This March will see the return of Canada’s largest mechanical trade show to Toronto. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention from March 25 to 27, the Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Exposition, or commonly known as CMPX, brings together the entire HVAC industry for three days of networking, discussion, and innovation.
Running biannually since 1972, CMPX is jointly produced by the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH). The 2024 CMPX Show had a record-breaking 13,400 guests, a 54 per cent increase over the 2022 show.
Down to business
Attendees of the show will have access to more than 500 brands, showcasing the latest equipment, products, technologies, and services across all HVAC categories. These categories include: heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilation, plumbing, piping, pumps, indoor air quality, water quality, building automation, controls, sustainability/energy efficiency, software, tools and instruments, smart technology, and more.
Keep an eye out for the New Product Showcase display, which will take place in each participating exhibitor’s booth. The full list of new products can be found on the CMPX Show’s website.
In addition to the products on display, the CMPX Show will offer educational sessions for attendees via its Learning Forum. The Learning Forum will feature a lineup of free educational programs on the latest trends, applications, and regulations in the industry. These sessions will include strategic panels, tech talks, hands-on workshops, business sessions and Mitsubishi Electric education.
There will also be continuing education credits (CECs) available to attendees, covering HVAC/R, plumbing, building codes, energy efficiency, and industry best practices. Attendees can earn 1 CEC for 1 hour of instructional time or a half CEC for 30 minutes of instructional time. To earn CECs, attendees must be present for at least 80 per cent of each session.
The Learning Forum will also feature the Social Hub and Podcast Theatre. This is a chance for attendees to sit, grab a drink, and listen to a live podcast from some of the best in the industry. The full agenda for the free sessions, CECs, and podcasts is yet to be announced.
As always, the show will host its HVAC/R Skills Competition, featuring the next generation of contractors and technicians showcasing their talents. The competition runs the entire show and will see participants battle to be named champion in their respective categories. Competition details and schedule information are yet to be announced.
Suited and booted
For guests who are in the city early, CIPH’s “Gala in Support of Habitat for Humanity” will take place on March 24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. CIPH and Habitat for Humanity have been in partnership since 1994. Through its participation, CIPH has raised over $17 million in product and cash and has sponsored 15 home builds.
The theme for this year’s gala is “Proudly Canadian,” and it will celebrate the spirit, creativity, and generosity that define Canada. This gala will feature a bar reception, a three-course dinner, and a silent auction in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada. Peter Katz, a Canadian Juno-nominated singer-songwriter, will host the evening.