Right now, in the beginning of July, HVAC contractors throughout the U.S. are swamped with service and sales calls and scheduling installations all the while ensuring their employees don’t burn out during the busy season. However, truly enterprising contractors should always be thinking of the future of their companies and how to better themselves. One of the best ways to do that is to attend industry conferences and trade shows. These events offer a plethora educational seminars and classes as well as showcase the latest and greatest HVAC products. These events also offer contractors a chance to mingle among their peers and pick the brains of some of the best minds in the industry. And many of them will be held in the upcoming fall months when business begins to calm down for contractors. For example, Service World Expo will be held Sept. 7-9 in Las Vegas; Women in HVACR’s 14th annual conference will be held Sept. 27-29 in Fort Worth, Texas; and Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors – National Association (SMACNA) will hold its 74th annual convention Oct. 22-25 in Maui, Hawaii, just to name a few. So while your mind may be on the weekly service schedule, it’s never too early to start planning for the future.