The Radiant Panel Association will set up its Radiant House exhibit at the 2004 ISH North America conference and expo to be held Oct. 13-17 at the new Boston Convention Center.

The RPA's 16-foot by 16-foot Radiant House, displayed at past RPA REX shows, is a simulated building structure constructed on the show floor, in which various radiant heating products are installed during the event. Radiant manufacturers will demonstrate actual installation techniques and provide anyone interested with hands-on advice installing staple-up and staple-down tubing systems, prefabricated radiant floor panels, electric systems, gypsum floor pours, and more.

The handiwork will be left in place during the show to provide examples of the variety of radiant systems and equipment available.

The RPA also will hold its annual conference on Oct. 13, featuring six seminars, the System Showcase competition and member meeting. The association also will hold its Radiant Basics class, Oct. 14; a Radiant Installers Certification Exam, Oct. 15; and its Radiant Precision class, Oct. 16.

RPA Conference registrants may also attend the ISH North America trade show floor and seminars. The RPA booth at ISH North America will include a gallery of radiant history and art.

For more information on the conference, visit www.RPAconference.com or call 800-660-7187.

I=B=R School

The 2004 ISH North America will also feature an “attached” educational opportunity for heating contractors - an I=B=R Hydronic Heating School, Oct. 12-13, also at the Boston Convention Center. I=B=R School attendees will receive free admittance to ISH North America's trade show floor.

The I=B=R Schools have been offered in 15 cities during the last nine months with excellent participation. The course content is provided by the Hydronic Institute Division of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association and managed by BNP Media, publisher of SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES. The courses teach how to design and install hydronic heating systems with baseboard and radiators, plus heat loss calculations, pipe sizing, control and boiler sizing, and more.

Attendees receive the “I=B=R Guide to Residential Hydronic Heating Design/Installation Handbook,” “H22 Heat Loss Calculation” book, breakfast, lunch and snacks, and a certificate of course completion. Cost for the school is $395. To register, visit www.bnpmedia.com/conferences, or call Keri Wrobel at 888-530-6714.

Location, Location!

This year's location in New England is especially significant for the radiant heating and hydronics industries. ISH North America show partners are dedicated to ensuring that all of the region's trade professionals have access to the many benefits offered by the trade show and all its related events.

Organizers are working closely with a number of endorsing organizations and exhibitors to bring members, clients, employees, distributors and others to join thousands of industry professionals at ISH North America. By sponsoring chartered bus trips to the event, all sponsoring organizations will receive on-site recognition in addition to on-site benefits for their Boston-bound group.

At press time, Messe Frankfurt Inc. reported that 400 companies had reserved space for the trade show, with the final tally expected to exceed 500.

A larger number of hydronic and radiant heating companies are exhibiting at this year's show, due in part to the location; the first-time participation of show partner, the RPA; and the support from other heating groups such GAMA and its HI Division, as well as ongoing promotion from founding show partners, the American Supply Association; the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association; and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating.

Booth space is available in each of the three floor segments (Hydronics/HVAC, Plumbing/PVF, and Kitchen & Bath). For information on exhibiting, contact Jennifer Salvadori at 770-984-8016 ext. 413, or visit www.ish-na.com.

Also, registration is now available for the ISH Academy Seminars, more than 50 seminars and 30 speakers covering eight separate tracks: Kitchen & Bath, Plumbing/PVF, Hydronics, Radiant Heating, HVAC, Environmental Systems, and Business Management and Marketing (I and II).

The seminars will begin with a keynote address by SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES' columnist and hydronics expert Dan Holohan on Oct. 14 and will run through Saturday, Oct. 16. To review the seminars, visit www.ish-na.com and click on “seminars.”

More To See At 2004 ISH NA

Other show highlights include the following:

-- Product Demonstration Area: New for 2004, ISH North America will allow exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their products in action at a Product Demonstration Area, set up directly on the exhibit hall floor. It will allow trade buyers and attendees to see the latest innovations and most popular products in detail.

“It's one thing to see an item on display on the show floor - it's quite another to see that product in action,” said Roland Bleinroth, president of Messe Frankfurt Inc., show organizer and partner.

-- David Kohler Speech: The future of the industry will be addressed by David Kohler, president of Kohler Co.'s Kitchen and Bath Group, during a special luncheon event Oct. 14 at noon. Kohler will share his vision of the industry's bold future and how it applies to companies eager to meet the exciting challenges ahead.

-- New Product Showcase: According to past ISH North America attendee surveys, more than 86% of show visitors identify “seeing new products” as a top priority. New products will be featured in a special section on the show floor. Awards will be given in the categories of Kitchen & Bath; Plumbing & Piping; Heating & Ventilation; Software & Electronic Equipment; Industrial Products; Tools & Equipment; and Best Overall Product.

-- Smart House: The Smart House, a popular feature at past ISH Frankfurt events and at last year's ISH North America, will be exhibited in Boston. As its name implies, the Smart House incorporates a number of residential building ideas to automate plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, lighting, consumer electronics and other matters of daily home life.

-- Red Carpet Club: Exhibitors will be able to recognize their top prospects. These VIPS will receive one-on-one customer service with a personal invitation, on-site recognition, free seminar registration and access to the show's exclusive Red Carpet Club Lounge.

-- ISH NA Sponsorships: Assorted sponsorships are still available to gain stronger presence at the show and brand recognition. Sponsorships are on a first-served basis. The deadline is Aug. 1.

-- ISH NA Official Show Directory and Dailies: The deadline for advertising in the official ISH North America Show Directory, which includes exhibitor booth and product listings, ISH Academy Seminars, show floor map, and convention information for ASA, PHCC-NA, and RPA, is Aug. 31. The Official Show Dailies will be published twice: Oct. 13-14 and Oct. 15-16. Each will outline two days of ISH North America events. The deadline for advertising is Sept. 6. To advertise, contact Christin Schrei at 630-694-4388 or e-mail schreic@bnpmedia.com.