Connect, Collaborate and Advocate – the 2018 PMI Conference Registration is Open

Meeting to be held Nov. 5 to 8 at the Wigwam Resort outside of Phoenix; early bird registration discount available until July 31

Phoenix, Ariz. – July 18, 2018 – Designed to prepare plumbing manufacturing professionals for the challenges ahead, the 2018 Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) Conference will feature experts discussing headlining issues such as trade and tariffs, Legionella, technological innovation, home building, and other plumbing- and water-related topics. An early bird registration discount is available until July 31. Register here.

Hear keynote speakers Jack Uldrich and Tara Lohan

To be held Nov. 5 to 8 at the Wigwam Resort in outside of Phoenix in Litchfield Park, Ariz., the conference kicks off with global futurist Jack Uldrich. This best-selling author will give a keynote speech on Nov. 6 about technology, change management and leadership. His work is based upon the transformational principles of unlearning, or freeing yourself from obsolete knowledge and assumptions as a strategy to survive and thrive.

In a second keynote address on Nov. 7, Water Deeply Managing Editor Tara Lohan will discuss water-related challenges facing the nation and participate in a panel discussion about media issues and trends on Nov. 8. Water Deeply is an independent digital media project staffed by a team of journalists and technologists who are dedicated to gaining clarity, understanding and sustained public engagement on water policy issues in California and the American West.

Listen to presentations on Legionella, trade and tariffs, home building, and more

Water, environment and public health consultant Joseph Cotruvo, Ph.D., will deliver a presentation on Nov. 7 about how this waterborne pathogen can be better controlled and why water system managers should make Legionella prevention a priority.

With tariffs, NAFTA and other trade issues making the daily headlines, a panel of experts will discuss the impact of politics and regulation on the global plumbing manufacturing marketplace. A panel of home building experts will discuss the market for plumbing products. Also, Warren Tenney, executive director, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, will discuss how the association’s 10 member Maricopa County municipalities deliver water to more than 50 million people – more than half of Arizona’s population.

Learn the latest about WaterSense and legislative and regulatory activity

Having received strong support from Congress during 2018, the EPA WaterSense program continues to impress and make a strong case for permanent funding. On Nov. 7, Veronica Blette, WaterSense program chief, will share the latest news about this voluntary program that promotes water-efficient and high-performing plumbing products. Marcus Lenger, CEO, CleanBlu Innovations, Inc., will discuss water efficiency innovations. Conference attendees also will hear the latest news from California and Washington, D.C., which remain hotbeds of legislative and regulatory activity pertaining to plumbing manufacturers, as well as updates about other states that are gaining influence.

Sharpen your technical knowledge and expertise

A mainstay of PMI, technical experts from member companies will discuss a range of issues relating to codes, standards and regulations on Nov. 8. These experts will include Patrick Gurian, associate professor, Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Department, Drexel University; Andrew Whelton, Ph.D., assistant professor of civil, environmental, and ecological engineering, Lyles School of Civil Engineering; and Peter Mayer, principal, Water Demand Management. For the outreach/communications track on that day, the conference will host a discussion about media issues and trends.

Enjoy a beautiful site and networking opportunities

The Wigwam Resort is a premiere site for both business conferences and personal relaxation. Located west of Phoenix in Litchfield Park, providing the perfect setting for daily activities ranging from gaining the latest industry knowledge to watching the sunset. PMI Conference attendees will be immersed in a professional environment of individuals who have both common and complementary interests. The contacts they make during receptions, meals and special events will extend their influence within their organizations and beyond.

About Plumbing Manufacturers International

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is the voluntary, not-for-profit international industry association of manufacturers of plumbing products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member companies produce 90 percent of the United States’ plumbing products. As part of its mission, PMI advocates for plumbing product performance and innovation contributing to water efficiency and savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer satisfaction. PMI’s members are industry leaders in producing safe, reliable and innovative water-efficient plumbing technologies. PMI members manufacture water-efficient toilets, urinals, faucets, showerheads and other products at more than 70 locations in 25 states and that are sold in home improvement stores, hardware stores and showrooms and online. For more information on PMI, contact the organization at 1750 Tysons Blvd., Ste. 1500, McLean, Va., 22102; tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501. www.safeplumbing.org.

Media contact: Ray Valek, ray@valekco.com, 708-352-8695