The International Air-conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) is marking its 66^th year. Thousands of contractors are expected to walk through the door of the Javits Center in New York to participate in one of the HVACR industry’s largest gatherings of manufacturers, contractors, and distributors from around the world. The expo represents something significant for each industry sector, providing a direct source of information and education on industry products and best practices.

While it’s likely the biggest, the AHR Expo is not the only expo providing HVAC contractors with educational and hands-on opportunities throughout the year. Distributors in several markets have found their contracting customers appreciate when they bring together manufacturers and educational opportunities at their local branches as well.

One such distributor experiencing positive contractor feedback is ABCO Refrigeration Supply Corp., headquartered in Long Island City, N.Y. The company has held the ABCO Expo for 33 years, including late this past year at the Terrace On the Park, Flushing, N.Y. ABCO estimates that more than 5,000 contractors and business owners attended the one-day event, setting a new attendance record.

“The entire ABCO team would like to thank all of our valued customers, as well as our manufacturer representatives for helping make the 2013 ABCO Expo the biggest and best ever,” said Michael Senter, CEO of ABCO. “It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new connections, and discover exciting opportunities in the ever-changing world of HVAC and refrigeration.”

Expo Events

Attendees were greeted outside with smiling faces and foam footballs from Luxaire and ABCO. Once inside, registration began and a bag of ABCO swag was presented to each attendee. Visitors were greeted with multiple opportunities and activities to participate in throughout the venue.

More than 180 “top names in the HVACR industry” exhibited equipment and literature at the event. Luxaire debuted its Eclipse direct commercial replacement unit, which ABCO described as a real game changer for the commercial HVAC market. For many attendees, the ABCO Expo was their first chance to see the new unit, which doesn’t require a transition curb to replace existing units. Luxaire hosted two special seminars to help explain the features and benefits of the new Eclipse packaged system.

University Learning Sessions

ABCO showcased its educational offerings at the expo. ABCO University Tech Tips classes, ranging from new product demonstrations and best practices to R-22 phaseout information and commercial financing, were offered throughout the day.

During the “Best Practices for Engineering VRF Systems” session, Brandon Bradley, LEED AP, and ABCO Supply employee, shared information on variable-refrigerant flow (VRF) trends and installation tips. Those in attendance were eligible for continuing education credits.

“The overseas market is saturated in VRF,” Bradley began. “In the U.S., however, there is only approximately 4 percent market share and definite room for growth.”

Bradley broke down the difference between heat pump and heat recovery systems as he explained the intricacies of piping and the types of applications the technology could be used in. “Heat recovery technology is the Cadillac of these systems,” he said. “It simultaneously cools and heats without using any additional energy to do so. Building owners aren’t required to run the chiller and the boiler at the same time.”

Other sessions included Heatcraft’s “Electronic System Controls and Remote Controls with Monitoring,” Horizon Keystone’s “Commercial Financing Made Easy,” KE2 Therm Solutions’ “Evaporator Energy Savings Through Pro-Active Defrost,” CoolFront’s “Optimizing Your Service Calls with Mobile Pricing Technology,” DuPont’s “The R-22 Phase Out: Manning the Transition,” and Copeland’s “Copeland Scroll Condensing Units — The Industry’s Broadest Line of Integral Horsepower Units for Refriger-ation Applications.”

Special Offers

A catered hot lunch buffet, door prizes, and a chance to discover all the services and education that ABCO provides its contractor customers rounded out the 33rd ABCO Expo. Those in attendance were also provided access to special show pricing and product deals from the distributor. Each of these items were listed in the show brochure.

Plans to continue the expo are already in place as it takes approximately six months to put on this independent expo. The 2014 ABCO Expo is scheduled for Nov. 5.

“ABCO is proud to once again provide the opportunity for all of the leaders in the HVACR industry — from manufacturers and owners to contractors, technicians, and engineers — to come together under one roof for the largest independent trade show in the country. We’re thankful for all your continued support and hope you will continue to enjoy the ABCO Expo experience in years
to come.”

For more information, visit www.abcohvacr.com.

Publication date: 1/20/2014 

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