Past Events

Education and Networking

IPN education and networking events are open to plumbers, apprentices, students, and anyone interested in joining the plumbing trade. These events bring together people from all backgrounds to learn, connect, and grow within a supportive global community.
From hands‑on training sessions and technical workshops to industry talks and international networking opportunities, IPN events are designed to strengthen skills, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of plumbing professionals.
Whether you're just starting out or already established in the trade, this is your gateway to knowledge, mentorship, and meaningful connections across the global plumbing industry.

Past Events

2024

Long Beach, California, United States

Plumbing leaders from around the world came together in Long Beach for a dynamic networking event held during the ICC Annual Conference. The gathering brought together international representatives, industry innovators, and featured plumbers from the American Plumber Stories series, creating a unique space for shared experiences and global collaboration. Attendees connected over the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the plumbing profession, exchanging insights and strengthening relationships across borders. The event showcased the power of community, storytelling, and leadership within the trade, celebrating the people who keep the world’s plumbing systems running and inspiring the next generation of professionals.

2025

Sydney, Australia

Plumbing professionals gathered in Manly for a vibrant networking session overlooking Sydney’s iconic coastline, connecting with peers and sharing industry experiences. The event continued with an exclusive VIP tour inside the Sydney Opera House, offering a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the world‑class plumbing systems that keep this landmark running smoothly. Participants then visited GWA Group's (Caroma) cutting‑edge Research and Development facility, where they explored the latest innovations shaping the future of plumbing technology. It was a day of connection, inspiration, and hands‑on learning—celebrating the craft and the community that drives the plumbing industry forward.

Hobart, Australia

Plumbers travelled to Hobart for an in‑depth tour of the region’s premier plumbing training center, where local plumbers and specialists preparing for work in Antarctica receive their technical instruction. The visit included engaging discussions with trainers, insights from the Master Plumbers Association, and participation in a meeting of the Hydraulic Consultants Association, offering a comprehensive look at Tasmania’s approach to industry excellence. The trip concluded with some well‑earned downtime, featuring fly fishing and relaxed networking across Tasmania’s stunning landscapes and a networking dinner with many local plumbers joining from around the region. A perfect blend of professional development, collaboration, and connection within the plumbing community.

2026

United Kingdom

A delegation of plumbers from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom visited the National Lift Tour as part of an international knowledge‑exchange initiative focused on advancing sanitary plumbing practices. The group toured the Sanitary Plumbing Test Facility run by Aliaxis in Northamption, a site recognised globally for its unique, full‑scale testing capabilities that allow researchers and industry professionals to observe real‑world drainage behaviours under controlled conditions. The visitors were able to see firsthand how the facility simulates complex building environments, enabling rigorous evaluation of system performance, airflow behaviour, fixture discharge, and high‑rise drainage dynamics.

During the visit, the delegation observed a specialised technical meeting on high‑rise sanitary drainage, bringing together leading experts from the UK, Switzerland, Singapore, China, Australia, the Netherlands and the United States. The session highlighted emerging research, cross‑country challenges, and evolving design approaches for tall‑building drainage systems. Discussions covered system the growing importance of harmonised international performance standards.

The combined tour and expert session provided a rare opportunity for practitioners and researchers across continents to connect, compare practices and deepen their understanding of the complexities of modern sanitary plumbing. The event strengthened international collaboration and reinforced the IPN's role as a global hub for networking and education.

Switzerland

An international group of plumbing professionals from across the UK, Australia and the United States visited Geberit’s headquarters in Switzerland for a focused technical tour of the company’s laboratories and high‑rise drainage test tower. Delegates explored full‑scale research installations, observed system performance demonstrations, and discussed tall‑building drainage challenges with Geberit’s engineering specialists.

Whilst in Switzerland, the group toured a Swiss chocolate factory, enjoyed a swim in a lake framed by Alpine views and ended the day with a networking dinner that strengthened international connections and collaboration. The visit offered a balanced mix of advanced engineering, cultural experiences, and professional relationship‑building, making it a memorable highlight of the delegation’s time in Switzerland.