FALLS CHURCH, Va. — HVAC and plumbing professionals from across the country gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for four days last month to explore business solutions and innovative technologies and make connections that will help them strengthen their businesses and advance the industries.
The 2026 edition of the annual Plumbing-Heating–Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) conference, Connect, saw its highest attendance in years, a PHCC press release said. With the theme of “Building Community. Advancing the Industry,” Connect featured more than 20 educational sessions, interactive discussions, and opportunities for contractors to network with peers and industry experts. Attendees explored topics ranging from business growth and workforce development to emerging technologies and strategies for improving their companies.
The conference’s two-day Product & Technology Showcase gave attendees opportunities to meet with manufacturers, explore new products and technologies, and discover solutions designed to support their businesses and jobsites. Connect 2026 also featured new opportunities for connection and education, including a networking event for women in the industries. Attendees also explored manufacturers with ties to the Milwaukee area and new industry training options that brought hands-on education directly to the show floor.
The prestigious 2026 Colonel George D. Scott Award was presented to Eddie Hollub, a PHCC past president and president of Modern Plumbing and Air Conditioning in Pasadena, Texas. The award honors those whose efforts have significantly benefited other HVAC and plumbing contractors.
Several other awards were presented, including for HVAC Contractor of the Year, HVAC Instructor of the Year, and HVAC Apprentice of the Year.
The top HVAC contracting award went to Worley’s Home Services of Yorktown, Virginia, which provides HVAC, plumbing, electrical, geothermal, and other home services. Founded in 2001 as a small HVAC company, Worley’s has grown into a multimillion-dollar business with more than 80 employees. The award was sponsored by Rheem Manufacturing Co.
Joseph Adam, an instructor at the MWM Trades Academy in Lead, South Dakota, and also its superintendent, was named HVAC Instructor of the Year. Adam has a passion for the HVAC trade and a strong commitment to helping the next generation of professionals succeed, and as a teacher works to help each student develop the skills and confidence needed to become a successful professional, PHCC’s press release said. The award was sponsored by Milwaukee Tool.
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Nathaniel Magner, an apprentice at CroppMetcalfe, a home services company in Fairfax, Virginia, was named HVAC Apprentice of the Year. Magner placed third in the apprentice division of the 2025 ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship and competed this year in the PHCC’s National HVAC Apprentice Competition. His award was sponsored by Rheem.
“Nate is one of those special people who comes around every so often. Not only does he have a great set of core values, but he is also a legitimately good person,” said CroppMetcalfe President Tim Cropp. “He pushes himself to learn new skills and absorb as much knowledge as possible. Nate is a great example of what an apprentice should be.”
Attendees at Connect 2026 recognized CEO Cindy Sheridan on the occasion of her upcoming retirement following 26 years of service to the association. Dan Quinonez, PHCC’s chief operating officer, will succeed Sheridan.
“Connect is about bringing our industry together to share ideas, learn from one another, and build relationships that move our industry forward,” said Jason Pritchard, PHCC president. “The conversations and connections made at CONNECT help strengthen our businesses, our workforce, and the future of the trades.”
Next year’s Connect conference is planned for Monday, Oct. 25, through Thursday, Oct. 28, in Fort Worth, Texas.
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