As we wrap up IAPMO’s centennial year, I want to start with a sincere thank-you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Annual Education and Business Conference.
This year’s conference was more than our annual gathering. It was an opportunity to celebrate 100 years of IAPMO alongside the members, volunteers, partners, and industry leaders who have helped shape our organization and our industry.
Throughout the week, we shared ideas, strengthened relationships, welcomed new faces, and reflected on the impact IAPMO has made over the past century. Whether you attended educational sessions, participated in association business, reconnected with colleagues, or met someone new, you helped make this milestone celebration one to remember.
While it’s important to recognize how far we’ve come, a milestone like this also reminds us to look ahead.
The success of IAPMO has always been driven by engaged members who are willing to share their expertise, volunteer their time, and invest in the future of the profession. That same commitment will be essential as we begin our next 100 years.
One topic that comes up often in conversations across our associations is the importance of attracting and retaining young professionals. As an industry, we need to ensure that the next generation has opportunities not only to learn, but also to contribute.
Young professionals bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, and a different way of looking at challenges. They are the future inspectors, contractors, engineers, manufacturers, educators, and industry leaders who will continue advancing our mission long after today’s leaders have passed the torch.
The challenge is that many young professionals don’t always realize there is a place for them in organizations like IAPMO.
That’s where all of us come in.
Think about the people in your organization or professional network who are just beginning their careers. Invite them to a chapter meeting. Encourage them to attend an event. Introduce them to colleagues in the industry. Share your experiences and help them understand the value of professional involvement.
Sometimes all it takes is a simple invitation.
And for those who are early in their careers, don’t wait until you feel like you’ve been in the industry long enough to participate. Getting involved is one of the best ways to build connections, learn from experienced professionals, and gain a broader understanding of the industry.
There is value in your perspective, and there is a place for your voice within the IAPMO community.
If you know someone who could benefit from becoming part of that community, encourage them to learn more about membership and the opportunities available through IAPMO. Membership provides access to education, networking, professional development, and a global network of professionals committed to advancing public health and safety. Learn more at iapmo.org/membership.
As we’ve reflected on the first 100 years of IAPMO throughout this centennial celebration, one thing has become clear: our greatest strength has always been our members.
Thank you for helping make our centennial conference such a memorable event. Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to the industry.
The first 100 years were built by dedicated professionals who believed in something bigger than themselves. The next 100 years will be built the same way.
Let’s continue building that future together.
IAPMO
IAPMO develops and publishes the Uniform Plumbing Code®,the most widely recognized code of practice used by the plumbing industry worldwide; Uniform Mechanical Code®; Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code®; and Uniform Solar Energy, Hydronics and Geothermal Code™ — the only plumbing, mechanical, solar energy and swimming pool codes designated by ANSI as American National Standards — and the Water Efficiency Standard (WE-Stand)™. IAPMO works with government, contractors, labor force, and manufacturers to produce product standards, technical manuals, personnel certification/educational programs and additional resources in order to meet the ever-evolving demands of the industry in protecting public health and safety.
Last modified: November 13, 2026