Contractors across the nation are finding that although the HVAC industry has experienced change in the recent economic crisis, its need for skilled labor and certified technicians has not been completely abated by the influx of displaced workers from the economic downturn. Other trade industries have noticed this problem, too.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is hoping to educate attendees through discussion and collaboration at its 44th annual ACCA Conference and Expo. 

HVACR instructors can set their sights on a new destination. Next month, the 2012 HVACR & Mechanical Conference for Education Professionals is being held in Colorado Springs, Colo., March 12-14 at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.

A DVD titled “Contractor Soft Skills” illustrates how contractors can have their technicians improve their own soft skills. The DVD is the third one about customer service by customer service expert Steve Coscia.

Members of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) will travel to Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in March to not only enjoy some fun in the sun, but more importantly learn how to improve their businesses and navigate the challenges for the coming year.

In an effort to take North American Technician Excellence (NATE) to a higher level, Don Frendberg, NATE chairman, announced a restructuring of NATE personnel and an Administrative Services Agreement with the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) chose the Gulf Coast of Florida as the backdrop for its 2011 Annual Meeting. The meeting provides a forum for industry leadership to review issues that face the organization and review accomplishments.

At the recent Danfoss EnVisioneering Symposium, senior HVACR industry executives and government and industry officials explored the broad potential of the smart grid. At the symposium, speakers discussed the impact of the smart grid on the challenges faced by U.S. buildings and building systems.

Over 1,700 companies have reserved more than 414,500 square feet of exhibit space at McCormick Place for the 2012 Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration (AHR) Expo on Jan. 23 to 25, making it the largest HVACR exposition of all time.

Attendees at the 2012 ASHRAE Winter Conference will have the chance to discuss and examine the latest topics in the building industry, participate in technical tours, attend ASHRAE Learning Institute courses, earn professional credits, and obtain ASHRAE certifications.