2026 CMPX: HRAI & CIPH deliver a landmark show in Toronto
The 2026 Canadian Mechanical & Plumbing Exposition (CMPX) returned to Toronto from March 25 to 27, bringing together thousands of HVAC and plumbing professionals for three days of education, networking, and industry engagement. Hosted by HRAI and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), the biannual event transformed the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) into a hub for industry stakeholders, partners, and students, featuring a packed program of sessions, exhibits, and tours.
CMPX’s education program formed the backbone of the event. It featured over 120 sessions covering a wide spectrum of topics shaping the industry’s future. These ranged from technical areas such as HVAC design, hydronics, and indoor air quality to broader themes like decarbonization, electrification, artificial intelligence, workforce development, and evolving building codes. Balancing deep technical content and practical, strategic insight, the sessions offered attendees both hands-on knowledge and a clearer sense of where the industry is heading.
The conversations picked up throughout CMPX’s exhibition floor, where over 500 brands showcased the latest products, systems, and services across the mechanical and plumbing trades. HRAI President Sandy MacLeod was among the crowd, reporting, “I've been across the floor several times, and I haven't had anyone yet who isn't thrilled with not only the traffic they're getting, but the quality of the traffic they're getting. The hall is full of potential prospects – people interested in new products and partnerships. It’s amazing to see.”
Aside from shaking hands with future partners and customers, the expo was a chance for exhibitors to learn more about the industry and its people firsthand. “What I've learned more than anything from being here is that this industry is a very small community – everybody knows,” said Catherine Holt, Director of Marketing and Customer Experience at Master, host of the show’s interactive contractor neighbourhood, ‘Masterville’. “This is such an important show for Canada, so we're really proud not only to be part of it – seeing the new products, meeting new people, learning about what’s going on – but to be a major sponsor as well.”
CMPX also turned a strong focus on the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Students from nearby colleges participated in CMPX’s Skills Competition, where they tested their abilities in heating and refrigeration installations and took part in mock interviews. The competition provided valuable exposure to real-world pressures while helping participants build confidence and credibility early in their careers.
“It's a great experience,” said Carter Black, a student from Conestoga College. “There's a little bit of added pressure with people watching us do the work, but that’s part of the experience too. It also just looks great on your resume that we competed here at CMPX, considering it’s such an important show.”
Beyond the convention centre, CMPX offered a series of technical tours that gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at some of Toronto’s most advanced mechanical systems. Stops included Ripley’s Aquarium, where participants explored complex life-support systems; the Fairmont Royal York, showcasing a deep retrofit with an electric heat pump plant; the University of Toronto’s geoexchange system; and Enwave’s Simcoe Street Cooling Plant, which anchors the city’s deep lake water cooling network.
From packed sessions to a bustling show floor and immersive tours, CMPX 2026 reinforced its reputation as a cornerstone event for Canada’s HVACR and plumbing industries.
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