Air Conditioning Event Hot Despite Cool Economy

Despite the admittedly challenged economy, attendance at the annual Mobile Air Conditioning Worldwide Convention and Trade Show in February was virtually identical to what it was in 2007.

Held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Tex., considered the capital of the mobile air conditioning business, the event welcomed some 1,600 attendees who were treated to an excellent assortment of technical and business presentations, a few inspirational words, and more than a little pure entertainment.

“Our first data check shows the decline in attendance (about 150) to [have come] from the manufacturing side, with many of our companies sending fewer representatives to attend the show as their budgets tightened and travel was restricted,” explained Elvis L. Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer. “The attendance from our service members was consistent from prior years, with strong attendance in all of the many hours of training sessions. We even had 50 people stay for a late Saturday afternoon training session by John Anello on scan tool usage. So the hunger for knowledge remains strong.”

First-time attendee Christopher Reynolds, a technical educator from Southern Illinois University, said, “I would like to mention how enjoyable the MACS convention was to attend. This was my first time attending, and I was thrilled to meet so many technicians, educators, engineers, and other attendees that were enthused enough to attend such a conference.”

The MACS trade show featured 115 exhibitors in 187 booths. Karl Matis, an exhibitor from Hecat, said, “As a longtime member and exhibitor, and given the current economic climate, it was fantastic to see the number and calibre of exhibitors and attendees.”

Kevin Burton, director of marketing and integrated business development at Four Seasons, reviewed the show this way. “MACS is one of the few remaining organizations where you can see and be seen in a forum specializing in the mobile HVAC industry. This alone makes the experience and investment worthwhile.”

Grace Davis, president of Omega Environmental Technologies, sells into many global markets and remarked on the show’s attendees, “To see so many friends and colleagues from 25 different countries, many of whom were Omega customers since the beginning, is very valuable to our business.”

While strong technical presentations made up the vast bulk of the conference, one notable exception was the luncheon keynote speech by noted industry writer Mitch Schneider, who spoke on the basics of business: lessons, he said, he had learned from his father.

Aside from strong points on positioning, marketing, customer service, and knowing your competition, Schneider made the simple note that the road to success starts with a single decision: to act.

“By approaching every aspect of your business proactively, you are in a position to act instead of react. By making decisions, we have been able to tolerate adversity better.”

Taking action is the first, middle, and last step to success, he said.

“The keys to survival in the automotive industry are ultimately the keys that will unlock the doors to success.”

The MACS Worldwide 30th Annual Convention and Trade Show is scheduled for January 19-21, 2010 at the Rio Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev. Visit MACS’ website at www.macsw.org.