HARDI Sets Dates for Four "Focus" Conferences

Columbus, OH — The Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) have officially opened registration for all 4 Focus Conferences. Packed with top-notch speakers, substantial content, and an abundance of networking opportunities, this year’s conferences are a perfect opportunity for members to gain additional insight into industry trends and new techniques to ensure maximum profitability.

The Focus Conferences this year will be:

• Operations & Logistics Optimization: Western Region, March 9-11, Litchfield Park, AZ, The Wigwam
• Strategic Leadership: Southeastern Region, April 13-15, Nashville, TN, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
• Marketing & Sales Optimization: Central/Great Lakes Region, June 22-24, hosted by the Central/Great Lakes region, Delavan, WI, Lake Lawn Resort
• Purchasing Optimization: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, September 14-16, hosted by the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region, Newport, RI, The Newport Harbor & Marina.

HARDI executives report the organization has invested a great deal of time and consideration into deciding what speakers and topics could provide members with the most useful information as the industry marches forward in a time of economic, legislative, and technological change.

“The list of speakers HARDI has put together for this year’s Operation & Logistics Optimization Conference is outstanding. Ken Ackerman, Jim Apple, and Mike Mills are the ‘best of the best.’ I don’t know Rick Blasgen, but after doing some research I’m excited to hear him present as well," says Greg Toler, vice president of Gustave A. Larson Company.

Ken Ackerman, president of the management advisory firm The Ackerman Company, and a speaker at the Operations & Logistics Optimization Conference, will address “Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Your Logistics Strategy." He feels strongly that members will learn a thing or two at the conference.

“I suspect that at least somewhere along the lines we will provide attendees with a few ideas they might not have thought of, or that maybe they had forgotten about, that will help make their logistics operations better tomorrow than it is today,” Ackerman says.

A common theme of the conferences is how constantly evolving technology is affecting the industry, from the marketing level to the equipment and procedures used in warehouse technology, ordering supplies, and working with contractors on a daily basis. Speakers such as Thomas Gale (Strategic Leadership Conference), Guy Blissett (Strategic Leadership Conference), and Christina Kerley (Marketing & Sales Optimization Conference) will discuss how technology is a powerful asset distributors and manufacturers can use to build a strong competitive advantage.

Updates on Legislative Issues
In keeping with tradition, the 2014 Focus Conferences will continue to keep members updated on current issues in legislation, as well as how economic factors play a role in strategic operations for HVAC professionals. HARDI Director of Government Affairs Jon Melchi will be enlightening members on any updates concerning advocacy at all four conferences, while Andrew Duguay, senior economist at ITR will also be attending all of the Focus Conferences to give members his regional forecast, telling members what trends they can expect in the market that could possibly affect business growth and performance.

Members who attended last year’s Focus Conference are adamant that they are a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to stay ahead of the curve.

“I thought it was a very well organized event with very good speakers,” saya Ed Ruth of Plumb Supply Company, on his experience at the Strategic Leadership Conference. “The content of the presentations was very relevant and informative.”

Julie Decker, of Carlisle HVAC, saw the benefit of the Marketing & Sales Optimization Conference for all that attended. “I thought the conference was outstanding. It was educational and helpful for both distributors and suppliers," she says.

For more information on the 2014 HARDI Focus Conferences and to see specific speaker topics, visit the HARDI Networking and Events web page.