Bob Jarvie has been hired by Messe Frankfurt to assist in the launch of the ISH North America Trade Show and Conference in Toronto, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2002. ISH NA is an international trade show for plumbing, heating, air conditioning, kitchen and bath and related technologies. Jarvie will be responsible for booth sales in the hydronics, HVAC/R and plumbing segments, and will provide consulting services on the conference sessions.

Jarvie recently concluded a 14-year stint with the American Supply Association that included running its ASA Exposition. He can be reached at 222 Merchandise Mart, Suite 1400, Chicago, Ill. 60654; 312/464-0090; fax: 312/464-0091; email: bjarvie@asa.net.

In related news, Business News Publishing has hired Christin Schrei as special projects advertising manager. Schrei is responsible for advertising sales for the ISH NA show directory, show dailies, and conference brochures. She has 11 years experience in advertising sales, including the Chicago Tribune and several industry trade magazines. Schrei can be reached at 3150 River Road, Suite 101, Des Plaines, Ill. 60018; 847/544-0443; fax: 847/297-3540; email: cschrei12@aol.com or crs@bnp.com.

Meanwhile, Messe Frankfurt announced the number of ISH NA exhibitors now exceeds 120. Exhibit reservations and requests for information increased strongly following the ASA convention in October. Viessmann Manufacturing and Mansfield Plumbing Products LLC are among the most recent exhibitor additions, according to Messe Frankfurt's Dirk Ebener.

To date, Spain, Italy, Germany, China, Taiwan, Japan, Turkey, and the Chech Republic have indicated they will participate in ISH NA with a booth or pavilion, Ebener said. Australia, Switzerland, Argentina, and Brazil also have indicated strong interest.

The Plumbing Contractors of America and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America also have indicated they will sponsor ISH NA and encourage their members' participation. They join the Association of Industry Manufacturers Representatives as event sponsors. PCA also agreed to hold its annual convention in conjunction with the inaugural ISH NA.

Each of the ISH NA partners - ASA, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating - has agreed to hold its annual convention in conjunction with ISH NA. The Royal York Hotel has been selected as the ASA headquarters hotel, while the Toronto Sheraton has been selected as the PHCC-NA headquarters hotel.

GES has been hired as the ISH NA transportation and logistics contractor. According to Ebener, special arrangements have been made to assure that freight from other industry shows arrives in Toronto in time for the ISH NA Expo. For more information, contact Dirk Ebener, Messe Frankfurt Inc., 1600 Parkwood Circle, Suite 515, Atlanta, GA 30339; 770-984-8016; fax: 770-984-8023; email: dirk.ebener@usa.messefrankfurt.com.