5 Reasons to Attend CONNECT 2024

From October 7-10, plumbers and HVAC professionals from across the country will gather for CONNECT 2024, hosted by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC) in Birmingham, Alabama. Here are five reasons to attend CONNECT 2024 this fall.

1.         New for This Year

The theme of this year’s conference is “Authentic Connections,” where building trust and growing relationships will be the primary focus. This year's conference will conveniently start on Monday, so attendees can settle in and kick off a three days with peers at the opening reception. The conference concludes with an Awards Breakfast on Thursday, giving attendees the option to stay and explore Birmingham or return to the office.

During the event, attendees can discover a Product & Technology Showcase, listen to live interviews with industry professionals at the Podcast Hub, or improve their skills at a knowledge or Technology Hub.

2.         Top-Tier Speakers and Educational Content

CONNECT 2024 features distinguished speakers Jeff Butler and Mary Kelly. Butler will deliver the keynote address, “Building an Effective Multi-Generational Workplace,” and lead a breakout session on “Winning the Talent War.” Mary Kelly will present “Why Leaders Fail and the 7 Prescriptions for Success” as her keynote and lead a breakout session on “Master Your World: Unleashing Leader’s Productivity for Max Profits, Peak Efficiency and Superior Communication.”

With over 20 education sessions covering finance, business management, AI applications, influencer marketing, and more, attendees will gain valuable insights to better improve their businesses.

Notable presentations and panels include:

• “From Good to Great: Enhancing Your Company’s Value for a Profitable Exit” by Brendan Hughson
• “The Forgotten Heroes: Our Support Staff” by Foster (Jim) J. McCarl, III
• “What the Hell is an Influencer?” sponsored by Scorpion
• “Reverse Mentorship: What We Need from You” sponsored by Kohler 
• “Following the Leader: Succession Planning for Signatory Contractors” by Paul Lally and Dave Friedman

3.         Networking Opportunities

CONNECT 2024 provides opportunities for networking among HVAC and plumbing professionals. With over 20 speakers and numerous panels, attendees can connect with industry leaders, peers and businesses to discuss challenges, solutions and opportunities for growth.

CONNECT 2024 is a prime opportunity to meet and network with a wide range of professionals from across the country. From interactive sessions to engage directly with speakers and fellow attendees to social events that allow time to connect with other professionals, CONNECT creates an ideal environment for establishing relationships.

4.         Apprentice Competition

On October 8, the PHCC Educational Foundation’s National Plumbing and HVACR Apprentice Contests will begin. This two-day competition will showcase the skills of the next generation of professionals. These young men and women will get the experience of a lifetime meeting fellow apprentices from across the country and making connections with industry professionals. The winners will be announced at the Awards breakfast on October 10.

5.         Culinary, Sightseeing and History

Birmingham is the hidden gem of the south, known for its food and drinking scene. With over 30 restaurants within a 10-mile radius of the conference and several James Beard Award-winning chefs, Birmingham offers a variety of dining options. It’s a city celebrated as the “best-kept secret” and “Dinner Table of the South.”

Birmingham also offers a range of activities and historical sites. Explore Oak Mountain State Park, the Birmingham Zoo and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, or delve into the city’s rich history at The Civil Rights District, Birmingham Historic Tours and The Birmingham Ghost Walk. Or visit the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the McWane Science Center to see the local arts and science of the city.

CONNECT will also be providing the Birmingham Foodie Tour, as well as the “Magic City” tour, showing off all that Birmingham has to offer. Click the link here to learn more about each tour and how to register for both. CONNECT will be kicking things off with an evening reception at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest motorcycle collection, plus home to other rare and unusual cars. If you miss the opening party, make sure to stop by before you head out.

CONNECT 2024 promises exciting opportunities for professionals, from educational content, networking and the chance to explore a city full of history and delicious food. For more information on this exciting three-day event, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT.