With the start of a new year so begins a new tradeshow season, first kicking off with Design and Construction Week, held Jan. 21-23, in Las Vegas, followed by the AHR Expo, held Feb. 3-5, in Orlando, Florida

During the five-day show, 2,532 exhibitors (1,664 from abroad) from 57 countries presented their new products and innovations.

In March, the Lovely Christy and I joined our friends from Service Roundtable in Frankfurt, Germany, for the massive ISH trade fair. With more than 2,500 exhibitors focused on sustainability, cutting-edge design trends, and technological innovations, it was a mind-expanding experience, to say the least.

The plumbing and mechanical industry is changing quickly, and the biggest catalyst of that change is technology. New products are coming to market, the Internet of Things is influencing product design, and connectivity is becoming less of a novelty and more of a commodity.

The inaugural event is scheduled for April 30-May 2, in Rosemont, Illinois, and will showcase the latest design and building processes, products and emerging technologies.

Advance pricing ends March 15 - Sign Up Today to Save!

Planning ahead helps ensure you get the most out of the events you attend.

After a two year stint in Orlando, Florida, the sixth annual Design & Construction Week returns to Las Vegas, Nevada, Feb. 19-21.

The event will feature education tracks in five areas.

Aside from the keynote presentation, the conference program will also feature an interactive educational experience and a robust exhibit hall.