The plumbing and mechanical industry is changing quickly, and the biggest catalyst of that change is technology.

New products are coming to market, the Internet of Things is influencing product design, and connectivity is becoming less of a novelty and more of a commodity.

BNP Media, parent company of Supply House Times, created a new tradeshow to help plumbing, heating and cooling professionals stay on top of the latest market changes. The inaugural AEC BuildTech event is scheduled for April 30-May 2, in Rosemont, Illinois, and will showcase the latest design and building processes, products and emerging technologies. With five educational tracks, numerous networking opportunities, and a robust product expo, the event will give attendees the connections and knowledge to leverage tomorrow’s building processes and construction technologies.

Continuing education units

More than 80% of the conference sessions at AEC BuildTech Conference & Expo will offer continuing education units to provide industry professionals with the credits needed to keep their license/certification. As of press time, 32 different educational sessions have been approved by various organizations, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), RCI, the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the American Institute of Constructors (AIC), PDHengineer and BOMI International.  

“We are thrilled to partner with leaders in the industry and provide our attendees the professional credits they need in six separate tracks focused on plumbing, HVACR/mechanical systems, flooring, building envelope, roofing and general contracting,” said Scott Wolters, chief events officer at BNP Media, producers of the event. “The editors of our publications have secured an incredible faculty of subject-matter experts covering important topics for our attendees to gain the knowledge to leverage tomorrow’s building processes and construction technologies.” 

In the Plumbing Track, attendees will hear from some of the biggest names in the industry on nearly everything they need to know about hydronics and more. Dan Holohan’s session on Dead Men’s Steam School; Integrating Hydronics with Indoor Environmental Quality (Bob and Max Rohr); and Modern Hydronics Supplied by Air to Water Heat Pumps (John Siegenthaler, P.E.), all have been approved for CEU credit.

Additional speakers in the Plumbing Track include: Uponor Business Development Manager Devin Abellon, P.E. (10 Common Errors with Hydronic Heating and Cooling Systems — and How to Avoid Them); Quality Service Contractors Director of Business Coaching Beth Dobkin (Fortune Seekers Roadmap); and Tim Schmidt, product manager at Viega (Small Space Plumbing Design).

In the HVACR / Mechanical Systems Track attendees will find out the latest in controls and workflow techniques while learning how systems can help prevent outbreaks of such bacteria as Legionella. The following sessions have been approved for CEUs: Streamline the Duct Design to Assembly Workflow with Manifolding; A 360-Degree Look at BIM; Getting Started with VRF: Best Practices and Common Misconceptions; Managing Legionella and Dangerous Outbreaks with Preventative Maintenance; Autonomous Buildings will Reshape the Marketplace; Filling the HVAC Controls Gap Between a Yugo and a Lambo; Electronic Controls for Commercial Refrigeration Made Simple; and Assembly Line Manufacturing for Construction Using BIM — Why, When and How.

For more information, visit www.AECBuildTech.com.