“We asked a lot of our exhibitors, honestly, to come and do something different,” said Liz Patrick, vice president, Service World Expo. “People today are looking for engagement and entertainment, and we are aiming to deliver just that. There will be new product launches, demonstrations, contests, and games. We don’t want the grocery store aisle where people are standing and hoping someone walks by and makes eye contact with them.”

The show is geared toward HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors.

“It is nice to have that crossover, especially for the contractors that do more than one trade,” Patrick said.

Companies big and small are excited about this inaugural show.

“The HVAC landscape is changing with more advanced technologies, continuous regulation changes, labor shortages, electronics, and more. We want to help contractors make the right moves to keep their businesses running, and that’s a theme we are carrying through in our booth and sponsorships,” said Tim Flinn, vice president of marketing and eBusiness, commercial and residential solutions, Emerson Climate Technologies Inc.

Lou Laroche, vice president of sales and marketing for MarketAir Inc., is hoping to meet up with first-tier contractors who are actively installing mini splits.

“We’re interested in connecting with those working with variable refrigerant flow [VRF] units,” Laroche said. “For our small startup company, we are doing everything we can to put ourselves in front of contractors. We want to make as many contacts as possible, distribute samples of our products, and get leads to follow-up on.”

Service World Expo organizers designed this event to be different than the traditional trade show. This included everything from the floor-plan design to the entertainment value of the event.

Reps at Lux Products Corp. are also hoping to strengthen their relationships with contractors.

“Every new show brings a heightened level of energy to the industry. For us, we see Service World Expo as an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with HVAC contractors and distributors. We have a chance to showcase our smart LUX/GEO thermostat to our award-winning programmable and non-programmable thermostats,” said Rob Munin, CEO and president, Lux Products.

According to Patrick, about one-third of the exhibitors are planning to introduce new products or significant upgrades.

Attendees can win more than $8,000 in prizes by visiting exhibitors and playing the Service World Expo Game in the show app. Top point earners win prize packages, including consulting and training, products and tools, electronics, furniture, and more.

“Contractors should come ready to learn. It is going to be a great show. The manufacturers are really excited,” Patrick said.

The show will also include a free student session on Thursday morning.

“By partnering with publications like The ACHR NEWS, Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine, and Reeves Journal, conference coordinators have hit a sweet spot for contractors. We know that attending a show is a huge time commitment, and  those who attend are usually very engaged and proactive with regards to their business success. We are looking forward to connecting with current partners and introducing our brand with new contractors and distributors,” Munin said.

For more information on Service World Expo, visit www.serviceworldexpo.com. 

Publication date: 10/10/2016

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