Hello Baltimore!

[Miss Kate]

The Comfortech crew has landed in Charm City and the makings of a spectacular HVACR Week are well under way. The show floor is buzzing with exhibitors building their booths, and the folks at the registration booth are preparing for what could be a record breaking walk-up crowd. Remember walk-up registration opens tomorrow 9/22 at 9 a.m. Check back to this thread throughout the show for updates and photos.

Here are a few pics of the set up:

[Miss Kate]

It's Wednesday afternoon and Comfortech is in full swing. We've already had two Comfortech seminar sessions and are getting ready for a third. Contractors took notes and asked lots of questions in Tom Peric's session 'Get free airtime and publicity without getting up from the couch,' where Tom talked about the secret to getting yourself on a talk radio show.

Vicki and John LaPlant spoke to a full room and gave tips on how to analyze financial statements. Linda Couch from Parrish Services spoke to a standing room only crowd about how to improve your field technicians' performance.

Stay tuned for more updates and photos!

[DeltaT]

I've never heard of Baltimore being called "Charm City!" One of my old stomping grounds and wish I could be there.

Hope you take lots more pictures for those of us that won't be there.

[coolwhip]

Remind HeyBob to pick me up a shirt please...XL :)

[Miss Kate]

Well it's not even 9am and we already have 7 sessions underway at HVACR Week. Industry legends like Matt Michel, Jim Davis, and Gary Upton are busy leading Comfortech Seminar sessions and the first EGB and Commercial HVACR Symposium sessions are taking place now. If you're not here, you're missing out! 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team captain speaks next. I promise to post pics later today!

[Miss Kate]

Remind HeyBob to pick me up a shirt please...XL :)

Will do! Haven't seen Hey Bob yet..looking forward too seeing all the htalk guys!

[DeltaT]

Just wondering. In my few experiences with the Administrators of this sight they are, well, pretty ugly and typically the size of battleships. I figured the convention was being held near the Baltimore Harbor so they could berth themselves cause some are so big they need running lights from the Coast Guard.

So you must be the rose among the thorns, right?

Just wondering.............

[Miss Kate]

Just wondering. In my few experiences with the Administrators of this sight they are, well, pretty ugly and typically the size of battleships. I figured the convention was being held near the Baltimore Harbor so they could berth themselves cause some are so big they need running lights from the Coast Guard.

So you must be the rose among the thorns, right?

Just wondering.............

Ouch! I wouldn't call them thorns! We love the H-talk guys no matter what shape or size...speaking of H-talk guys, here are a few pics from the show today. See if you can find anyone you know!

[Senior Tech]

Just wondering. In my few experiences with the Administrators of this sight they are, well, pretty ugly and typically the size of battleships. I figured the convention was being held near the Baltimore Harbor so they could berth themselves cause some are so big they need running lights from the Coast Guard.

So you must be the rose among the thorns, right?

Just wondering.............

:ban:

[2010]

ill be there tomorrow EARLY......

[DeltaT]

:ban:

Well, just go look in a wide mirror and look at the pictures shown above............................................. ...............:putergreet:

Me thinks they speak for themselves...........:D

[dawgtchrr]

Brought the Thaddeus Stevens College HVACR program students down today. Really a great day. Thanks for the warm welcome you all gave the students. There were many good comments on the bus back home. All of them were impressed with what they saw.

Thank You so much. Every program ought to do this for their students.

[Miss Kate]

Thursday was an action packed day full of seminar sessions and the product showcase was open for the first time. Contractors packed the show hall and got to see the latest innovations and technology that the HVAC industry has to offer.

The HVAC-Talk moderators not only welcomed exsisting members, but signed up several new members to the htalk community.

There was a special treat for contractors that came to the opening session. Mike Eruzione, an American sports legend and Captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic 'Miracle on Ice' hockey team, shared his story of doing the impossible...defeating the Soviet Union to win the gold medal. Mike's tale of how team work and hard work paid off in the end was one that everyone in the room was able to relate to.

The day was capped off with a night out at the Baltimore science center. Contractors enjoyed delicious food, science exhibits, a roof top cigar bar, and a few adult beverages. A great time was had by all that attended.

[BaldLoonie]

Several? Several?

We had over 100 new members yesterday!

[rjb7112]

good job, it was nice to meet you today.

[Servicepro]

I really wish I was there. Loks like fun.

Where is next year to be held at?

Have fun all
Servicepro

[karsthuntr]

I really wish I was there. Loks like fun.

Where is next year to be held at?

Have fun all
Servicepro
Indiana

[Miss Kate]

Friday's General Session was one that Contractor's were happy they made it to regardless of how they felt after the Thursday Night Extravaganza at the Maryland Science Center. Mark Matteson gave a humorous talk teaching attendees how to overcome obstacles. Other highlights of the general session included:


Carol Papesh, chief financial officer for Conditioned Air, Naples, FL, was presented with the HVAC Woman of the Year award.
Jim Isaac of Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., Rochester, NY, was inducted in to the Contracting Business.com Hall of Fame.
The N.A.T.E. Golden Toolbox Award was presented to Jack Bartell of Virginia Air.
The Tom McCart Award was presented to Drew Cameron.
Luxaire and Arlington Heating and Air Conditioning presented the Make A Wish foundation with a check for to make a wish come true.
Gillette Air Conditioning accepted thier Commercial Contractor of the Year award.
Tommy Estes, Owner and President of Estes Heating and Cooling in Atlanta and the 2010 Residential Contractor of the Year gave a touching speech on why his company was chosen for this award.