ISH North America, the only North American trade show that addresses the complete supply chain for the kitchen and bath, plumbing, PVF, HVAC and hydronics industries, will hold its fourth trade show, Sept. 28-30, in McCormick Place North Hall, Chicago.

Show organizers project that about 15,000 industry professionals will attend the three-day event that is expected to feature more than 550 exhibitors from around the world and more than 40 educational sessions on specific industry topics.

ISH North America is a great chance to network with other industry professionals, whether you are a contractor, wholesaler, distributor, manufacturers rep, engineer, code official, architect or educator.

For information, visit http://www.usa.messefrankfurt.com/shows/northamerica/ishna06/index.htm

Educational Opportunities

Education kicks off ISH North America on Sept. 28 with five concurrent seminars held between 9-10:30 a.m. before the trade show floor opens. In that first day alone, attendees will be able to choose from a total of 20 separate seminars.

This year's seminar schedule promises to be one of the best educational values of the year. Seminar tracks this year include Business Management, Code, Environmental, HVAC, Plumbing, and Radiant/Hydronic Heating. Executives from the newest show partner, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, also helped develop the Code track, including seminars on the changes and updates to the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code; the relationships among codes, product standards and product approval; and the state of plumbing and mechanical codes, locally and nationally.

To make sure everyone has time to visit the trade show and attend seminars, the concurrent seminars will run from 9-10:30 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. on the show's first two days, and from 9-10:30 a.m. on the show's last day.

Among the seminar speakers most familiar to SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES' readers are:

• JIM OLSZTYNSKI, editor, SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES: “50 Simple Tips to Boost Your Business Writing Skills”
  
  
• DON ARNOLD, an editorial contributor to SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES for more than 20 years and author of The College Of Product Knowledge: “Trends in Plumbing Products”
  
  
• AL LEVI, industry consultant and trainer, published in SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES: “Staffing Power! Recruiting, Hiring and Training” Parts I and II

For a complete listing of the seminars and featured speakers, visit the Web site: http://www.usa.messefrankfurt.com/shows/northamerica/ishna06/index.htm

Show Events

The ISH North America trade show will be open 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sept. 28 and Sept. 29; and 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sept. 30. At press time, 470 exhibitors from 17 countries had booked booth space, with more than 170 exhibitors new to the show.

This year's show will again feature the New Products Showcase. According to a survey conducted after the 2004 show, 86% of attendees consider seeing new products a top priority for attending the event. Manufacturers enter their products in one of six product categories: HVAC; Kitchen & Bath; Plumbing & Piping; Radiant/Hydronic Heating; Software & Business Efficiency or Tools & Equipment. First and second place awards will be presented in each category, as well as a “Best Overall Product of 2006.”

Two other popular trade association-related events will also return to this year's trade show floor:

The PHCC-NA will hold its International Plumbing Apprentice Contest, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sept. 28.

The RPA will set up its Radiant House in which various radiant heating products are “installed” during the course of the trade show.



ISH NORTH AMERICA is held in conjunction with the annual conventions of show partners, the American Supply Association; PHCC-NA; Radiant Panel Association; and IAPMO. Also, the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating, another charter show partner, will hold its Maple Leaf Reception, 5-7 p.m., Sept. 28, McCormick Place East, Lakeside Centre, Room E353. For more information, visit www.ciph.com or call 416-695-0447.

Network '06, Sept. 26-30, The Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, brings together the ASA and PHCC-NA conventions. For more information, visit www.network06.org or call ASA at 312-464-0090. Please note that some events may require a ticket or invitation to attend.

The Radiant Panel Association will open its annual conference with a reception, 6-8 p.m., Sept. 28, Westin Michigan Ave., Chicago. For information, visit www.radiantpanelassociation.org or call 970-613-0100 or 800-660-7187.

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials will host its 77th Annual Education and Business Conference Sept. 24-28, Doubletree Hotel, Oakbrook, IL. For more information, visit www.iapmo.org or call 909-472-4100.

ISH North America Show Hours

• Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  
• Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  
• Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

The show floor at the ISH North America trade show divides exhibitors into distinct sections:

• Kitchen & Bath/Plumbing
  
• Commercial/Industrial Pipe, Valves & Fittings
  
• HVAC/Radiant
  
• Technology Pavilion
  
• Controls Pavilion

Attendees can visit booths featuring the following products: chemicals, caulks, cement; computer software, office automation and technology; faucets, fixtures; heaters, heating appliances and heating accessories; pipe, valves and fittings; pumps; radiant and hydronic products; sewer/drain services; toilets, urinals, showers and accessories; tools, work apparel, trucks and equipment; water heaters; whirlpools, tubs and tub enclosures; and much more.

How To Register For ISH North America Trade Show And Seminars

Your registration for the Network '06, IAPMO or RPA conventions includes free registration to the ISH North America trade show and any of the ISH North America seminars. However, you must register in advance for the seminars you plan on attending. Registration material for the seminars is included in the Network '06 and IAPMO conference brochures or by visiting either www.network06.org or the Messe Frankfurt Web site listed on these pages.

You can register to attend the ISH North America seminars directly through show organizer, Messe Frankfurt, but will pay additional fees to attend any of the ISH North America seminars. For more information, visit http://www.usa.messefrankfurt.com/ shows/northamerica/ishna06/index.htm.