Co-sponsored by ARI, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC), and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), the organizations say the event is one of the best ways for HVACR instructors to learn about the latest industry issues, gain access to industry experts, hear industry leaders speak, and exchange ideas and information.

"After nine consecutive successful workshops at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., we needed to change," said Ray Mach, ARI director of Education and Training. "We could only accommodate 150 attendees and we wanted to grow, both in numbers and in quality. By teaming with ACCA, PHCC, and RSES, we will be able to accommodate a larger number of attendees and provide a more diverse and higher quality program.

"The new program won't change much," said Mach. "As usual, the three-day event will be kicked off by a meeting of the Council for Air-Conditioning Refrigeration Educators (CARE), an organization dedicated to HVACR instruction. But the CARE session is now scheduled as an all day event with its own technical and instructional program."

The CARE meeting will be followed by site team leader instruction for those aspiring to assist or take part in the Partnership for Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) program. The first day will conclude with a chance for instructors to take ARI's Industry Competency Exams (ICE), the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) exam, and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) exam.

The workshop will commence on Thursday, April 6, ending early afternoon on Friday, April 7. The two-day technical and instructional program will consist of general sessions, breakout sessions, group sessions, and evening activities.

"The biggest change is the evening activities and the breakout sessions," said Mach. "Attendees now have a choice; it is no longer a lockstep program. OEMs and organizations will be invited to set up booths in the Center."

During both the welcoming reception and the following evening, attendees will be free to roam and get individual instruction and hands-on time at the various displays. Applications to attend the workshop are available on ARI's Web site at www.ari.org. For more information, contact Mach at rmach@ari.org.

Publication date: 10/31/2005