HVAC

Are we beyond using the COVID pandemic years of 2020-2021 as a benchmark for anything moving forward? Ok, this will be my last but I felt that AHR 2024 knocked it out of the park, with attendance numbers equaling that of shows past, pre-pandemic. I actually heard, and this hasn’t been verified as of yet, but the day one on-site registration was nearing record levels. And day two crowds were still buzzing as traffic on the floor filled the aisles. (THIS JUST IN FROM AHR: It was clear to anyone filling the halls on Monday morning of the show that attendance was strong, welcoming 48,034 attendees there to interact with the 1,875 exhibitors spread across North and South Halls. )

To a booth, everyone was satisfied with the turnout and conversations during the show. The show marked a return to business as usual, at a much more accelerated pace. And to think, this is during mid-January, polar vortex temps, no less. (Don’t miss next year’s show February 10-12 in Orlando.)

U.S. Boiler Co.’s Ambient Heat Pump

Technology, innovation and new products dazzled, with heat pumps and the push toward electrification still dominating the topics of conversation. We heard more of VR and simulation training as a trending topic as well, with Artificial Intelligence, Workforce Development, Decarbonization all playing big parts at the show.

The Mechanical Hub team had a busy three days shooting videos in-booth, recording both Make Trades Great Again and Appetite for Construction podcasts, and we were even asked to emcee—and be a part of—a Coffee with Caleffi panel in the Caleffi booth on Monday morning. There, hosts John Mesenbrink and Tim Ward talked with industry bigs John Siegenthaler, Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr, Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson.

The discussion revolved around lifelong learning in the trades: where do these legends go to learn? Forgetting more than most of us will ever learn, Siegenthaler and Rohr talked about outlets for learning and continued training. Aune and Mickelson gave the point of view from a current business owner and working contractor, and the impact of social media in today’s PHVAC trades.

We can’t forget about the after-parties and the go-to for us has always been the Taco event Monday evening. It’s a chance to meet up with old and new friends alike.

From l to r: Eric Aune, John Mesenbrink, Ben White, Tim Ward, Mike Prencavage, Jr.

One event I had the pleasure of attending—and it was my first time—was the HVAC Tactical Awards extravaganza held at the Planetarium downtown Chicago. I believe this was the fourth annual event, and the tagline, “It’s a mindset” is turning into “It’s a movement.” This was another great event to see good friends, and the idea of night of  “Blue Collar Goes Black Tie” can’t be overstated.

Ben Poole, HVAC Tactical

The industry needs events like this to showcase the trades in the best, shining light there is. And this event, with the red-carpet entry, exclusive red-carpet interviews, cocktail parties pre and post, and the awards ceremony, give this a gala-type feel, with everyone dressed to the nines, and I think everyone digs that vibe, at least for one night.

Links to AHR Expo Videos:

• Rinnai
• Viega
• Bosch Home Comfort
• Gripple
• Samsung
• Stone Mountain Technology
• Grundfos
• Uponor
• Rheem
• Midea
• A. O. Smith
• Fujitsu
• SpacePak
• Watts

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC trade, announced the winners of its New Product Ideas Contest, which aimed to solicit ideas for new products from trade pros in the field.

First place was awarded to Aurelio “Cheekz” Godina from Nebraska, who submitted an idea for a new duct notcher. “Malco’s tools have been a part of every stage of my career and life,” Godina says. “I am happy and thankful that there is a company like Malco who is changing the game with every new tool designed by their team.” As part of Godina’s prize, he joined Malco as a VIP guest at the 2024 AHR Expo in Chicago.

Additionally, Randy Allender of Massachusetts took home the second-place prize for his idea to add a light accessory for Malco’s popular TurboShear™ line. Allender is a Malco “super fan,” previously having participated in Malco’s Head of the Class program, which recognizes outstanding students in HVAC programs around the U.S. Allender also advocates for the trades as an HVAC instructor at local trade schools, and has chosen to further invest in the future of the industry using a portion of his prize winnings to purchase popular Malco tools for use in the classroom.

“We thank both Aurelio and Randy for entering our new product ideas contest,” said Rebecca Talbot, vice president of marketing at Malco. “At Malco, we highly value feedback and always encourage input from the field for innovative new high-quality tools that bring value to hard-working trade pros.”

Malco encourages trade pros to submit feedback on existing products, as well as ideas for new product innovations, on its website at www.malcotools.com/ideas.

For more information about Malco Tools, visit www.malcotools.com.

I wrote this “10 Tips ..” story in the early months of 2020, and we all know what happened after that, right? I thought it would be fun some four years later to amend the list accordingly. So here goes …

… with the turn of every calendar year comes the rush of industry trade shows. Next week we will be “traveling” to my hometown of Chicago for the AHR Show (January 22-24). Concurrently, during the same week, the WWETT show will be doing its thing in Indy (January 24-26). And if that wasn’t enough trade show hype for one week, the World of Concrete Show in Las Vegas is held, you guessed it, the same week (January 23-25).

Following that, we will be in Las Vegas toward the end of February for the IBS/KBIS Show (February 27-29). All of these shows are worth the trip, depending your trade specialty, and what’s most important to you. Normally, I recommend all of these shows but this year is sort of an anomaly so the MH team had to pivot accordingly; I hope you have chosen so as well, my friends.

