FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY — “Learning leads to earning” could have been the theme for the 22nd annual ABCO trade show here, hosted by distributor ABCO Refrigeration Supply Co. The show featured 10 free “Quick Tech” classes for the first time. These mini-versions of the company’s “ABCO University” seminars provided operating and troubleshooting information on a variety of HVACR equipment. They were well attended by technicians.

“Attendees were very excited by this new show component and we look forward to expanding upon it at next year’s show,” said Helene Herman, director of Marketing and Public Relations for ABCO.

The Quick Tech classes were conducted by technical experts from various manufacturers, and included such topics as DuPont’s course on “R-22 Alternative Refrigerants — Uncovering the Mysteries,” and Bohn’s class on “Winter Charge, Operation and Troubleshooting of Head Pressure Controls on Split Systems.”

MAJOR EAST COAST SHOW

The event is billed as the East Coast’s largest HVACR trade show. In addition to serving New York City-area contractors, ABCO also covers the Philadelphia; Boston; Wilmington, DE; and Stamford, CT areas. Attendees came from all of these locations.

Last year, attendance was surprisingly strong despite the event occurring just two months after the Sept. 11 attacks. This year, contractors and technicians streamed in early, and the show saw a significantly bigger crowd from the start.

Approximately 3,200 people attended the 2002 show, checking out the wares of more than 150 manufacturers. Products on display ranged from tools and instruments to refrigerants, components, and systems. Associations such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) had information booths.

Each attendee received a giveaway bag (cosponsored by Honeywell and ABCO) that included an expandable file folder, suitable for organizing job tickets. The bag also enabled techs to carry away the many technical manuals and service handbooks offered by exhibitors.

MAKE-A-WISH RAFFLE

Luxaire and ABCO combined to hold a Make-A-Wish Raffle, which raised $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York. The grand prize was a weekend for two at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.

Michael Senter, chief executive officer of ABCO, was appointed to the board of directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York in May, and has been actively engaged in the chapter’s fundraising efforts. Herman noted that Senter has championed cause marketing and charitable activities as a way for HVAC contractors to differentiate themselves and their products while benefiting the communities and customers they serve.

This was also the first year that North American Technician Excellence (NATE) was at the show, represented by Carl Smith, director of marketing. ABCO announced that it plans to become a NATE testing organization in 2003, starting in the New York metropolitan area.

“This is part of ABCO’s overall commitment to industry education,” said Herman, “as evidenced by the continuing expansion of ABCO University to service customers in all 16 branch locations from Boston to Wilmington.”

Publication date: 12/09/2002