The Plumbing Contractors Association hosted their annual South Florida Plumbing and Mechanical Trade Show & EXPO on November 20, 2014, and once again the show was a huge success for both exhibitors and attendees. This year, the number of exhibitors at the show broke an all-time record with over 80 booths for attendees to visit. It was a clear sign that the economy is definitely improving and construction is picking up once more in South Florida.
Gloria Salazar, Executive Director of the Plumbing Contractors Association says she spends most of the year planning the show. Her goal is to feature everything at the show a contractor may need in the course of their business that’s easily available from local suppliers up to manufacturers. Most contractors do not have the time to see individual vendors at their place of business or are unable to stay up-to-date with the latest products available but by attending the show, they are able to do all this in one evening. It’s also a great benefit to the exhibitors to be able to meet the decision makers as they canvas the show as opposed to trying to catch them individually at their place of business. Over 3,500 invitations were sent to licensed contractors in southeast Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties producing a spectacular turnout making this the largest plumbing trade show in Florida.
In an interview with Josh Aberman, General Manager of Lehman Pipe and Plumbing Supply said, “I have had the privilege of exhibiting at the show the past 6 years”. He added “Every year this show has gotten much bigger and much better. The exposure we get here is second to none”. New to the show and exhibiting for the first time was Stuart Berke, President of Action Plumbing Supply, who said, “I was impressed with the show. Gloria did an amazing job putting it together and the turnout’s amazing. We were glad to be a part of it”. Other exhibitors also found the show beneficial such as Andy Faza, with MOEN, who said “It’s an excellent show, highly attended, I would highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in doing business in plumbing and construction in South Florida”. While Jorge Megias, of Viega, said, “I would not miss exhibiting at the show for anything!”
As attendees made their way into the show, they were given the opportunity to view live demonstrations from exhibitors such as Liberty Pumps, Viega, and Milwaukee Tool. Viega, who has a traveling exhibition truck, exhibited their product and gave attendees the opportunity to walk through and view their products. Milwaukee Tool had tables of tools to exhibit giving attendees a great opportunity to compare what is available. SpaWorld, a local manufacture of high-end tubs, brought out a few tubs to exhibit. Growers Equipment had mini bobcats and bulldozers on exhibit. You could even find the Nissan dealer who brought out 3 of their latest commercial vans they say are in high demand by contractors. Many other well known names such as MOEN, Kohler, Grohe, and Delta were also exhibitors.
Attendees such as Manny Alonso, Jr., President of Manny & Lou Plumbing quoted, “I have been attending the show the past 15 years and by far, this year’s show was the best show I have attended so far”. And Joseph Mokher Jr., President of Mokher Plumbing stated “I see the show as very beneficial to business owners such as myself to be able to see the latest products available. The ability to meet face to face with his suppliers is of great benefit”.
Next year’s show is already in the works. Registration will commence January 5, 2015, with the show taking place Thursday, November 19, 2015, at the Miami Airport Convention Center. For more information, you can visit www.pcamiami.com.
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