It’s been four years since the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) last held its convention and expo. The normally biannual event was canceled in the fall of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s easy to believe that the organization — and its members — are ready to get back to business. The 2022 ASPE Convention & Expo returns Sept. 16-21 in Indianapolis.
“Every annual event, whether it is an ASPE Convention & Expo or a Tech Symposium, is always important,” notes Billy Smith, FASPE, executive director and CEO of ASPE. “They offer an opportunity for our members to meet and interact and learn about new products, all while supporting our industry. The Atlanta Convention & Expo was four years ago, and we know how much our members have missed getting together to share their thoughts and strengthen friendships.”
ASPE anticipates a solid turnout, and its marketing efforts have focused on getting key decision-makers to the show floor
“Attendance is always hard to project, but from what we have seen so far from current registration numbers, this year will be even bigger than 2018,” Smith says. “We had a record attendance at our Tech Symposium in San Diego last year, and again we feel our members cannot wait to get back together — especially at an ASPE Convention & Expo.”
Listen to PM Engineer’s exclusive interview with Billy Smith discussing what’s on deck for ASPE 2022.
Cliff Reis, managing director and director of meetings for ASPE, notes that the organization is always looking at new and innovative ways to organize and add to the Convention & Expo.
“This year we are going paperless and introducing our ASPE Convention & Expo app. We were planning to launch it in 2020, so now we’ve had more time to add some cool options to the app. In addition to the app, we also have re-energized the Innovation Theater and Showcase.”
In addition, this year will feature an inspirational keynote address from retired Air Force Col. Chris Stricklin, a combat-decorated fighter pilot and co-author of “Survivor’s Obligation: Navigating an Intentional Life.” Stricklin will share his compelling story of how he learned how to heal and live more fully on a daily basis.
Technical program
This year’s event will also feature educational sessions taught by industry experts, allowing attendees to accumulate the knowledge and skills they need to take the next step in their careers. Each session will offer 0.125 CEUs that can be used for license or certification continuing education requirements. This year, there will be six program tracks, including Codes and Standards/Water Quality; Fire Protection, Life Safety & More; Health Care; Specialty Design; Sustainability; and System Design
“We received numerous submissions from our call for presentations, and ASPE’s Education Committee reviewed all of them and made the final decisions as to what would be presented,” Reis says.
Download Technical Education Sessions
New products on display at the ASPE Expo
ASPE expects the Expo show floor to be nearly sold out. As of August, there are more than 240 manufacturers exhibiting at the show. The Expo will span two days, running 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 19, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 20.
Attendees will be able to find information on the latest products taking the industry by storm on the Innovation Showcase, which will be located outside the main entrance to the Expo Hall. Meanwhile, the Innovation Theater will be located in the ASPE Pavilion and will offer complimentary presentations on new exhibitor technology, products and innovations in the plumbing industry. The fast-paced presentations will last 15 minutes each.
NIBCO, an exhibitor and sponsor of the ASPE Convention & Expo since 1984, will return to exhibit this year as well. The company will also be sponsoring the traditional Sunday Night Party at the Crane Bay Events Center, featuring live music, drinks, food dancing and fun for all participants.
“NIBCO is proud of its strategic partnership with ASPE, leveraging its resources, but also giving back by exhibiting at and sponsoring the biennial Convention & Expo,” says Ashley Martin, executive vice president, NIBCO. “To build a better future for the plumbing industry, it’s important to combine efforts sharing our knowledge, our passion and our commitment to the industry.”
Martin notes NIBCO is most looking forward to seeing everyone in person, in its home state of Indiana. The company will be featuring its Wrot Racer C8 Corvette, which has been touring the country this year, promoting the newest addition of wrot copper push fittings. In addition, NIBCO will feature other exciting new products that have been released over the past two years, including: 585HP high performance ball valves, BenchPress and BenchPressG, PressG, PressACR and its new Webstone brand of valve innovations including: Water Heater Supply Valve w/ Expansion Tank Service, Dielectric Ball Drain, Gas Sediment Trap, and E-X-P Ultra-Compact TWH Service Valves. NIBCO will also showcase the breadth and depth of its lead-free valves.
And, attendees should watch for a special guest appearance by social media influencer, Danny G, the rapping plumber who will be stopping by the NIBCO booth this year.
