# PHCC CONNECT 2026 — FAQ ($50 Contractor Show Pass, Milwaukee)

Quick answers about the PHCC CONNECT 2026 tradeshow, Oct 20–21, 2026 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. Full details: [event overview](/index.md).

## Do I need to be a PHCC member?

No. The $50 Contractor Show Pass is for plumbing, heating and cooling contractors and their teams — members or not. (Full-conference registration has member and non-member rates.)

## Can I bring my techs and apprentices?

Yes — that's the point. Each person needs their own Show Pass. Apprentices should absolutely come watch the National Plumbing Apprentice Contest; it's a real project built live against the clock.

## Can I just buy a pass at the door?

Yes, Show Passes are sold onsite at the Baird Center registration desk (Tuesday & Wednesday from 7:30 AM). Registering online ahead of time is faster and gets you through badge pickup without the line. [Register online here](https://phccconnect2026.eventscribe.net/aaStatic.asp?SFP=S1FCTkNUUEZAMjUzMzJAUmVnaXN0cmF0aW9u).

## Which day should I come?

Tuesday afternoon (12:30–4:30 PM) is the bigger block, with lunch on the floor. Wednesday morning (8–11 AM) is quieter, with breakfast and the apprentice contest finals. Your pass covers both days.

## I'm a supplier / vendor / not a contractor. Can I get the $50 pass?

The $50 rate is for contractors. Non-contractor show-only and exhibitor registrations are priced separately — see [PHCC's registration page](https://phccconnect2026.eventscribe.net/aaStatic.asp?SFP=S1FCTkNUUEZAMjUzMzJAUmVnaXN0cmF0aW9u), or the [exhibitor resources](https://www.phccweb.org/events/phccconnect2026/) if you want a booth.

## Where do I park?

Baird Center is at 400 W Wisconsin Ave in downtown Milwaukee. There's parking in the Baird Center structure and several downtown garages within a block or two. Rideshare drop-off is on Wisconsin Ave.

## I'm coming from out of town — is it worth the drive?

That's the whole idea. Milwaukee is about 90 minutes from Chicago, 75 from Madison, 2 hours from Green Bay or Rockford, 2½ from northwest Indiana and under 5 from the Twin Cities — straight down I-94 or I-43 to downtown. Day-trip one show day, or stay a night and do both: plenty of hotels are within walking distance of the Baird Center, and [PHCC's event page](https://www.phccweb.org/events/phccconnect2026/) has discounted room blocks.

## Is anyone selling tools at the show?

Milwaukee Tool is the only exhibitor selling live on the floor — expo-only deals at the big red van, booth V1. Everyone else is demoing gear and handing out swag; Milwaukee's van is the one place you can buy on the spot.