Exhibit at San Diego’s Biggest Plumbing and HVAC Trade Show in 2027

If you sell to plumbers or HVAC contractors in San Diego, there is one day a year when your buyers are all in the same room. That day is Saturday, January 30, 2027, at the PHCC San Diego Trades Expo. 

Last year, 1,100 trade pros walked the floor. Exhibitors brought in $100,000+ in combined sales in a single day. And this year’s going to be bigger. 

Here’s a look back at the 2026 show, what’s coming in 2027, and how to lock in your booth or sponsorship before prices go up.

A Look Back at Trades Expo 2026

The 2026 Trades Expo took place on January 31 at Bing Crosby Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Industry outlet PHCP Pros covered the show as San Diego’s largest one-day trade show for plumbing, heating, and cooling.

Here’s what the day looked like:

• 1,100 pros showed up. Owners, project managers, estimators, techs, and apprentices.
• Big brands were on the floor. DeWalt, Milwaukee, and dozens of other tool and supply brands exhibited.
• The floor covered the whole trade. Plumbing and HVAC equipment, backflow, jetting, trenchless, hydronics, refrigeration, sewer tech, fire prevention, software, marketing, and business services.
• Attendees came to learn, too. IAPMO code update seminars, hands-on Viega ProPress and MegaPress training, and an escape-room style Apprenticeship Contest from the PHCC Academy of San Diego.
• $100,000+ in combined sales happened right on the show floor.

Yes, You Can Sell on the Expo Floor

This is what makes the Trades Expo different from most trade shows.

A lot of shows sell you “exposure.” You hand out brochures, collect business cards, and hope something comes of it. At the Trades Expo, you can sell products live on the floor. Write orders, move inventory, and cover your booth cost before you pack up.

The pipeline keeps paying after the show, too. One exhibitor in their very first year walked away with 60 contacts, and some of them started sending referral jobs within days.

Who Walks the Floor

These aren’t tire kickers. They are working pros with buying power:

• Plumbing contractors (owners, project managers, and techs)
• HVACR service and install pros
• Service leaders, estimators, and purchasing decision-makers
• Supply and distribution buyers
• Contractors from other trades

Admission is free for trade pros, which is a big reason so many of them come out.

What’s Coming at Trades Expo 2027

• When: Saturday, January 30, 2027, 9 AM to 3 PM
• Where: Bing Crosby Hall, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
• 50+ exhibitors and suppliers expected
• Technical seminar track with industry news, code updates, and hands-on training
• On-site certifications (lineup announced closer to the event)
• Apprenticeship Contest featuring San Diego’s next generation of tradespeople
• Live demos of the newest tools and equipment

Several brands have already signed on as 2027 sponsors:

• Platinum: Patriot Sewer Equipment, Makita
• Silver: Halo Water Systems, A/S General Contracting
• Bronze: Bayfront Tax Group, Simpro

Who Should Exhibit at a Plumbing and HVAC Trade Show

If you sell to or serve plumbing and HVACR contractors, this floor is your market. That includes:

• Supply houses and distributors
• Tool and equipment makers and reps
• Fixture, water heater, pump, and boiler brands
• Work truck and van dealers, upfitters, and vehicle wrap companies
• Restoration companies
• Commercial insurance, bonding, and financing providers
• Field service software and fleet GPS companies
• Marketing agencies, workwear and safety gear, and business services
• Recruiters and trade schools

Not on the list but you sell to plumbers? You probably belong here too.

How Much Does a Trade Show Booth Cost?

Here are current rates, good through November 30, 2026 (PHCC member / open rate):

Booth rentals

• 10×10 Single: $1,700 / $2,500
• 10×20 Double: $3,000 / $4,200
• 10×30 Triple: $4,200 / $5,600
• 20×20 or 10×40 Booth Block: $5,400 / $7,000
• Commercial Truck Space (fits 2 to 3 vehicles): $4,100 / $5,100

Every booth includes a table, chairs, Expo t-shirts, lunch tickets, pipe and drape, a wastebasket, and a listing in the online exhibitor directory.

Sponsorship opportunities

• Platinum: $7,800 / $8,800
• Gold: $5,800 / $6,800
• Silver: $4,300 / $5,100
• Bronze: $2,800 / $3,500
• Supporting (no booth): $1,300 / $1,500

Sponsors get perks like signage, program ads, social media posts, logo placement, and lunch tickets. Platinum and Gold also include a homepage backlink on PHCCSD.org and attendee list access. Platinum and Gold spots are especially limited.

Heads up: starting December 1, booth prices go up $200 and sponsorships go up $300.

Want the member rate? Vendors can join PHCC San Diego as an affiliate member. See all membership options here.

6 Trade Show Tips for Vendors

Get the most out of your booth with these simple moves:

1. Bring inventory and a way to take payment. People come ready to buy.
2. Offer a show-only deal. Give attendees a reason to buy today, not next month.
3. Run a live demo. Pros want to get their hands on the tool.
4. Make it easy to collect contacts. A QR code or badge scanner beats a fishbowl of business cards.
5. Promote your booth before the show. Tell your customers where to find you.
6. Follow up within a week. The contacts you make are warmest right after the show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vendors sell products at the Trades Expo?

Yes. Vendors sell live on the floor. Last year that added up to $100,000+ in combined sales in one day.

How much does a booth cost?

Booths start at $1,700 for PHCC members and $2,500 at the open rate through November 30, 2026.

Do I need to be a PHCC member to exhibit?

No. Anyone who sells to the trade can exhibit. Members get lower rates on booths and sponsorships.

When and where is Trades Expo 2027?

Saturday, January 30, 2027, at Bing Crosby Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

How do I reserve a booth or sponsorship?

Go to phccexpo.com/exhibitors to reserve your spot.

Reserve Your Booth Before Prices Go Up

One room. One day. 1,100+ buyers. If you sell to plumbers and HVAC pros in San Diego, this is the place to be.

Reserve your booth or sponsorship →

Have questions first? Contact the PHCC San Diego team. You can also see what else is on the calendar on our 2026 events page.