CHANTILLY, Va. - This year’s HVAC Contractors forum during the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) annual convention will explore what market drivers are expected to shape the HVAC industry’s future and whether or not green construction is a new market or just a passing fad.

John Conover, president of Trane in the Americas region, will delve into trends, past experience, and his view of the current HVAC industry. He will also discuss the many factors that influence the HVAC industry ranging from small developments in technology, political drivers, employment concerns to global environmental concerns.

Improvements in the HVAC industry have been brought on by a number of factors including technical, market changes, energy and environmental concerns, and political decisions. Regardless of the reason for the changes, SMACNA notes that contractors need to understand and help shape the changes for the benefit of customers, employees, and the industry’s future.

Thomas Glavinich, an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas, will discuss how green is here to stay and the impact these projects have on HVAC contractors’ bid preparation and project management. SMACNA’s “HVAC Guide to Bidding Green Projects” will be discussed.

The forum will conclude with a roundtable discussion on topics relevant to HVAC contractors.

For more information on the annual convention, scheduled for Oct. 21 to 24, contact Mary Lou Taylor, director of meetings and convention at 703-803-2998 or mtaylor@smacna.org.

Publication date: 05/14/2007