ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has announced that Dr. Lowell Catlett is returning by popular demand and will close out the 2005 ACCA Conference & Indoor Air Expo. In addition, entrepreneur and technology expert Terrell Jones will speak at the event's opening session. The 37th annual conference will be held March 9-12, 2005, at the Renaissance Austin in Texas.

"We know those contractors who saw Lowell Catlett in 2003 are already packing their bags to see him again," said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA's president and CEO. "And if you missed him then, you won't want to miss him now. He's not just fun, energetic, enthusiastic, and entertaining. He's also brilliant, innovative, wise, and business-savvy. He's coming back with all new trends to explore and tips for contractors to move to the top of the game."

Catlett, a Regent's Professor at New Mexico State University, has consulted with a number of Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. He offers insights into the way technology is changing everyday life and how businesses must adapt to meet new needs.

Speaking at the opening session of the conference, Terrell Jones will show contractors how the "wired generation" is changing the way people buy indoor comfort services and products, and how new search technologies will help contractors compete for new customers at the "product" rather than brand level.

Advance registration is now open for the conference, with early-bird discounts available until Jan. 19, 2005. Register at www.acca.org or call 703-824-8856.

Publication date: 12/27/2004