Pivotal Changes

The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) World-wide celebrated its 30th Anniversary Convention with an optimistic and focused group of buyers and sellers.

While preliminary attendance figures for the Las Vegas, Nev., event in January show more than 1,000 attendees and nearly 100 exhibiting companies made up the cornerstone event for this highly specialized segment, what numbers alone can’t reveal is the fervour with which attendees devoured the technical sessions, social networking events, and, in particular, a packed-to-the-rafters briefing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the impending arrival of the new refrigerant, HFO-1234yf.

What techs and shop owners learned at that briefing was that there is very little doubt that this will become the OEM refrigerant of choice.

The refrigerant has been characterized as a “near drop-in replacement for R-134a,” making it a shoo-in going forward. European bodies are mandating its use in all new platforms as of the 2011 model year. (There are still some questions about the timing of its introduction in North America.)

A session on this pivotal shift, presented alongside more than two dozen technical and business management classes, was an appropriate inclusion in the MACS event, which has remained a critical part of the mobile air conditioning training schedule despite recent tough economic conditions.

“MACS is proud of our 30th Anniversary Convention and Trade Show, and of the many attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors who made the effort in a down economy to bring the industry together to discuss business, regulatory, and technical issues,” said Elvis L. Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer.

“The general vibe at the show was optimism for a renewed business climate as companies have audited efficiencies and made changes for the economic climate. The industry has a positive focus on the upcoming summer season.”

In recognition for 30 years of dedicated service, Hoffpauir was honoured by MACS chairman and chief executive officer Andy Fiffick during the MACS Keynote Luncheon. Calling all past and present MACS board members to the stage, Fiffick thanked Mr. Hoffpauir for his past and continuing contributions to the welfare, success, and sound fiscal management of the society.

The MACS Keynote Luncheon, with guest speaker Edward Lapham, executive editor of Automotive News, was a standing-room-only event at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino, and was sponsored by long-time MACS member Delphi.

To learn more about MACS Worldwide and the upcoming 31st Annual Convention and Trade Show, to be held January 27-29, 2011 in Orlando, Fla. at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, visit the MACS website at www.macsw.org.