The Radiant Panel Association’s National Conference and Radiant Expo, Aug. 22-24, Hartford, Conn., will include a trade show, seminars and a salute to the radiant industry’s “All-Stars.”

Here are some event highlights:

Trade Show

The association plans to feature 200 booths with radiant and cooling products on display, noon-6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 22 and Thursday, Aug. 23; and noon-4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 24.

Executive Director Larry Drake said many of the exhibitors will be new to either the ISH North America trade show or the REX, which hasn’t taken place since 2003. Many new exhibitors are from the “green” side and will highlight solar and geothermal products. Drake also added that many exhibitors are signing up for double booth space for the trade show.

The RPA’s popular Radiant House will also be on the trade show floor, offering exhibitors a chance to demonstrate installations of radiant equipment.

Seminars

Eighteen industry experts will conduct seminars scheduled during Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 22-23.

PM columnist John Siegenthaler, for example, will discuss “Low-Powered Hydronics,” the new pump technology coming from Europe, at 9:30-10:45 a.m., Aug. 22, and again at the same time, Aug. 23. Other seminars include how radiant fits into the LEED process; how energy costs of radiant compare with other forms of heat; and how to cool commercial space with ceiling panels.

Friday, Aug. 24, is Industry Day and manufacturers will have the chance to present product seminars during concurrent sessions at 9:30-10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Thanks For The Tip

Have a money-saving, time-saving tip for your fellow radiant heat contractors? Pass it on and we’ll give you $50. PM will host a “Thanks For The Tip” program, 9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m., Aug. 24.

If you have a tip that’s worked for you, briefly describe it and e-mail it to Editor Steve Smith at smiths@bnpmedia.com. Please include your name, company and phone number. You can send as many tips as you like, but you must be present to win. Deadline is Aug. 20.

All-Stars

Do you know someone outstanding in the radiant industry? Maybe they have been promoting the industry for a long time, had a big influence in your market, did an impressive job, mentored new radiant contractors or provided a service above and beyond the norm.

The RPA is currently soliciting for these “All-Stars” and will display the information at the Radiant All-Stars Hall of Fame alongside this year’s System Showcase exhibit on the REX show floor. Special badges of honor will be given to those All-Stars in attendance.

Visit the RPA Web site to nominate your All-Star.

Featured Speakers

Mark Matteson will speak at a general session on contractors’ best practices, 11 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Aug. 22. In keeping with the All-Stars theme, Walter Davis, one of the highest scoring NBA players, an Olympic Gold Medal winner, six-time All-Star player, and a nominee to the Basketball Hall of Fame, will speak at a general session, 11 a.m.-noon, Thursday, Aug. 23, on what it takes to be an All-Star.

For more information or to register for the show, visit the RPA Web site at www.radiantpanelassociation.org.