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Industry News
Service World Expo Goes Virtual
COPPELL, TEXAS — Service World Expo is making a major pivot. The show is still on, but based on the responses of a survey of prior attendees the show will not be physical. It will be virtual, but a different kind of virtual, powered by incredibly robust and creative software. Imagine Service World Expo as a video game.
“In 2020, people have become so accustomed to virtual meetings that they are now boring, passé,” said Matt Michel, Service Roundtable president. “That will not be the case with Service World. This will not be a glorified webinar. It is not another Zoom call. It is a true virtual event.”
Each day will start with a general session and a keynote speaker. The keynotes are Phoenix contractor Lou Hobaica; motivational speaker, Kevin Brown; and Matt Michel. Breakouts follow the general session and the trade show follows the breakouts. The same speakers who were lined up for breakouts in the physical show will give the breakouts for the virtual event. Each speaker will go to a virtual room after the presentation to answer questions.
A number of booths during the trade show portion will use virtual reality and augmented reality. Attendees will be able to immerse themselves in one of these booths and get a 360-degree panorama. They will be able to see products in three dimensions and walk around them, just like a real show. Since the show is virtual, registration is FREE!
>> bit.ly/2CDfmYE
Interplay Learning Partners with NATE
AUSTIN, TEXAS —North American Technician Excellence (NATE) and Interplay Learning are partnering to match up remote HVACR training with a new, alternative certification pathway for technicians.
With a growing shortage of skilled labor in the U.S. compounded by a pandemic, traditional training programs are unable to meet industry demand for skilled workers. The collaboration of Interplay Learning and NATE signifies the readiness of the trades to move into the future of training, safely. “We are very excited to be partnering with NATE to help the HVAC industry train technicians more safely and effectively with online learning,” said Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning.
The well-known format known as “micro-learning,” which is at the core of the Interplay SkillMill platform, is now directly linked with a NATE credentialing program — available as preparatory classes for NATE’s new certification program.
>> interplaylearning.com
Economic Report Reveals Path to Pre-Pandemic Growth
TORONTO — Jobber released the Home Service Economic Report: Spring 2020 Edition, which showcases market trends and insights pertaining to Home Service businesses in the first half of 2020.
“Although we have not yet seen the full impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on small businesses, the Home Service category has already shown great resilience over this past quarter,” said Sam Pillar, CEO and co-founder at Jobber. “Barring any unforeseen setbacks, the category is on a strong path to recovery and, in many industries, has reached and even exceeded pre-pandemic growth levels.”
Jobber’s Home Service Economic Report is compiled using proprietary performance data aggregated from the 90,000+ home service professionals the platform serves. Category performance is also compared to the U.S. GDP and other major categories for context.
>> getjobber.com/home-service-reports/july-2020/ Johnson Controls Commits to Preventing Spread of COVID-19
MILWAUKEE — Though guidance around the transmission of COVID-19 continues to evolve, experts agree that indoor air quality (IAQ) should be a top priority. Johnson Controls is committed to helping create spaces that put people at ease.
A healthy and safe environment starts with a holistic approach that encompasses a building’s HVACR infrastructure. To do this, Johnson Controls can help building owners and operators identify strategies to increase outdoor air circulation, filtration options to provide better air quality, optimal temperature settings to slow the flow of airborne pathogens and the use of ultraviolet C (UV-C) lighting solutions to kill viral organisms.
“Keeping people safe and secure in buildings has always been at the heart of our mission for 135 years,” said Mike Ellis, executive vice president and chief digital & customer officer, Johnson Controls. “The new normal means being prepared for the unexpected.”
>> johnsoncontrols.com/campaigns/reopen-buildings
Aire Serv Celebrates Strong First Half of 2020
WACO, TEXAS — Aire Serv, a Neighborly company, ended the first half of the year on a high note, awarding almost 10 new franchise agreements and opening 15 new locations from January-June of this year.
This brings the total size of the Aire Serv network to more than 200 locations open and in development across North America with a strong forecast of continued expansion ahead.
“Recognizing the uncertainty during this pandemic, we have consistently kept our owners informed about Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA),” said Marla Mock, vice president of Aire Serv.
>> neighborlybrands.com/our-brands/aire-serv/
STAMFORD, CONN. — SpeedClean is collaborating with HVAC School to offer NATE-approved programming to educate contractors on proper mini-split maintenance and coil cleaning practices. SpeedClean’s trained staff will partner with distributors to plan, promote and conduct the seminar.
The seminar focuses on providing education and data to help contractors communicate the importance of coil cleaning and overall maintenance. The content will include a step-by-step guide to mini-split maintenance and coil cleaning and an overview of the resources and equipment available to help with the process. SpeedClean will provide demonstrations of its innovative solutions that are designed to make it easier for contractors to perform mini-split maintenance and coil cleaning.
>> speedclean.com
WATERTOWN, MASS. — Bosch Thermotechnology announced the proactive streamlining of the Split WSHP Air Handling Unit (AHU) product lines for its geothermal SM and LM split systems, making it easier for contractors to fulfill ordering needs for specific projects and installations.
The consolidation reduces the total number of configurations and parts for Bosch’s SM and LM Split systems from thousands to 84 and 32, respectively.
The move offers relief and dramatic time savings for system installers who are seeing rapid growth in split geothermal projects.
