One of the ironies many busy contractors face is that there is a wealth of educational opportunities available to them, but so little time to take advantage of it.
When you stop and think about all of the various training and educational opportunities for contractors, it is quite impressive. Organizations like PHCC, ACCA, NATE, SMACNA, RETA and many other associations offer a variety of in-person and online educational programs which are of great value to contractors.
Then there are the educational opportunities available from manufacturers. Many of the major manufactures offer training and educational sessions that are critical for contractors who are installing their products. Although an increasing number of these sessions are online, several require the contractor to take a couple of hours out of their busy day to attend. So while there is no question that many contractors find it extremely valuable to have face-time with their supplier partners, it would be very time-consuming to meet with all of them over an extended period of time in multiple locations.
And let’s not forget webinars and other educational opportunities offered by the leading trade publications. Several media companies offer valuable webinars featuring some of the industry’s leading experts.
So although contractors would agree that ongoing training and education is critical, the question is where do you find the time?
One solution thousands of contractors use every year to maximize their time spent on education is to attend AHR Expo. In just one or two days, they can attend dozens of educational sessions sponsored by the leading trade associations, meet with all or most of their key suppliers exhibiting on the Show floor and attend seminars produced by leading trade publications. They can also network with and learn from thousands of other contractors attending the Show from around the world.
What would normally take a contractor several days and extensive travel can be accomplished in a few hours under one roof. AHR Expo allows contractors to visit with more of their suppliers in half a day, including senior management and product managers they normally wouldn’t encounter, than they could meet in several days back home.
Equally important, they can take what they learn about new trends and technologies in the classroom sessions and see them in action on the Show floor. I’ve talked to countless contractors at AHR Expo over the years that tell me attending the Show was the best investment they have ever made.
It seems ironic that taking a day or two off work to attend AHR Expo can actually be the most efficient and cost-effective method of gaining valuable training and discovering new solutions. However, it is how one deals with life’s ironies that determines their success.
The 2014 AHR Expo takes place January 21-23, 2014, at the Javits Center in New York. You can learn more about the AHR Expo educational sessions here and register to attend at www.ahrexpo.com.
We look forward to seeing you in New York.
Clay Stevens is the President of the International Exposition Company (IEC) that produces and manages the AHR Expo.
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