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January 28-30, 2013. AHR? It sounds like what the Pirate King would say as he opens his treasure chest. But no, seeing the acronym above the registration desk means you made it to the International Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Expo. The drive for greater energy efficiency, greener products and sustainable technologies has, we heard, accelerated the pace at which new AC and heating products and innovations are coming to market. In this challenging economy, these professionals must also be more innovative in their businesses, or risk getting left behind. Present were over 1,800 manufacturers and suppliers of the latest HVACR systems, equipment, products and services. Attendees included Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors, Facility & Operations Management and Building Owners, Consulting, Project & Design Engineering types, folk from Public Utilities and Government Agencies… Is it just me, or is it chilly in here? I’m heading for the heating end of this jamboree…
Sept. 19-22, 2012. AHVRP is the Association for Healthcare Volunteer Resource Professionals, and their conference was apparently all about “achieving harmony through diversity”, a goal that “reflects commitment to collaboration in delivering education, professional development, peer networking and practical tools that help expand knowledge and enhance performance in achieving volunteer administration goals”. The main keynoter focused on “what makes us happiest and most resilient as individuals” – particularly in the world of volunteerism. Based on years of research into extremely happy people, the session explored how certain behaviors and attitudes create the most resilient personalities. There was also an exploration of the biochemical and bio-physiological impacts of specific behaviors on our health and personal happiness. So NOW are you happy?
Aug. 28-31, 2012. CMN is the Catholic Marketing Network. Catholic Book and Gift store owners from all over the country and as far away as the Philippines converged on the Dallas/Fort Worth area to attend the 16th annual Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show. They found themselves on an exhibition floor packed with a wide selection of Catholic books, gifts, music, religious jewelry, statuary and hundreds of items from all over the world. Delegates agreed that no other professional organization offered the opportunity for all of these diverse entities and individuals to come together for the purpose of making others aware of their activities, and working together towards a common goal: to create a more efficient environment for the distribution of Catholic materials. Hey, got anything blessed by the Pope?
Aug. 23-26, 2012. GATS is the Great American Trucking Show, billed as the nation’s second-largest trucking trade show. It offers attendees a wide variety of industry exhibitors and information sessions. Delegates can find a job, attend free educational seminars, get the latest information from top industry leaders, or see the diesel-powered works of art at the Custom Rigs Pride & Polish Truck Beauty Contest. Aside from the Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference, there were free concerts from top country music artists, and exhibits from leaders in the heavy duty trucking industry. Topics truckers could investigate included aerodynamics, exhaust components, insurance, leasing, recovery and waste oil systems, safety equipment, sleeper cabs and accessories, tires, warranty services, plus waxes, polishes and cleaning equipment. My truck? It’s a clean machine…
Aug. 11-14, 2012. ASAE bills itself as “the center for association leadership”. This Association is all about… well, associations. And sustainability. 2012, we learned, is the fifth year that ASAE has integrated social responsibility into every level of its meetings and events. These efforts — which ranged from biggies like site selection to issues as minor as opting out of pre-poured water at a board dinner — demonstrated that they take their commitment to operating sustainably seriously. There was a clear recognition of the need for ASAE and the wider association community to help lead and grow the green meeting movement. The green meeting strategy aimed to “lighten associations’ environmental impact and give back to the host community in meaningful ways, while simultaneously providing service and experience to our attendees”. Hey, who just put a plastic cup in the paper re-cycling???
June 25-26, 2012. NACDA is the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. NACDA serves as the professional association for those in the field of intercollegiate athletics administration, and provides educational opportunities and serves as a vehicle for the exchange of information and advocacy on behalf of the profession. The overall aim is to develop a collegial and mutually beneficial relationship with the administration, faculty and students (i.e. potential future athletics administrators) in the sports management programs within the colleges and universities of North America. At NACDA’s Job Center, members of NACDA and its affiliate associations can submit their athletics administration job openings, view resumes, and contact individuals for employment openings. It’s all part of the “race to full employment”….
June 24-25, 2012. How electronic is the Food & Beverage industry? Delegates to Southwest Food Expo were invited to check out today’s audio & visual technologies, providing innovative “turnkey custom solutions” for restaurants, hotels, bars and nightclubs, integrating the newest technologies including interactive touch screen tables with touch screen menus, games, music applications, social media applications and more. As to the bartender, all new exhibits offered a delicious, consistent and no-nonsense take on the world’s favorite mixers, from a bold Bloody Mary to smooth Strawberry Daiquiris. Visitors could check out loyalty programs that customers could take with them anywhere, “spreading the love” to their favorite eateries, and earning yummy rewards. Make mine a “turnkey” sandwich…
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