It was a very good year for the CMPX trade show, educational, and networking event in 2026. From March 25 to 27 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building), a record-breaking crowd flocked to the HVAC/R event. The show welcomed 12,450 unique attendees, with repeat visits bringing the total attendance to 14,270, and 17,295 total participants, including exhibitors.
According to the show, this marked CMPX’s biggest event yet, with more than 500 exhibitors, 100 sessions, and a lineup of innovations on the show floor for attendees to engage with and learn from. This year’s show featured products and experts in HVAC/R, plumbing, and water treatment.
“CMPX 2026 has been incredible — showing the real momentum and strength of Canada’s HVACR, plumbing, and water treatment sectors,” said Joanna Woo, chair of CMPX and general manager of Comfort Owl, a division of EMCO. “With record-breaking attendance, expanded education, and an action-packed, hands-on exhibit hall, this year has truly set a new standard. The trades are evolving, and CMPX is leading the charge — bringing professionals together, sparking innovation, and shaping the future of our industry like never before.”
Over the three days, there were more than 100 educational sessions that ranged from technical deep dives to practical business strategies. Attendees could also earn continuing education credits during specific sessions.
A social hub and influencer exchange area was set up for attendees to say hello and chat with industry influencers from across Canada. Right next to the social hub was the location of the HVAC/R skills competition. “It’s all about the experience; that’s what we really stress to program advisors and college leads,” said Brad Mavin, HVAC specialist and event volunteer. “We don’t care if they win, and a lot of the students coming here know they probably won’t. That’s not the point. Every one of our judges and volunteers is from the industry, and most are employers. When a student puts themselves out there, it makes a difference. It shows initiative, a willingness to make mistakes, and the confidence to try, and that stands out on a resume.”
The 2026 HVAC skills competition offered cash prizes to the winners. This year’s winners include:
Post Secondary (Heating)
- 1st: Micah Ridler, Conestoga College
- 2nd: Matthew Wall, George Brown College
- 3rd: Matthew Lynch, George Brown College
Post Secondary (Refrigeration)
- 1st: Mehtab Singh, George Brown College
- 2nd: Andrea Marinelli, George Brown College
- 3rd: Matthew Ham, Conestoga College
Secondary (Heating)
- 1st: Rachael Richards, College Ave SS
- 2nd: Tyler Kovcas, College Ave SS
- 3rd: Evan Boggerd, College Ave SS
- 4th: Connor Macgregor, College Ave SS
Students competed over the three days for cash prizes. “It’s exciting,” said Mehtab Singh, a competitor from George Brown College who came in first place in the post-secondary refrigeration category. “We have no idea what we’re going to be doing here. All we can do is prepare and figure it out as we go.”
Held biannually, the next edition of CMPX has been confirmed for March 22 to 24, 2028. CMPX is co-produced by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH).