AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas was more than a showcase for Viega North America. The show provided a time to act as a vibrant hub where real customers, contractors and the next generation of tradespeople came together. Viega’s goal was to tailor our booth experience for the professionals who rely on Viega systems by converting it into a learning lounge, interactive studio and networking zone. We wanted a collaborative space where plumbers, HVAC experts and mechanical contractors could connect, discover new solutions and share their experiences.
For three energetic days, our booth buzzed with customer stories and system demos. Contractors, engineers, students and media pros gathered for live press technology demonstrations and one-on-one conversations with our knowledgeable team. Our Skills Competition brought everyone together for a friendly, head-to-head press challenge with RIDGID®, creating excitement and hands-on moments that celebrated the skills and creativity of our trade community.
We kept our focus on how Viega press solutions enable you to partner with the only one in the industry providing reliability across the entire project lifecycle – from design to final press. Viega isn’t just selling fittings. It is providing support via our Engineering Services and system integrity: one tool for every system. This type of partnership supports the protection of our customers’ bottom line.
Live Demos & Customer Insights
Each day of the expo had trade media visits, but our true focus was on practical solutions for your daily challenges. Editors from Southern PHC and RSES Journal joined us for hands-on demos, while contractors and students discovered how Viega’s press systems make installs easier and training more accessible.
We highlighted how our MegaPress® system, which is known as the industry standard, is a complete carbon steel solution for mechanical contractors that works even in extreme conditions. Viega press solutions simplify workflows, helping you deliver consistent results and train future technicians faster. At the event, we showed attendees:
- MegaPress FKM for hydronics efficiency
- ProPress® and MegaPress press systems for quick, secure connections
- Engineering Services tools, including Revit resources for planning and design
- Valves, transition fittings and innovative snow melt solutions
- PureFlow® and branch connection technologies for seamless installs
Beyond specs, Viega’s booth also became an incubator for industry content creation. Media partners like Supply House Times, PHCP Pros, AC Service Tech, HVAC R&D, and Mechanical Hub captured videos, interviews and product walkthroughs. We welcomed everyone to learn, exchange stories and explore how Viega systems make their jobs easier and safer.
- Technical deep dives with HVAC R&D explored the science behind ProPress and MegaPress and how eliminating welding variability ensures consistent results every time, raising the bar for quality on your projects.
- AC Service Tech led hands-on demos, showing HVAC pros how using Viega press systems cuts installation and repair time while removing open flame hazards.
- On the Reliable HVACR Podcast, we explained how press technology is quickly becoming the go-to standard for service and retrofit jobs. Our complete confidence system approach is focused on achieving more with less risk and greater efficiency.
Building Community Around Solutions: Viega + RIDGID® Skills Competition
We also held our AHR Skills Competition. It brought contractors, trainers, creators and industry personalities together for a live celebration of skills and solutions. Our partnership with RIDGID® featured a press competition, where competitors made diamond playing cards to reflect Las Vegas's theme. Competitor teams tested their speed and precision using Viega press solutions and RIDGID® tools. The challenge showcased how fast, reliable press connections outperform traditional methods, empowering you to deliver better results in less time.
The collaboration between Viega systems and RIDGID® tools delivered practical, hands-on experience. These events help build your skills, strengthen industry relationships and highlight customer-centric innovation.
The event fostered:
- Peer networking and support
- Live demos and media content
- Meet-and-greets with Viega technical experts
We saw firsthand how learning and influence happen in person and online. Bringing communities together with real-world training lets you learn, connect and grow.
Investing in Your Future
Wednesday focused on workforce development, including student tours, engineering panels and training sessions, which helped future trades professionals discover modern installation methods and the latest Viega solutions. Our commitment is clear: we support your growth, helping you master technology and succeed as the industry evolves.
These sessions spotlighted our dedication to:
- Contractor education that meets your needs
- Technical training resources for real-world success
- Workforce development initiatives that shape the future
- Making our products easier to learn, use and adopt
By streamlining installation and shortening learning curves, Viega press technology helps new technicians get up to speed quickly. As labor shortages continue, investing in your education and training makes the entire industry stronger. Your success is our priority.
New Product Theater: Completing the System with Viega Valves
Ryan Bennett, Viega Valve Product Manager, presented on “Completing the System with Viega Valves” on Wednesday. He took the audience through the need for systems that provide contractors, engineers and installers with a solution that will help tackle commercial, residential and industrial piping projects quicker, without compromising quality and reliability.
In 2025, we launched our latest additions to our product portfolio. Viega’s new valve lineup expands Viega’s MegaPress and ProPress systems with globe, butterfly and wafer check valves, all designed for reliable press technology and a range of applications.
Viega valves offer robust flow control, easy installation and superior corrosion resistance for commercial, residential and industrial environments:
- Viega MegaPress 316 Globe Valve: First with IPS press ends; available ½″ – 2″; EPDM or FKM seals for potable and demanding applications; 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
- Viega ProPress and MegaPress Butterfly Valves: Sizes 2 ½″–4″; ductile iron or 316 stainless body; EPDM seal; NSF-61 rated; cost-effective and high performance.
- Viega ProPress and MegaPress Wafer Check Valves: Sizes 2 ½″–4″; dual-disk design for efficient flow; NSF-61 rated; FKM option for challenging environments.
Whether you’re pressing PEX for residential, copper or carbon steel for commercial, or stainless steel for industrial jobs, Viega MegaPress, ProPress and PureFlow systems offer flexibility and confidence. Approved for over 2,500 applications up to 4 inches, these solutions meet nearly any plumbing need with reliable support and innovation.
2026 AHR Expo Takeaways
Viega hosted our media partners for trade media interviews and podcasts. The opportunities featured stories of our customers, provided live product demos and brought the trades community together through events and meet-ups focused on what matters to you the most.
Viega is not just a manufacturer, and you are not simply a customer. We’re your partner, supporting contractors, distributors, engineers and students with tools, training and system solutions that make a difference in your daily work.
Trust the original. Viega invented carbon steel pressing, which is the industry standard. It grew into a full system solution with a portfolio of products that can be trusted on your jobsite and with a team that can be leaned on for support and solutions.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, participated in the press challenge or shared your story. Your passion and expertise inspire us to keep delivering customer-centric innovation and system solutions. We look forward to helping you create even more success at the next jobsite and at the next AHR Expo.
See you on the job and at the next AHR. For more information on Viega press systems or Viega Engineering Services, visit viega.us.