The purpose for those attending is to see, feel and test new products, learn and network with fellow attendees. Oh, did I mention hanging out with friends and this awesome community? When attending these trade shows it is best to have a plan. Having attended dozens of these show in the past, I have come up with some tips and strategies to having a successful show.

1. Map Out Your Plan — All of these shows have corresponding websites with a list of exhibitors and events. Map out your day so you are the most efficient with your time, energy and steps on the trade show floor. (ahrexpo.com & www.worldofconcrete.com & www.wwettshow.com & www.buildersshow.com) I can’t stress enough to download the appropriate trade show app and make a plan. It’s a must.

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes & Clothing — We all want to look good, and professional, but gone are the days of stuffy apparel. I’d rather feel comfortable and fresh at the end of the day than out of sorts, sweaty and my dogs barking.

3. Give Yourself Enough Time — The stress of a trade show can be daunting in and of itself. Take as much time as you need to take a deep breath and move freely on the show floor. It’s always a good idea to come in the day or night before a show to make sure all is in order and registration for the show is set. If you are planning a night out, make sure you make any necessary reservations ahead of time.

4. Afterparty Over-Indulging — We all love to go out and enjoy ourselves, especially after a long day at a show. There are numerous manufacturer parties, dinners, soirees, etc. where one can relax and wind down. But staying out all night—and drinking—can be fun, and up to your discretion, but it isn’t advisable, especially if you intend to be at the show the following day. Nobody is impressed with the over-perspired, alcohol lingering on breath, bags under the eyes, headache pounding visit from on over-served attendee. Also, carry water and/or energy drinks and energy bars—or something to snack on—with you.

5. Plan Accordingly for Transportation — Most of the time at busy trade shows, transportation can, well, be a bitch, especially after a show. Keep this in mind as long taxi lines will form to and from the shows. Download your favorite rideshare app so you are locked and loaded.

6. Visit the Podcast Pavilions — Everyone listens to podcasts, yes? Some of your favorite listens (Appetite for Construction & Make Trades Great Again, among others) will be recording “live” from the podcast pavilions located just in front of the North Hall to the right as your facing the entrance, behind registration and conveniently located by the beer garden. So grab a favorite beverage, relax and enjoy the p-casts!

7. Badges, We Don’t Need No Stinking’… — Well, make sure you have proper badges for the show. For example, attendee, exhibitor and press badges all provide different access and different access times. Make sure you understand the limitations of your particular given badge.

8. Follow-up with Contacts — Once the show is over, what it your end game? What better way to measure the results of a show personally than to document leads, follow up with new contacts, and were you satisfied with your expectations of information, contacts and overall impressions?

9. If Unable to Attend … — Be sure to follow your favorite social media outlets (@mechanicalhub & @plumbing_perspective for sure!) that may be attending and keep up to date on what’s going on from the show floor. First-of-the-year trade show events are when companies have big product announcements, launches and press briefings.

10. Cellular/WiFi Service — Most shows do not offer WiFi on the show floor, or if they do, it usually sucks. There are certain spots at different venues you may be able to sneak a signal, maybe. Make sure you have business cards on hand or be prepared to exchange info digitally through apps on your phone, so make sure your phone is charged or bring extra chargers!

Like deducing the age of a tree by counting its rings, I count age as it relates to how many AHR shows I have attended. I think I count 20 AHRs, 2021 notwithstanding. Good luck, have a great time, and have a great trade show experience!

Allen Stanley has been promoted to vice president, fittings manufacturing and distribution, and Rudy Smith to vice president, valve manufacturing.

Elkhart, Ind. — NIBCO INC. has announced the promotion of Allen Stanley to vice president, fittings manufacturing and distribution, and Rudy Smith to vice president, valve manufacturing.

Both Stanley and Smith will report to Ashley Martin, president and COO, NIBCO.

Allen Stanley

“Allen and Rudy have long careers with NIBCO and the knowledge and expertise that they both bring to these roles will be valuable for the success of our organization,” said Martin. “Join me in congratulating them on their well-deserved promotions.”

In this new role, Stanley has responsibility for the Stuarts Draft, Virginia manufacturing operations and the Demand Planning department, along with his current responsibilities for the U.S. distribution centers, world headquarters logistics, and all plastic manufacturing facilities.

Stanley began his career in 1997 at NIBCO as administrative manager at the Atlanta Distribution Center. He held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility including operations manager at the Elkhart Distribution Center, manager, distribution and transportation, and most recently, director, plastic fittings manufacturing and distribution.

Stanley holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. He also earned his master’s degree in marketing from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rudy Smith

In his new role, Smith will have responsibility for NIBCO’s Blytheville, Arkansas, facility, along with the company’s Nacogdoches, Texas, McAllen, Texas, and Reynosa, Mexico facilities.

Smith began his career at NIBCO in 1996 in logistics at NIBCO’s world headquarters. Two years later, he was promoted and transferred as operations manager of NIBCO’s Nacogdoches facility. He held various roles from production superintendent, plant superintendent, plant manager, and most recently, senior plant manager at Reynosa, prior to his new role.

Rudy holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Rice University, in Houston, Texas.