Trade shows can be a great way to introduce contractors to new products, solicit voice of customer, initiate (or strengthen) relationships, network and maybe learn a thing or two. A phenom that has occurred much more so post-pandemic is distributors exhibiting at contractor tradeshows, especially regional shows.
No longer is the business, “only in my backyard.” Contractors have grown and now work regionally and nationally. Conversely, many distributors are following their customers and/or have developed services to support contractors outside their market.
An industry tradeshow that is coming and perhaps should be on your radar is the PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors Association) Connect which is being held October 7-10 in Birmingham, AL.
The show recently shared information on its keynote speakers:
“Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) unveils Jeff Butler and Mary Kelly as the keynote speakers for CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama, October 7-10, at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.
Jeff Butler is a workplace strategist, who has offered expertise to help companies like Amazon, Google and John Deere foster a harmonious and high-performing workplace. Butler will present a keynote address, “Building an Effective Multi-Generational Workplace.” He will also lead a breakout session on the topic of “Winning the Talent War.”
Mary Kelly is a Council of Peer Award of Excellence speaker, best-selling author and Navy commander. At CONNECT, Kelly will share various stories and experiences of interest to p-h-c contractors during her keynote address, “Why Leaders Fail and the 7 Prescriptions for Success.” Kelly will also lead a breakout session, “Master Your World,” where she will emphasize effective tactics, practical strategies and innovative solutions that are tailored to dilemmas faced by today’s leaders.
“I know that many attendees, including myself, are anticipating the remarks that Jeff and Mary will share,” says Joe Cornetta, PHCC national president and co-owner of Cornetta Brothers, Inc., Elmont, New York. “We are excited to have these two leaders join us and help offer invaluable insights to the industry.”
For more details, including the schedule-at-a-glance, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT. This site offers information on education sessions, speakers, exhibitors, registration and hotel reservations, as well as the many attractions of Birmingham, known as “The Country’s Best Kept Secret.” Register for CONNECT 2024 here.”
Not having attended, I asked the show some questions that I thought may be important to you:
- How many people usually attend?
- Attendance averages about 1,000, and we are hoping for more this year. What is projected 2024 registration / attendance? 1,000+
- What % are HVAC focused?
- The majority of plumbing contractors who attend CONNECT also offer HVAC services; there also are some mechanical-only contractors who attend CONNECT.
- Do distributors attend? Exhibit?
- Yes, distributors attend and exhibit. In the past, we’ve had Home Depot, Ferguson, WinSupply, Supplyhouse.com, and regionals like Coburn.
- I noticed that there is much supplier exhibit space left (only 51 on the chart when I last checked). Can manufacturers still register to exhibit?
- Yes, and we usually sell out exhibit space.
Perhaps something that should be on your company’s calendar? Worst case, perhaps someone should “walk the show” and then share observations, learnings and product insights with others. Perhaps reach out to the show to learn more and exhibiting could be a cost-effective way to gain visibility … and leads! Maybe even coordinate with a contingent of customers for a trip (especially customers that are dual trade?)
