The National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (formerly the National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers) will host its annual convention and trade show May 20-24, in Providence, R.I., at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The event will celebrate technology with the theme “Energy - It’s a New Frontier ... Get Connected!” All industry professionals are welcome to attend free of charge.

At this event, OESP will take its mission of education to the next level, with courses and a trade show focused on the latest technological developments in the field. At the request of attendees and exhibitors, OESP has added an outdoor exhibit area to the 2012 trade show. This Outdoor Energy Fair promises a lot of activity with ongoing training and food.

In keeping with the technology theme, OESP will have a trade show floor at Center Court, where attendees can get connected with new technologies offered by exhibitors. There also will be exciting educational opportunities such as the new Energy Consultant Academy, and a chance to learn more from Generation X about how to put technology to work in your business.

Train-the-Trainer program

This year, OESP will also showcase a major initiative - its Train-the-Trainer program. This is an ongoing program for teachers, including those who are responsible for training within their company, independent trainers, manufacturers’ trainers and instructors. Convention attendees will have the opportunity to see firsthand the benefits of the Train-the-Trainer program.

Four OESP members who are involved in the program will be teaching a session - Al Breda of the New Haven Chapter will teach a class on solar; Ralph Adams of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter will teach a class on selling high-efficiency equipment; Matt Spink of the Long Island Chapter will teach a class on moving from a residential to a commercial tech; and Angel Gonzalez of the New York City Chapter will teach a class on steam heat. In addition, Carol Fey will hold a workshop for trainers on teaching the baseics of energy controls.

The Train-the-Trainer program begins with a 2 1/2-day workshop delivered by Penn State. After the initial session, the program will hold annual sessions, focusing on a different industry-related topic each year. All participants receive a PowerPoint presentation developed by the trainer and have an opportunity to practice presenting. The goal of the program is to build confidence and deliver training in a consistent manner.

Whether you are a plumber, chimney expert, home inspector, HVACR contractor, oil- or gas technician, student, own your own company or manage a company, there is something for you at OESP’s convention. Attend complimentary courses and gain NATE and NORA (National Oilheat Research Alliance) CEUs. And this year, OESP will award a free electronic tablet each day. To enter the drawing, attend at least one class each day. Attend two classes and enhance the chances of winning.

Attendees will also be able to visit a variety of exhibitors displaying all types of energy products. Visit www.thinkoesp.org or call 888/552-0900 to learn more about exhibiting or attending.

Source: National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals