Top 5 Reasons to Attend the DPHA Annual Conference.
The decorative plumbing and hardware industry is at a turning point. Consolidation has reshaped the landscape, with independent showrooms and manufacturers being acquired by larger entities, and mega-shows growing so vast that our niche risks being overshadowed. Amid this shift, the DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, being held October 16–19, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Houston, stands out as the only focused, intimate, and authentic venue dedicated entirely to our industry. Here are the top five reasons why dealers, manufacturers, and representatives must attend this pivotal event to connect, grow, and thrive. This is not a middle school dance. Don’t wait for others to make the first move, join the dance floor and make this the industry event of the year!
1. A Focused, Intimate Alternative to Mega-Shows
Unlike sprawling trade shows, where consolidated brands dominate with “super booths” and navigating massive floors feels exhausting, the DPHA Conference offers a streamlined, high-quality experience tailored to decorative plumbing and hardware in an easy-to-navigate venue. The intimate setting eliminates the chaos of cumbersome layouts and fleeting, drive-by interactions. Here, you can focus on perfecting your craft without distractions. With a curated showcase and a manageable scale, DPHA ensures meaningful engagement, allowing you to explore innovative products without the fatigue of endless walking or diluted focus. This is your show, designed for your industry, where every moment counts.
2. Unmatched Networking with Industry Peers
The DPHA Conference is the ultimate gathering for dealers, manufacturers, and, (crucially) manufacturer representatives, the glue connecting our industry. DPHA offers a more organic environment where meaningful, self-directed conversations can thrive - including reps, who are essential to the industry’s success. No forced interactions here, you choose who to engage with and how to spend your time. With key showrooms represented and a stellar lineup of high-quality vendors already committed, the conference offers unparalleled opportunities to build lasting relationships. From retro arcade nights to the “Denim and Diamonds” gala, events like these spark genuine conversations that lead to partnerships and growth. As one member shared, “DPHA has been a great resource for me as a manufacturer’s rep, enhancing my connections and understanding of industry challenges.”
3. A Showcase of Quality Over Quantity
The DPHA Product Showcase is a curated stage for both independent and established brands to shine, free from the overshadowing presence of consolidated “super booths” at larger shows. Dealers and reps can engage directly with high-quality manufacturers already registered, discovering cutting-edge products and finishes that set their showrooms apart. This is not a country club, the floor is already buzzing with top-tier vendors ready to showcase their best. By attending, you’ll gain hands-on access to award-winning innovations and build direct relationships with suppliers, ensuring your showroom stays competitive in a consolidating market.
4. Education That Elevates Your Craft
DPHA’s commitment to education sets it apart, offering targeted sessions through DPHA University that empower dealers, manufacturers, and reps to excel. From technical training on product specifications to sales strategies, and interactive workshops, the conference equips you with tools to enhance service, streamline operations, and stand out in a competitive market. Unlike the generic content at larger shows or obligatory meetings, DPHA’s workshops are tailored to our niche, addressing real-world challenges like navigating consolidation or elevating customer experiences.
5. A Community That Includes Everyone
In an industry where manufacturer reps are often excluded from key events, DPHA stands alone in welcoming all segments: dealers, manufacturers, and reps as equal partners. This inclusivity fosters a true sense of community, where every voice matters. The conference’s vibrant social events, like this year's Pajama Party Bash with a live DJ or the Scholarship Fund-supporting arcade night, blend fun with purpose, creating a welcoming environment to connect and celebrate. Set in Houston’s lively downtown, steps from world-class dining and attractions, the event offers a perfect balance of professional growth and memorable experiences. DPHA isn’t just an event, it’s a family reunion, and you’re invited to join.
Don’t Miss the Dance, Make Your Move!
The DPHA Annual Conference is the industry’s last bastion of focus, authenticity, and opportunity in a consolidating world. With high-quality vendors, reps, and dealers already committed, the 2025 event is poised to be a game-changer, but it needs YOU to make it unforgettable. Don’t wait on the sidelines like it’s a middle school dance, step onto the floor and seize the chance to connect with top-tier professionals, discover innovative products, and gain insights that will elevate your business. Let’s make this the event that redefines our industry’s future!