(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

For plumbing and HVACR installers within a 150-mile radius of APR’s headquarters, the annual buying show is one of the year’s most anticipated events. It brings together hundreds of manufacturers, suppliers, and manufacturer representatives and between 1,000 and 1,500 installing contractors during a full day of networking, product education, and exclusive buying opportunities. This year's show was on August 13.

APR’s buying show is a high-impact forum for the company’s customers — allowing them to connect directly with vendor partners, explore the latest innovations in the industry, and take advantage of limited-time, show-only deals.

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

From live product demonstrations and training sessions to one-on-one conversations with manufacturers and APR team members, the event is designed to help contractors grow their business and stay ahead of market trends.

In addition to the business value, APR’s buying show is known for its energy and hospitality. It features random drawings with prize giveaways, food and beverage stations, and a festive atmosphere that celebrates the strength of the contractor community.

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

“APR provides great service and technical support,” said Rex. “Products — even the latest ones — are readily available and reasonably priced. Advantages this year included the ability to see and speak about the latest ProPress equipment for refrigeration piping, new piping insulation, and leak sensors for R-54 refrigerant.”

After locking in a purchase agreement for HVAC systems at an APR counter, Rex’s next stop was the booth of the rep firm N.H. Yates, where he posed questions about hydronics to sales executive Jim Schnoor. Schnoor said he had good discussions with several installers — and some institutional representatives — about Thermal Solutions boilers. “The APR event is a win-win for all participants,” said Schnoor. “It’s great for customer relationship-building.”

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

Manufacturers representative firm B. J. Terroni also had a presence on the show floor, featuring all the latest Taco Inc. technology, including the next-generation zone controls and electronically commutated motor (ECM) circulators. Outside sales associate Frank Edgar said interest in products was brisk.

“Taco’s latest zone controls, and their new 3450 combination boiler feed and backflow preventer were ‘hot’ products for us there,” said Edgar. “Also, the Taco switching relays and variable speed ECM circs — all were of interest and the topic of many good conversations.”

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

The Vernon Bitzer booth featured the Watts’ and Powers’ IntelliStation 2 light commercial/institutional domestic water digital mixing control. Several installers stopped to ask questions about it, which then led to conversations about Nexa, Watts’ intelligent water management software.

Fujitsu regional sales manager Rob Lombardo spent the day with others at the Harry Eklof & Associates Inc. booth engaged in conversation with mini-split and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) installers, who were asking questions about current product lines and the R-32 multi-position air handler to be released soon with a wide range of capacities for one-to-one, single-zone applications, and multi-zone use.

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

“The transition to A2L refrigerants (is) always a topic with contractors as the industry moves towards more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Fujitsu’s chosen to go the path of R-32 as it is a single component, not a blend, and offers lower GWP than many others,” said Lombardo.

“We had an awesome day,” he added. “The folks at APR put every effort into making the show spectacular, improving each year that we attend. The amount of preparation and planning that goes into it is incredible. The level of contact we have there with customers is, well, priceless. No one does a buying show like APR Supply.”

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

Loren Shelton, The HVAC Queen, toured the show with friend and mentor Kelly Ireland, a master plumber and the owner of TPG Mechanical (TPG short for her online Tiny Plumber Girl persona). They often work together throughout the Philadelphia region.

“We had a blast, and learned a lot, too,” said Ireland. “We plan to move into mini-splits soon. Fujitsu’s solutions look most promising. They were well represented at APR’s event, and we had lots of good conversations there — allowing us to easily see how, as we expand further into our HVAC work, their products, and training will enable us to do that.”

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

“The show began in 2002 and now has expanded to include a buying event in Pittsburgh as well,” said Teri Rogers, APR’s vice president of marketing. “And, as we gather for a debrief every year to discuss its success, a question always arises: ‘What’ll we do to make next year’s event even better?’ ”

Various suppliers said the show is the biggest and best single sales opportunity of the year.

“The show gives me valuable face-to-face time with buyers from all over the area,” said Steve Weiland, national sales manager for NTI Boilers Inc. “There’s no end to the questions I get from buyers about new products and solutions, even installation techniques.”

Jeff Thompson, APR’s vice president of dealer products, called on APR as a manufacturer’s rep for five years prior to joining the company 25 years ago. He’s participated in every APR sales event since 2002.

(Courtesy of John Vastyan)

“It’s the one time of year that buyers have hands-on access to all products and technology, and can meet with and ask questions of manufacturers, reps, and all of us with APR as well,” said Thompson. “Buyers also get updates on products and programs, and typically get answers to every question they may have.

“The advantages are just as compelling for those on the sales side,” continued Thompson. “With 150 manufacturers represented, their direct-sales people and reps have access to 1,100 to 1,200 contractors all at once. It’s great exposure for everyone.”

APR recognized several key partners for their contributions over the past year. The awards were presented to those who demonstrated outstanding innovation, quality, and partnership.

Milwaukee Tool, a manufacturer of professional tools, was honored with the Innovator of the Year award, presented by APR’s vice president of supply chain, Zachary Derr.

Derr also presented Toto, a plumbing products company, with the Decorative Brand Partner of the Year award. And Heil was recognized as the Vendor Partner of the Year.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate these outstanding partners who have played a pivotal role in our success,” said Derr.

APR hosted its second buying show of the month in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, on August 20. It was the fifth show to take place in western Pennsylvania as APR continues to expand its footprint in that region.

“This event has evolved into more than a trade show,” said Rogers. “It’s a celebration of the relationships and collaboration that drive our industry. I’m grateful to our manufacturers, customers, and the entire APR team for making this year’s show such a success.”