IAPMO will hold its annual convention in conjuction with ISH NA in Chicago Sept. 26-30.

The opening ceremonies of this year's PHCC convention had barely started when President Mary Garvelink made an announcement regarding next year's ISH North America.

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials will become an ISH partner beginning with next year's show, Sept. 26-30, Chicago.

“The IAPMO group has agreed in principle to the idea,” the association's Executive Director Russ Chaney told us afterward. Contracts were expected to be signed during the week of Sept. 19.

The deal will mean a big change in plans for IAPMO. The group was originally scheduled to hold its annual convention in Las Vegas during the same week as ISH North America 2006.

“That's now been moved,” Chaney added, “and we will be holding our meeting in conjunction with ISH North America.”

Chaney says that his membership brings the type of attendees not represented by the other show partners. Typically, IAPMO's annual meeting attracts 450 inspectors.

As an added attraction, Chaney also told us that IAPMO will try to conduct its annual code hearings during one day of ISH North America.

IAPMO will join the other trade show partners in building ISH North America:

• The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association.
  
• The American Supply Association.
  
• The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating.
  
• The Radiant Panel Association.