Accept no imitators. HVACR Week keeps on getting better. It's a learning and entertainment event that HVACR contractors across the nation rely on for good information and good times. Without a doubt, Day 2 of HVACR Week — featuring HVAC Comfortech, the Commercial HVACR Symposium, and Optimum Buildings was a hit.
The day began with an inspirational keynote address by retired Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady. O'Grady shared his tale of survival behind enemy lines in Bosnia in 1995. His talk told of how he evaded would-be captors for six days. The full house of show attendees were inspired by this true American hero, who proved that anything is possible if you only believe.
Educational sessions included:
- Six Skills You Need to Profit During Changing Market Conditions, by Greg McAfee, McAfee Heating & Air Conditioning, Kettering, OH Leveraging Social media to Build Your Brand, by Joe Pulizzi, president, SocialTract, Cleveland, OH
- Troubleshooting Refrigeration Circuits in Heat Pumps Destressing the Service Business, by Jeremy Lowe, Callahan Roach Business Solutions
- Become an Effective and Profitable Service Manager, by Tom Grandy, Grandy & Associates
- Safety & the Business Function, by Michael Nahas, Emcor Services Fluidics
- Selling HVAC to the Government: Myths and Realities, by Mark Crockett, Crockett Facilities Services, Inc.
The exhibit floor opening was sponsored by Carrier, and was held in the "Carrier Pavilion," located directly in front of the exhibit floor. Then, attendees were off and running to see what exhibitors had to offer. Contractors were duly impressed by the day's offerings.
"The classes are excellent, covering business management to technical topics, and the trade show floor was one of the best I've ever seen," said Steve Weber, president, Boulder's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Newark, DE. Weber was most impressed by David Richardson's presentation on quality maintenance standards. Richardson is with National Comfort Institute, Sheffield Lake, OH.
"I liked the simplicity of how David's presentation covered key maintenance points contractors often neglect," Weber said.
Dennis Williams, president, Williams Comfort Air, Russell Springs, KY, said he made his third visit to HVACR Week because of the great show we produced last year."I always find good product information on the show floor, new and innovative stuff," Williams said.
Ben Middleton, territory manager for Milwaukee Stove & Furnace, a Milwaukee, WI-based distributor, brought a group of his contractor customers to HVACR Week because he knows it's always a guaranteed benefit.
"I haven't missed a Comfortech since it started 16 years ago," Middleton said. "I think it's important to attend this show if you're going to be in the industry, to learn about new, cutting edge things. The trade show is invaluable, and provides information I can bring back to the office. I also network with friends I've made by attending."
"Comfortech raises the bar, so contractors can make a decent living, not just scratch by. That's why it's important to bring contractors to this event," Middleton said.
The day concluded with the Thursday Night Extravaganza at Lucas Oil Stadium, sponsored by Carrier, Rheem, Ruud, and Nordyne. Guests enjoyed food, drink, and networking above the field, and on the field, there were football passing and field goal contests, and photos with the Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl trophy.
Watch for an expanded wrap-up of HVACR Week in the November issue of ContractingBusiness.com.