MADISON, Wis. - On April 15-16, the Radiant Panel Association (RPA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of radiant heating and cooling in homes and buildings, hosted the first in what will become annual regional events. The event is called RadFest, short for radiant festival. The first Great Lakes RadFest took place in Madison, Wis.

Over four hundred people gathered at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, recently constructed from a Frank Lloyd Wright design, to share interest in radiant heating. The open floor design of RadFest offered seminars in tented areas surrounded by exhibits of all kinds. Exhibitors displayed electric and hydronic radiant floor systems, boilers, radiators, fan coils, controls, air quality equipment, floor covering options, and more. Many of the seminars were well attended and several had standing room only.

Round tables were set up for a live chat room version of the RPA's RadNet Internet bulletin board. Participants could post a subject or question and sit and discuss it with others of similar interest, face to face.

A number of people combined the RadFest with attendance at one of the RPA's full day schools. The Radiant Basics and Radiant Precision courses were conducted for those who wanted to further their education through these intense training sessions. RPA certification exams for radiant designers and installers were also offered.

RPA intends to continue with the RadFests. Beginning in 2005, RadFests will be held in the four time zones of the country. More information can be found at www.rpaconference.com or by calling 800-660-7187.

Publication date: 06/07/2004