MACS Jumps on the Express Train 2006 Show Preview
Although temperatures are always changing, one thing remains constant: hot summers and cold winters bring great volume to the air conditioning, radiator and heater repair business. “Nothing is more important to our industry than the weather,” said Elvis Hoffpauir, Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) president and COO, as he looks forward to the upcoming MACS Convention and Trade Show. This year’s show — Express Train 2006 — will be held January 26-28 at the Caribe Royale in sunny Orlando, FL.
And because the weather is such a “hot” topic, MACS has brought in internationally known scientist Dr. Heidi Cullen, a climate expert at the Weather Channel, to be the event’s keynote speaker. She will discuss what has been happening with the weather and how it influences your mobile A/C and engine cooling system repair business. Cullen also will provide perspective on what current weather patterns suggest for the coming season.
Express Train 2006 brings the introduction of engine cooling and heat exchange training along with an engine cooling products section, which has been added to fulfill the requests of industry professionals.
More than 80 technical speakers from the OEM, aftermarket and business sectors will offer training in automotive A/C service and repair, and heavy-duty, off-road and medium-duty truck A/C service and repair.
“Staying up-to-date in an industry that is continuously embracing new technology is challenging, and receiving the most value for the training dollar is important, that is why MACS is committed to providing a focused event to deliver the best training available,” Hoffpauir said.
A new addition to the event is the management class, “Become the Manager Everyone Wants to Work For,” presented by George Witt. The class is designed to help service and repair shop owners and managers develop interpersonal skills that take headaches out of managing people. Simple steps will teach attendees to empower their people to make good decisions.
For a second year MACS is aggressively pursuing counterfeit prevention. The association is determined to protect the integrity of all members and trade show exhibitors. During the 2005 convention only one violation was discovered.
Nonetheless, expect a fabulous technical program to unfold over the three-day show.
Hotel reservations can be made at Orlando’s Caribe Royale Hotel and Convention Center by calling 800-823-8300 and using the MACS Convention code “MOBAC.”
Event registration can be done online at www.macsw.org or by calling 215-631-7020 and dialing “0.” Registration forms may be faxed to 215-631-7017. Tickets have been reduced 10% from last year’s price. Shops that send multiple technicians will receive additional discounts.
A current list of companies exhibiting in this year’s show can be found at www.macs.org/ pdf/Exhibit98.pdf.
In upcoming issues of this magazine, Underhood Service technical editor Larry Carley and other editorial staff will provide follow-up A/C Update articles covering the technical information, training seminars and trade show products highlighted at the MACS show.
Schedule Thursday, Jan. 26
Automotive and Light Truck A/C – Representatives from leading auto and light truck manufacturers (Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes, Mazda, Hyundai and Volkswagen) discuss mobile air conditioning service and repair.
HD and Off-Road A/C – A/C service and repair information for specialists: trucking fleets, equipment for construction, mining and agriculture. The session also includes panelist discussion with representatives from Caterpillar, CNH, Denso, Eaton, Index Sensors, Parker Hannifin, Proliance, Red Dot and Sanden.
Engine Cooling and Heat Transfer – Featuring leading auto and light truck manufacturers to discuss radiator repair, proper bleed and flush procedures and the high performance market.
Business and International – Deals with issues and answers, and problems and opportunities for the worldwide mobile air conditioning and heat transfer industry. Panelists include Valeo, Denso, Parker Hannifin, MEMA and Four Seasons.
Roundtable Lunch Discussions – Sponsored by DuPont and Underhood Service.
Various OEM technician discussions.
Welcoming receptions.
Friday, Jan. 27
Paul, Paul and Ward Breakfast – Hear the team share its perspective on the future of mobile air conditioning service.
OEM and Aftermarket Service and Repair – Panelist discussions.
Become the Manager Everyone Wants to Work For – George Witt instructs attendees how to develop interpersonal skills and ultimately erase your management headaches.
Lunch Keynote Speaker – Dr. Heidi Cullen of the Weather Channel.
Trade show begins.
Saturday, Jan. 28
Best of MACS Mobile A/C Updates – Paul DeGuiseppi, MACS manager of service training, and colleagues present service and repair tips.
Mobile A/C: The Road Ahead – Ward Atkinson, MACS technical advisor, will discuss national and international industry developments.
Engine Cooling and Heat Transfer – OEM issues and welding instruction.
Trade show continues.