PMI26 Manufacturing Success Conference to Address Key Plumbing Industry Challenges
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is preparing to bring industry professionals together for its PMI26 Manufacturing Success Conference, scheduled for November 2–5 at the Loews New Orleans Hotel. The four-day event will feature industry experts, leadership sessions, economic analysis, regulatory discussions and networking opportunities focused on the issues shaping the future of plumbing manufacturing.
The conference will feature a diverse program designed to help plumbing manufacturers better understand changing market conditions, regulatory developments, sustainability challenges, trade policies and workforce issues. Key highlights include a keynote presentation from American Ninja Warrior competitor and award-winning speaker Alex Weber, the Women of PMI Breakfast, the PMI Inspiring Leaders Program and the 72nd annual meeting of PMI members.
Weber, who is recognized for his work on leadership and peak performance, will deliver a keynote focused on resilience, leadership and achieving peak performance in challenging circumstances. His presentation will explore how professionals can respond constructively to setbacks and use adversity as an opportunity to maintain momentum and achieve their goals.
“Being unstoppable means fully accepting that challenges, setbacks and daily moments of adversity are inevitable,” Weber said. “The difference lies in what happens next. Do those moments stop progress—or fuel it?”
The conference will also feature the Women of PMI Breakfast with Simone Bruni, founder of Demo Diva. Bruni will share the story of how her organization helped New Orleans residents rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Her presentation will highlight the role of community involvement, consistency and small actions in creating meaningful and lasting change.
Another major leadership-focused activity will be the PMI Inspiring Leaders Program at the National WWII Museum. The half-day program will be facilitated by leadership coach Erin Meadows, who will guide participants through an interactive workshop focused on developing effective leadership skills and building stronger professional relationships.
The conference agenda will also address several critical technical and business issues affecting plumbing manufacturers.
Alyssa Dausman, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief scientist at the Water Institute, will present “From Watersheds to Planetary Boundaries: Rethinking Water Management.” Her session will examine the growing pressure on water resources and the competing demands placed on water systems. She will discuss why effective water governance, conservation and management may require approaches that extend beyond traditional watershed boundaries.
Economic conditions and future market expectations will be covered by Connor Lokar, senior forecaster at ITR Economics. A familiar speaker to PMI members, Lokar will provide an economic outlook during his session, “Setting Expectations for 2027 and Beyond.” The presentation is expected to offer manufacturers insight into economic trends and factors that could influence business conditions in the years ahead.
Environmental and regulatory issues will also receive significant attention. Julie Panko, principal scientist and senior vice president at ToxStrategies, will discuss the growing focus on microplastics in her presentation, “From Emerging Concern to Emerging Regulation: the Microplastics Shift.” The session will explore how scientific concerns surrounding microplastics could influence future regulatory requirements for manufacturers.
International trade will be another key topic. Brian Ledgerwood, an international trade specialist with the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, will examine the global trade environment and explain what plumbing manufacturers need to understand as they navigate changing international markets, trade policies and supply-chain considerations.
Accessibility will also be addressed during the conference. Josh Schorr of the U.S. Access Board and Gene Boecker of Code Consultants and the Accessibility Professionals Association will present “Accessible Plumbing Fixtures and Elements,” focusing on accessibility considerations and requirements relevant to plumbing products and building environments.
Daniel Eisenberg, principal at Beveridge and Diamond, will discuss “Federal Appliance Efficiency Deregulation and Its Impact on State-Level Enforcement Risks.” His presentation will examine compliance and market-access considerations for manufacturers, including state and federal appliance efficiency requirements, WaterSense programs and water-efficiency testing, labeling and standards in the United States and international markets.
The conference will also provide an opportunity to learn about the history and cultural relationship between New Orleans, its waterways and Indigenous communities. Lora Ann Chaisson, principal chief of the United Houma Nation, will discuss the history of the Houma people and the role water has played in their communities. Her presentation will explore the effects of hurricanes, coastal land loss, oil and gas development, changing environmental conditions and infrastructure on the Houma people and their future.
Government affairs will be another important component of PMI26. PMI’s government affairs team, including Jerry Desmond, Stephanie Salmon and Matthew Windrum, will provide an update on federal and state advocacy efforts. The discussion will cover a wide range of policy issues affecting plumbing manufacturers, including tariffs and trade, PFAS, microplastics, water and energy efficiency, water infrastructure, housing, workforce development, extended producer responsibility and emerging technology.
The panel will also address issues surrounding artificial intelligence and data centers, filtered drinking water in schools, greenhouse gas emissions, Internet of Things technology and privacy, plumbing research, water reuse and other policy priorities. Troy Benavidez, a PMI board member and leader of strategic partnerships, government relations and policy at LIXIL, will moderate the discussion.
PFAS regulation will receive additional attention through a dedicated session on “PFAS Regulation, Policy and Compliance.” Jay West, senior director at the American Chemistry Council, and John Gardella, chair of CMBG3 Law’s PFAS practice group, will examine the rapidly evolving federal and state regulatory environment surrounding PFAS and its implications for manufacturers.
With its combination of leadership development, economic analysis, regulatory updates, technical discussions and government affairs programming, PMI26 is designed to provide plumbing manufacturers with practical insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The conference will also strengthen connections across the plumbing manufacturing community, giving PMI members an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss emerging industry trends and build relationships with fellow professionals. The 72nd annual PMI membership meeting will further provide a platform for members to engage with the organization and its ongoing priorities.
Registration for the PMI26 Manufacturing Success Conference is open, with the full four-day agenda providing attendees with a comprehensive look at the economic, regulatory, environmental and operational issues expected to influence the plumbing manufacturing industry in the coming years.
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