I always find it funny that after you attend a trade show the official PR from that particular event inevitably states, “This was the best show to date!” or “Best attendance ever!” I haven’t seen the official numbers yet, but from the look and feel—and feedback—from this year’s show in Vegas, this ranks up there as one of the best I’ve attended. While I was scurrying around with booth appointments, our industry best video team was quickly moving from booth to booth shooting high-quality video for many clients. Thanks to them! From the on-floor buzz to the educational tracks and seminars to after-parties, all work and some play makes this Johnny, well, a tired boy. And this show left me drained, yet satiated.
What’s more, I know people have their opinions about Sin City, but the Vegas backdrop was the perfect elixir to the doldrums of traveling. In addition to the great weather, great food, nightlife and friends did not disappoint. Where else can you be in the same location as thousands of your closest industry friends? If you can’t find something to do in Vegas, then you might as well stay home.
To an exhibitor, they all told me that day one traffic was off the charts with aisles so packed it became hard to navigate, which is not such a bad thing. Some exhibitors told me that they had more qualified leads in the morning of that first day than the totals of an entire 3-day trade show. While the traffic seemed to taper off on day two, that’s to be expected somewhat as that is the trend.
At the Hub, we try to keep it fun. At the RPA cocktail reception,
Eric Aune and fellow contractor, John Abularrage fight for bragging
rights for the Arm Wrestling Championship.
Remember, for these shows, always be hydrated, moisturized, sanitized and comfortable in what you wear to a show this size. Oh, and keep your breath minty fresh.
Plumbing and hydronic/HVAC equipment, tools, trucks, building automation and management systems, controls, sustainable and renewable technology were all on display. For example, all 2017 AHR Expo Innovation Award winners were selected by a panel of third-party ASHRAE member judges who evaluated each entry based on innovative design, creativity, application, value and market impact.
Check out the complete list of 2017 AHR Expo Innovation Award winners includes:
Building Automation
Company: Danfoss (www.danfoss.us)
Innovation: Danfoss Enterprise Services
Cooling
Company: Daikin Applied (www.daikinapplied.com)
Innovation: Pathfinder® Air-cooled Screw Chillers with Variable Volume Ratio (VVR) Technology
Green Building
Company: Carrier (carrier.com/commercial)
Innovation: Dual Stage Relief Economizer (DSRE)
Heating
Company: Noritz America (www.noritz.com)
Innovation: Noritz CB Combi Boiler
Indoor Air Quality
Company: Nortec Humidity (www.humidity.com)
Innovation: Nortec GS Series – CS Model (Nortec GS CS) Humidifier
Plumbing
Company: Taco, Inc. (www.tacocomfort.com)
Innovation: SmartPlug Instant Hot Water Control
Refrigeration
Company: Danfoss (www.danfoss.us)
Innovation: Danfoss CTM (Electrical Controlled Transcritical Multi Ejector)
Software
Company: Nidec Motor Corporation / U.S. MOTORS® (www.usmotors.com)
Innovation: Rescue Select Programming App
Tools & Instruments
Company: PEXOLOGY, Inc. (www.pexgun.com)
Innovation: PEXGUN
Ventilation
Company: Titus (www.titus-hvac.com)
Innovation: Helios Digital Diffuser
Join the conversation: