10 Reasons to Attend Conferences
We know your schedule can be determined by rain delays and homeowner appointments. When you’re booked solid, a three-day conference might feel like a distraction. If you feel like your business is going to perform the same as last year, or maybe struggle, then we’ve got 10 reasons to attend conferences in 2026.
First, though, there’s the big “why” we need to address this topic. The residential market is changing. Homeowners are more educated (and more skeptical) than ever. To stay ahead, you need to know about the latest tech available, the best sales tactics to win jobs, and the most efficient installation methods.
Attending conferences and trade shows is a great opportunity to learn from vendors, make contacts in the industry, and find ways to grow your business organically.
10 Reasons to Attend Conferences
1. Hands-On Product Demos
Test the latest residential sump pumps, high-mil vapor barriers, and interior drain systems before you buy them for your crew.
2. Sales Training for Homeowners
Learn how to explain the “invisible” value of foundation piers or structural repair to a homeowner who is worried about their budget.
3. Direct Manufacturer Access
Meet the engineers who design the residential products you use daily to get answers to your toughest site-specific questions.
4. Exclusive “Show Specials”
Take advantage of bulk pricing on materials or specialized equipment that vendors only offer to attendees.
5. Certification Boosts
Events hosted by the Basement Health Association (BHA) offer certifications that act as a “seal of approval,” helping you close more leads over uncertified competitors.
6. New Residential Revenue Streams
Discover how to add radon mitigation, mold remediation, or indoor air quality services to your existing waterproofing business.
7. Residential-Focused CRMs
Test drive estimating and lead-tracking software built specifically for residential service contractors, not general commercial builders.
8. Peer Benchmarking
Find out what contractors in other regions are charging for a standard encapsulation or piering job to ensure your margins are healthy.
9. Code & Compliance
Stay current on residential building codes and energy efficiency standards for crawlspaces. Don’t let an inspector be the one to tell you your methods are outdated.
10. Recruitment Strategies
Network with other owners to learn how they are finding and keeping reliable crew members in a tight labor market.
Essential Memberships for Residential Pros
Joining these organizations is often the best way to get discounted entry to events and stay connected to the residential repair community:
- National Foundation Repair Association (NFRA): Promotes credibility, standard practices, honesty, and professionalism in the foundation repair industry.
- Basement Health Association (BHA): The primary organization for our niche. If you do basements and crawlspaces, you belong here.
- Building Performance Association (BPA): Excellent for contractors who focus on crawlspace encapsulation and the “health” of the home.
- Concrete Foundations Association (CFA): Focused on residential concrete standards. Perfect for understanding why foundations fail and how to fix them.
- National Pest Management Association (NPMA): Providing the pest management community education, industry leadership, public policy initiatives, and market development resources.
2026 Conference Calendar
International Builders’ Show (IBS)
Where: Orlando, FL
When: February 17-19
Focus: The largest residential construction show in the world. Great for seeing new vapor barriers, insulation products, and smart-home moisture sensors.
Atlantic Builders Convention (ABC)
Where: Atlantic City, NJ
When: March 24-26
Focus: Perfect for contractors dealing with the unique waterproofing challenges of the Northeast’s older housing stock.
National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show
Where: Columbus, OH
When: April 13-16
Focus: Highly relevant for encapsulation pros. It focuses on air sealing, moisture control, and the “whole-home” approach to residential health.
NFRA Annual Conference
Where: Oklahoma City, OK
When: June 23-26
Focus: Certification testing and training opportunities for owners, sales, inspectors, and production teams. Includes plenty of fun networking opportunities.
CFA Convention
Where: Milwaukee, WI
When: July 21-23
Focus: Dedicated to the residential concrete foundation industry. Learn about the latest in residential pouring and structural integrity.
Carolinas/Mid-Atlantic Conference (NPMA)
Where: Charleston, SC
When: July 29-31
Focus: Educational opportunities, including comprehensive management sessions, engaging training sessions, and cutting-edge technical courses highlighting the latest advancements in pest management, while attending family-friendly social functions.
BHA National Fall Meeting
Where: Chicago, IL
When: September 15-17
Focus: This is the “big one” for our specific industry. 100% focused on residential basement health, waterproofing, and crawlspace repair.
Partner with Nash
When you head home from these shows with a list of new techniques and products, Nash Distribution is here to make sure you have the inventory to get the job done. Also, be sure to stay in touch with your sales rep, as there may be additional benefits through our Loyalty Program!
