For over eight decades, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has hosted its Education and Business Conference. The conference is an opportunity for attendees to learn about latest updates taking place in the plumbing and mechanical trades. And, in addition, the conference has evolved into a showcase in which the association takes the time to highlight its staff and volunteers. From the annual Roscoe King Memorial Golf Tournament to the closing Installation of Officers Banquet, the IAPMO Conference has become one of the yearly highpoints for inspectors, installers, design professionals and manufacturers.

This year’s conference will take place at the end of this month in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Hotel. The expo hours are September 28, 7:30-9:30am; September 29, 7:00-8:30am; and September 30, 7:00-8:30am. In the afternoons, seminars will be held starting as early as 1:30pm and ending as late as 5:00pm some days.

The seminars proved attendees with the opportunity to stay abreast of the latest information related to the field. This year, all of the classes offered will have Continuing Education Units (CEU) associated with them. Also, because this is the first year of a new code cycle, there will be extensive sessions on changes to the 2015 Uniform Plumbing and Uniform Mechanical codes.

In addition, the Roscoe King Memorial Golf Tournament will take place on the Sunday before the conference starts, September 27, at the Boulder Creek Golf Course. A bus will be provided for participants and will depart from Planet Hollywood at 6:30am. Breakfast will be served at the golf course and a shot-gun start will take place at 8:00am.

Plumbing Engineer was able to speak with Tina Marian, vice president of Travel and Events at IAPMO, to get more background on this year’s conference.

PE: What is your “pitch” for the 2015 IAPMO Conference?

TM: Education, Education, Education. The 2015 codes are new this year so many of the code changes will be discussed. This year marks the first year of the 2018 code cycle so there will be early discussions of possible code changes for the next edition of the codes. All of the classes provide continuing education units for achieving or renewing professional certifications. Also, the 86th Annual Conference is at easily accessible this year with the location at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

PE: What can first-time conference attendees look forward to?

TM: The IAPMO Conference provides excellent educational value, as well an outstanding opportunity to network with the industry’s most influential leaders. These connections help new and experienced professionals in their day-to-day work and problem solving. The classes are for the inspector as well as the tradesperson.

PE: What training opportunities are being spotlighted at this year’s convention?

TM: There are many training opportunities to look forward to. Here are some of them:

“Point of Use Tempering Mixing Valve,” by Scott Hamilton of ASSE International.

“2015 UMC Installation of Specific Appliances,” by Roger Fuller of Sacramento County

“2015 UPC Thermal Expansion,” by Tim Collings of Salt Lake City

“Inspecting Radiant Systems,” by Mark Eatherton of the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA)

“Understanding and Mitigation Legionella,” by Joe Smith of Liquitech

“Comparing Tankless Water Heaters and Recirculating Systems,” by Mike Mitchell of the City and County of San Francisco

“Technology in the Inspection Profession,” by Laura Biggie of the City of Los Angeles

“2015 UPC Changes,” by Dan Rademacher of Plumbing Code and Design Consulting

“2015 UMC Changes,” by Roger Fuller of Sacramento County

PE: Will there be special announcements before or during the conference?

TM: One announcement is that this year’s keynote speaker is Greg Schwem. His message will take a humorous look at technology and the way we conduct business today. Schwem entertains audiences — both verbally and with visual support — with stories about tedious business meetings, smartphone addiction and frequently asked questions.

PE: Are there any awards or honors being presented that IAPMO would like to note?

TM: In addition to the Kaufman Lifetime Achievement, American Flag, Industry Person of the Year, and Government Person of the Year awards, this year John Koeller will be receiving the Green Professional of the Year award. The award is recognition for his dedication to sustainable plumbing systems.