechanical, and water efficiency standards.

The 2026 conference will take place Sept. 13-17, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, California.

All conference events will be held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. View the venue map for details. The only off-site activity will be the Tuesday night event at Universal Studios Hollywood, with round-trip transportation provided for all attendees.

The conference is open to all individuals and organizations involved or interested in plumbing, mechanical systems, water efficiency, and related fields. This includes industry professionals, policymakers, government officials, manufacturers, engineers, contractors, inspectors, educators, and students.

The event features a diverse range of activities, including keynote presentations, educational sessions, technical workshops, networking opportunities, and exhibitor showcases. Attendees gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the industry.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in business casual attire for the conference sessions. This typically includes collared shirts, slacks or skirts, blouses, dresses, and comfortable footwear. However, some special events or activities may have specific dress requirements.

Yes, IAPMO members may be eligible for discounted registration rates for the conference. For more details, please visit our Registration page.

IAPMO does offer a mobile app for the conference. Our app is designed to provide attendees with essential information such as the conference schedule, local attractions and dining, real-time updates, and interactive features. App content will be available early September. 

The app is available for download on both Apple and Android devices. Once downloaded, users can create a log-in as a new user or log into your account from previous years.

Yes, many sessions and workshops at the conference may be eligible for CEU credits, which can be beneficial for professional development and maintaining certifications. Attendees can inquire about specific CEU offerings and requirements at the time of registration or during the event.

For any additional inquiries about the conference, including registration, sponsorship, exhibitor opportunities, program details, or general information, Contact Us.

The IAPMO Companion Program offers activities and excursions for guests accompanying regular conference attendees. The program includes a dedicated schedule for any registered companions of attendees that consists of luncheons, speakers, tours, and fun interactive classes during the conference.

Participants can register for the program during the initial registration process of the full registration by selecting the "Add a Companion" option. If already registered, participants can log back into their portal to add a companion later. Each full registrant may add one companion. The registration fee is $678 for an a Companion.

Monday night's welcome dinner is on site at the Sheraton Universal and is filled with music, dancing, delicious food, and endless fun! Enjoy an open bar and a variety of food stations to tantalize your taste buds. Connect and network with fellow attendees and let loose on the dance floor as we kick off an exciting week ahead!

Get ready to step into the spotlight! This year’s theme celebrates the glamour, excitement, and magic of Hollywood’s biggest night. Channel your inner movie star by dressing in red carpet worthy looks, classic Hollywood elegance, or your favorite film inspired style. Join us for an unforgettable evening where stars shine, memories are made, and we celebrate 100 years in award show style!

The Installation of Officers Dinner is a formal sit-down evening celebrating our outgoing Board members and welcoming the incoming Board. All conference attendees are invited to attend. The evening includes a seated, multi-course dinner with a hosted bar. Formal attire is recommended, but not required.

• The Tuesday night evening outing will take place at Universal Studios Hollywood on Tuesday, September 15.
• Transportation will be provided and will depart from the Ballroom Lobby of the Universal Sheraton.

• The outing is open to all conference attendees with a valid conference registration, including:
  • Full conference registration (member or non-member)
  • Companion registration
  • Tuesday Day Pass
• The following registrations are not valid for this event:
  • Monday-only Day Pass
  • Wednesday-only Day Pass
  • Thursday-only Day Pass
• Children under 2 years old may attend free of charge. Anyone 2 years and older must have a valid registration.
• The conference registration office will close at 5:00 pm on Tuesday. All registration badge pickup and any registration purchases must be completed before the registration desk closes.

• You must have both of the following with you:
  • Your conference badge
  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • Both are required for entry. Attendees without a badge or ID will be turned away.

• Please note that Universal Studios requires strict security and protocols for this event.
  • At 5:30 pm Attendees can proceed to the ballroom lobby where they will be scanned using their conference badge and directed to a waiting area.
  • Security screening begins at 5:45 pm, including:
    •  Bag check
    • Metal detector screening

• The first trams depart at 6:00 pm and will depart every 5 min.
  • Trams will take guests directly on a backlot studio tour (approximately 45 minutes)
  • The tour will end inside the park, where the evening event will continue

If you choose to skip the backlot tour, you may proceed directly to the Universal Studios entrance gate at 7:00 pm.

• Important notes:
  • Entry will not be permitted before 7:00 pm at entry gates
  • You must still have your conference badge and valid ID
  • You will still need to go through security screening
  • Early entry will not be allowed under any circumstances

Attire is casual. Attendees are encouraged to wear their conference t-shirt.

Guests may bring a bag, but we strongly recommend keeping it small, such as a fanny pack or compact crossbody.

Please note:

• Larger bags are not permitted on certain rides
• Storage options may be limited
• Traveling light will make the experience easier and more enjoyable

Inside the park, attendees will enjoy:

• A variety of food options
• Open bar service
• Select rides and attractions
• Entertainment throughout the evening
• The event will take place from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, in Springfield, U.S.A.: Home of The Simpsons and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter^TM.

Yes. Alcohol will be available during the event.

• You must be 21 or older to consume alcohol and will be carded inside the park, so please keep your ID with you at all times.

Yes. Guests may exit the park at any time during the event and return with a valid hand stamp.

• Please note: Entry after 10:00 pm is not permitted, even with a badge or hand stamp.

Trams will be available at the front gate for return trips to the hotel

• Guests may also choose to walk back to the hotel, which is approximately a 5-minute downhill walk

Registration doesn't close, but starting on Sept. 13 an onsite admin fee of $50 will be applied.

If you do not register before the conference, you must register onsite at the conference venue, and a $50 onsite administrative fee will be added to your registration cost.