OESP (National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals) hosted its 60th Annual Convention and Trade Show from May 19-23, 2013 in Hershey, PA. Their “Racing Towards Education” theme gave attendees the Triple Crown of education, new products, and networking.
OESP welcomed attendees on Sunday evening with a President’s Hospitality Reception. Old and new friends came together to celebrate OESP’s 60th Anniversary. Judy Garber, OESP Executive Director, noted, “With milestones, you have the opportunity to reflect upon ‘the way it was’ and ponder the future. We are evolving right alongside the industry and are here for our members with support and training for their continued success.”
Monday featured two charitable events. The Dave Nelsen Scholarship Golf Tournament was held at Deer Valley Golf Course. Established in 1999, the Dave Nelsen Scholarship Fund has awarded over $221,000 to students wishing to continue their education within the industry. Participants enjoyed friendly competition and networking. Oil Heat Cares’ Care to Ride event also took place on Monday. Motorcyclists, cyclists, and walkers raised $53,500 for oil-heating equipment replacements for people who are struggling to heat their homes. The top fundraisers were Ralph Adams (motorcycle division), Roger Marran (bicycle division and highest individual fundraiser), Team Connecticut (highest team fundraiser), and Judy Garber (walking division). Team Connecticut took home the Oil Heat Cares Cup.
Later that evening, attendees gathered for an opening reception co-sponsored by Grundfos and OESP. They enjoyed food, beverages, and music by The Wayback Machine.
OESP delivered on its mission of education with a busy schedule of classes from Monday to Wednesday. Tim Begoske of Field Controls led a Train-the-Trainer session on venting. New presenter Ray Wohlfarth discussed boiler room safety. Other course topics included improving profitability in service, understanding efficiencies, electrical consumption, zoning, schematics, mini splits, oil pumps, A/C evaluating and testing, ECM, wireless technology, gas heat, troubleshooting high-efficiency equipment, radiant heating, learning for trainers, heat gain and loss, a NORA tank update, and more. Attendees also had the chance to earn NATE and NORA certification with review courses followed by exams.
According to Al Breda, OESP National President, “The training and education topics that we offered this year reflect our recent name change and the needs of our changing industry. While we will never forget our strong past in the fuel oil industry, we must adapt and evolve with new challenges that we face in the HVAC and petroleum supply businesses. Taking advantage of the education that is offered by OESP is one way to stay out front.”
OESP’s trade show drew a crowd from Tuesday to Wednesday. Attendees networked at indoor exhibits and tested their skills during a student and technician competition. They also enjoyed the sunshine at the outdoor exhibits and saw new equipment in action.
OESP honored professionals and scholarship recipients at the Awards Banquet on Tuesday night. Attendees enjoyed a Taco-sponsored cocktail party followed by dinner and an awards ceremony. This year’s winners were:
Hugh McKee Award: Charlie Bursey & Paul Cuprewich
Instructor of the Year: Angel Gonzalez
Lifetime Achievement Award: Steve Rinaldo
Lou Ehrich Award: Rick Glownia
Manufacturer of the Year: Bock Water Heaters
Service Manager of the Year: Bob Daros
Dave Nelsen Scholarship Winners:
Alrick Crowe (Honeywell Sponsor)
Zachary Baylor (R.W. Beckett Corp. Sponsor)
Samuel Gumbert (Boston-Southeast Chapter Sponsor)
Roger Bruso (R. E. Michael Sponsor)
Robert Papale (Mid Atlantic Service Managers Award)
Nicholas Micheletti (Taco Sponsor)
Patrick McConnell (Weil-McLain Sponsor)
The Convention ended with a Kentucky-Derby-themed Closing Party co-sponsored by Honeywell and OESP. Earlier that day, attendees were invited to decorate their own hats to wear to the party. It was a festive evening of live music, dinner, and carriage rides around the property.
OESP will explore a new trade show format for 2014 with two events: one at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut from May 12-13, 2014 and the other in Gettysburg, PA from September 22-23, 2014. “Our 2014 pilot plan is to host two regional events vs. one trade show,” says Garber. “The emphasis will be on training with a focus on new products and services. We will also be offering more on-the-road training as well.”
Visit www.thinkoesp.org or call 888-552-0900 to learn more
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