Education, products, networking highlight 2004 ISH North America in Boston

Engineered Systems, Sept, 2004

If you've been meaning to brush up on your professional development, stop pondering and start packing for ISH North America. ISH NA, the industry's largest and most comprehensive seminar program and product exposition, takes place October 12 to 16 in Boston. Most events will take place in the new Boston Convention Center.

This third installment of ISH NA is the most expansive yet, with 70 ISH NA seminars, dozens of association sponsored classes, and several technical certification courses available through out the week. Seven distinct seminar tracks are offered through the ISH seminar program: HVAC, Hydronics, Radiant Heating, Environmental Systems, Plumbing, Kitchen & Bath, and Business Management and Marketing.

If tools, software, products, or equipment are your priority, the ISH NA Expo will captivate you as more than 500 exhibitors display their newest offerings during the three expo days (October 14 to 16, Thursday through Saturday). New pavilions and on floor demonstrations will make this year's show floor more engaging. Expo entrance is free to seminar registrants.

Perhaps you looking to network with other pros? Three ISH NA partner associations--American Supply Association (ASA), Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), and Radiant Panel Association (RPA)--each will hold its annual convention during the week. ISH NA partner Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) will host a reception. And at least 20 other endorsing organizations will participate in ISH NA with seminars, courses, and booths in the Expo hall.

As a bonus, historic Boston provides endless opportunities to sightsee, shop, dine, attend sporting or musical events, and enjoy ocean views and vibrant nightlife.

EDUCATION ABOUNDS

Contractors, wholesalers, designers, engineers, and reps will find multiple seminars to help improve their knowledge and skills.

The ISH seminar program kicks off at 8 a.m. Thursday morning with a keynote address by hydronics expert Dan Holohan, followed by 11 concurrent seminars at 9 a.m. and nine concurrent seminars at 3 p.m. On Friday, 36 seminars will be presented over the course of three time slots: 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 3 p.m. On Saturday, another 12 concurrent seminars will be presented during one time slot at 9 a.m. Most seminars run 1.5 hours.

The Hydronics Institute Div. of GAMA will present a two-day I=B=R School on October 12 to 13 in Room 103 of the Boston Convention Center. The course will cover hydronic heating system design and installation, heat loss calculations, boiler sizing, pipe sizing, zoning, wiring, circulation selection, and much more. Cost for the school is $395 and includes lunch both days, beverage service, two illustrated textbooks, and certificate of completion. Contact Keri Wrobel of BNP Media (I=B=R School manager, booth #939) at 888-530-6714 or register online at www.bnpmedia.com/conferences.

RPA will present three specialized educational opportunities: "Radiant Basics" runs Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the RPA Certification Exam is offered on Friday at 9 a.m.; and "Radiant Precision" runs Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Visit www.RPAconferences.com.

A special event luncheon featuring David Kohler of the Kohler Company will take place Thursday at noon. Mr. Kohler will speak on "The Future of the Industry." The cost is $35 and advance registration is suggested at www.ish-na.com.

The PHCC Educational Foundation is sponsoring a free NATE Review Course to help prepare technicians for taking the NATE core exam. The review session will be held on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is not required and you can sign up onsite.

The first-ever Product Demonstration opportunities will be offered on the show floor during the three days of the expo. These manufacturer-sponsored sessions will provide hands-on demonstrations for the design, installation, maintenance or use of products, tools, and services. At least a dozen product demos were scheduled as of August 5.

YOUR COMPANY MAKES THAT?

From access doors to zone controls, you will every type of product, tool, software, and related equipment and services at the ISH NA Expo. With 500+ exhibitors coming from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Italy, China, Taiwan, Turkey, Hong Kong, Peru, South Korea, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, you will discover new and never-before seen products.

Several pavilions will showcase products and ideas. The New Product Showcase returns, along with PHCC's on-site Apprenticeship Contest. The cutting-edge Smart House and the Technology Pavilion will bring the latest and greatest electronics and software to your fingertips.

RPA will present the first-ever Radiant House, spotlighting product installations directly on the show floor in a 16 sq. ft area.

Expo attendees also can check out the co-located Boston Plant Engineering & Facilities Management Show because your ISH NA floor pass allows free entrance to both shows.