The World Plumbing Council Conference at InstallerSHOW – What installers need to know

The 14th World Plumbing Council Conference will take place at InstallerSHOW in 2026 and will be the largest in its history.

Plumber spoke with Kevin Wellman (pictured below), CEO of CHIPHE who were involved in the successful application for the event about what to expect:

The World Plumbing Council Conference

The World Plumbing Council is an international organisation with members around the world whose aim is to ensure the provision of the best possible heating and hot water services through the growth and development of the plumbing industry worldwide. The organisation holds its World Plumbing Conference every three years, where delegates come together to network, promote partnerships and discuss the issues affecting the industry.

“It's fantastic that the UK will be hosting the World Plumbing Council Conference,” said Kevin. “A lot of work went into the bid and we beat other countries, including India, who had a fantastic presentation. Scotland hosted the conference in 2011 and in 2026 it will be held in England for the first time since 1990.”

“Mike Costain, Managing Director of Lyrical Communications, which organises InstallerSHOW, and I first discussed WPC's possible involvement with InstallerSHOW four years ago, but that was put on hold for a while as the whole world was focused on dealing with Covid. Since then, InstallerSHOW has gone from strength to strength, expanding from the CBS Arena to the NEC. It really is a first-class event. There is a lot of high-quality discussion, a very engaged audience and a huge range of products, making it the perfect partner for the conference.

“Holding the World Plumbing Council Conference alongside InstallerSHOW will make it the biggest in WPC history. To put it in context, traditionally there is an exhibition running alongside the conference with around 20-30 stands – which is great. However, InstallerSHOW in 2024 is expected to have over 600 exhibitors and that number will continue to grow in 2025 and 2026, so it will be a really impressive event.”

Global problems, global solutions

The UK heating and plumbing industry faces a number of challenges: net zero targets, training new staff and sustainability, to name a few. These issues are not unique to this country, many other countries face similar problems. The World Plumbing Council conference will address these issues.

“The theme of the conference in 2026 will be Global problems, global solutions”, explained Kevin. “I think our application was successful because countries around the world face similar challenges and opportunities.

“During my time at CIPHE, we have focused on the three S’s – skills, sustainability and supply chain. This has resonated with members from other countries, from China to Brazil or from Australia to India.

“We are also committed to mandatory professional training and a plumber's license. This is generating great interest internationally, even in countries that have already taken this path or are dealing with this issue for the first time.

“By coming together, discussing these issues, considering feedback and learning from each other, we are all in a better position to deliver solutions that work for us both nationally and internationally.”

What is offered?

Delegates to the World Plumbing Conference 2026 will have three comprehensive days of presentations, discussions and networking sessions. In addition to these three jam-packed days, visitors will have access to InstallerSHOW, where they can learn about the latest plumbing and installation innovations and technologies, network with a wide range of industry participants and foster partnerships and business growth.

“This really is a fantastic opportunity for the global industry,” said Kevin. “We will soon be working on the programme and networking events and how we can add another 'wow factor' to the conference. I would encourage all installers, manufacturers and trade associations to join us and I am overwhelmed by the positive response so far. On to 2026, I can't wait to see you there.”

Further information and updates will be available as soon as they are confirmed. Please mark the dates in your calendar and visit https://www.worldplumbing.org/ and www.installershow.com for more information.