World Plumbing Conference 2026

Next year’s World Plumbing Conference will be hosted by the World Plumbing Council, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and Lyrical Communications.

The conference will take place alongside the UK’s industry leading event for plumbing and heating professionals, InstallerSHOW 2026.

“Hosting CIPHE and the World Plumbing Council conference at InstallerSHOW 2026 is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in the plumbing and installation sectors,” says Mike Costain, MD of Lyrical Communications. “This is a fantastic opportunity for professionals to gather, exchange ideas and contribute to the advancement of plumbing technologies on a global scale.”

This is the first time that the global conference will be held in England, marking a milestone in collaboration and innovation within the plumbing industry. The three-day conference will bring together global plumbing leaders, industry experts and visionaries who will share discoveries, challenge and discuss worldwide plumbing issues, focusing on the theme, Worldwide Problems – Global Solutions.

Speakers will include CIPHE Vice President Paul Daley; Peter McLennan, CEO of the Backflow Prevention Association of Australia (BPAA); and Julie Spinks, managing director of the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) who discuss Safeguarding our water supply: Innovations & Regulations in backflow prevention.

Kevin Wellman, CIPHE CEO, will host a talk titled, Should there be a licence to plumb?

“I am delighted that the 14th World Plumbing Conference will be held in the UK,” says Kevin.

“I’ve been overwhelmed with the immediate worldwide interest, with a number of countries already committing to bringing large delegations to the Conference in June 2026.”

The UK-based event will attract an influential and global audience, all coming together to work towards improving the future of plumbing through four key pillars: skills development, supply and conservation, sustainability, and safeguarding the public. There will be a full agenda of keynote speakers, panel discussions and presentations, as well as workshops and networking events.

Events timetable

• Tuesday 23 June: Welcome drinks at the end of the first day
• Wednesday 24 June: Worshipful Company of Plumbers Lecture and Gala Dinner in the evening
• Thursday 25 June: Afternoon tea
• Every day: WorldSkills Training Competition

CIPHE members can take advantage of the early-bird registration and sign up for just £150 +VAT for a full three-day delegate pass, which includes a comprehensive schedule of live content, a gala dinner, lunch on all three days, networking events, and the chance to visit more than 850 exhibitors at InstallerSHOW.

That’s a massive £240 saving on the standard £350 +VAT early-bird registration fee for non-members.

Discounted group bookings are also available for international groups of 50+ and for group bookings of 10 or more people from the UK.

Tim Sainty, CIPHE membership director, said: “We can’t wait to bring the World Plumbing Conference to Birmingham in 2026! This will be the UK’s biggest-ever plumbing and heating industry event – welcoming a truly international audience and showcasing the very best in global expertise.

“With inspiring speakers, forward-thinking themes and countless opportunities to share knowledge, collaborate and grow together, this is an event not to be missed. And to make it even better, CIPHE members enjoy an exclusive discount. Places will go fast, so secure your spot today – I can’t wait to see you there!”

• For more information about group bookings, email elizabethl@ciphe.org.uk.
• To register for your ticket, visit: forms.reg.buzz/wpc-2026/ciphe-ad