“We hope that attendees will leave this year’s event inspired and optimistic about the future of the plumbing industry,” Martin says. “There are many opportunities to network and build stronger partnerships while learning about new product advancements and technologies that will make it easier for engineers to specify and design better plumbing systems.”
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Co. will also be exhibiting during the 2022 ASPE Expo, and is one of the platinum sponsors of the event. Towanda Long, marketing communications for Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, notes that the event provides Charlotte Pipe with an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and technologies in the plumbing industry, as well as the opportunity to showcase its own latest and greatest products and resources available for plumbing engineers.
“Charlotte Pipe has been and will continue to be an ASPE Affiliate Sponsor for the foreseeable future,” Long says. “We feel that we have an obligation to spend time and resources giving back to the industry in which we are engaged. Supporting ASPE is one of the best ways in which we can help to improve the plumbing industry.”
Long says Charlotte Pipe is most looking forward to seeing friends visit its brand new booth during the Expo. “We will highlight our new Edge HP Iron for aggressive DWV applications and our ChemDrain chemical waste piping system. In addition, we will have several interactive screens to show our new, state-of-the-art foundry that is under construction as well as the various technical resources that we have available for plumbing engineers and designers.
“We hope that all attendees come away from the Expo with more knowledge than they arrived with,” she adds. “Specifically for Charlotte Pipe, I hope that attendees see that we are the future of cast iron soil pipe with what will be the largest foundry in North America and our Edge HP Iron product offering. In addition, we want Expo attendees to be reminded of the breadth of Charlotte Pipe’s offering with both cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings.”
Marnee Colman, senior marketing manager at Delta Commercial, notes that Delta is excited to connect with industry leaders and like-minded exhibitors from around the world after a four-year hiatus from the last show.
“Members of ASPE are key business partners for us, so sponsoring APSE Convention & Expo helps the organization throw an even better event for the industry,” she says. “Our connection with ASPE members is invaluable to ensure our products and services meet the needs of key players in the industry. By partnering with ASPE, we also stay up to date with the latest trends and regulations.”
Delta Commercial is another platinum event sponsor as well as the exclusive sponsor of Women of ASPE for the sixth year in a row, supporting women in leadership and STEM throughout the year.
Colman notes that Delta Commercial is unveiling its new exhibit at the ASPE Expo.
“We are celebrating where we’ve been and where we’re going,” she says. “Not only will we be celebrating the 100th anniversary of our Teck Flush Valve but we’re also debuting a new launch at ASPE Expo. It isn’t just products at the new booth, we’ve also got some fun in-store where attendees can show off their short game on the green.”
Stefanie Williams, wholesale channel manager at A. O. Smith, also points to A. O. Smith’s long history as a supporter of ASPE and its mission to advance the plumbing engineering industry. “The Convention and Expo provide a unique opportunity for manufacturers to connect in person with the plumbing engineers who play a critical role in the water heating industry. By exhibiting at this year’s expo, A. O. Smith strives to continue fostering these incredibly important relationships with the plumbing engineer audience.”
Williams notes that a “tremendous number” of A. O. Smith products are driven by specifying engineers, which is why the company’s partnership with ASPE and its members remains incredibly important.
“A. O. Smith understands the value plumbing engineers bring to the industry, and by partnering with an organization like ASPE, we are able to ensure we’re providing the continuing education tools and product knowledge they need to be successful,” she says. “After nearly four years since the last in-person ASPE Convention and Expo, we’re truly thrilled to be able to connect with everyone in person once again. This Expo is an important opportunity for manufacturers and engineers to come together for continuing education and to experience first-hand what new products are on the market.”
This year, A. O. Smith will primarily feature its Cyclone Commercial Gas Water Heaters.
“Since these products launched in 2020, this will be the first year that show attendees will have the opportunity to see and interact with all of the products in person,” Williams says. “These units have a variety of distinctive features that we’re excited to show attendees so that they can better understand where and when to specify a Cyclone unit. For example, the Cyclone XL units features a unique dual stainless-steel heat exchange system, providing a two-step heat transfer process that delivers thermal efficiency of 97%.”
Reis notes that attendees should expect lots of face-to-face conversations with exhibitors, new product innovations and ASPE fellowship — meeting new members from around the country and catching back up with old friends during this year’s event.
“We hope attendees take away one new idea, two new friendships and three good opportunities for their companies.”
For more information on the 2022 ASPE Convention & Expo, visit www.expo.aspe.org.
