• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
  • ENGINEERS
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
  • RESOURCES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • CONTRACTORS
  • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
  • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
  • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • WATER TREATMENT
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
  • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
  • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
  • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
  • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
  • FIRE PROTECTION
  • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
  • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
  • PME COLUMNS
  • PME COLUMNS
  • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
  • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
  • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
  • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
  • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
  • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
  • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
  • CODES
  • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
  • PROJECT PROFILES
  • COLUMNS
  • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • COLUMNS
  • Codes Corner
  • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
  • Guest Editorial
  • MEDIA
  • PODCASTS
  • VIDEOS
  • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
  • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EBOOKS
  • PM BOOKSTORE
  • CE CENTER
  • MARKET RESEARCH
  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
  • EMAGAZINE
  • ARCHIVE ISSUES
  • CONTACT
  • ADVERTISE
  • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!

AEC BuildTech: Keynotes, HVAC sessions on VRF and steam, and exhibitors set event apart

Rookie of the year?

By Robert Beverly
AEC BuildTech - The ACHR News

FORWARD-LOOKING FOCUS: In one AEC BuildTech keynote session, Steve Jones from Dodge Data & Analytics will explore trends like building information modeling (BIM), how it is already changing how contractors and the building industry work, and what it could mean for the future.

March 11, 2019

New conference/expo events don’t come along all that often in the HVAC industry. If they do, they don’t just spring to life practically fully formed — three days of browsing and networking, five tracks of education, expert support from over 20 different and established trade magazines, and (of course) its own hashtag.

And yet, the inaugural AEC BuildTech event (#AECBuildTech), taking place April 30 through May 2 and presented by BNP Media, is doing just that. The three-day gathering for industry learning and networking takes place just a few minutes from O’Hare Intl. Airport, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. For those who have only made midwinter trips to the Chicago area for AHR Expos, AEC BuildTech’s spring timing invites attendees to work some different activities into their trip, like catching a White Sox game or avoiding frostbite.

AEC BuildTech Logo - The ACHR News

• Read related articles

• Register

 

KEYNOTABLE DATA

Of course, the location is an asset — a quick ride from a major hub airport in the middle of the country — but location doesn’t matter if the content isn’t there.

For HVAC contractors, the value begins at the top, courtesy of keynote speaker Steve Jones. Jones is senior director of industry insights research at Dodge Data & Analytics. He is seeing a digital transformation that affects every type of company in the industry and all kinds of projects.

His keynote will follow the ways this evolution is flowing through the industry and what it is already meaning for specialty trades such as HVAC. A few of these areas include:

  • How contractors are engaging with building information modeling (BIM) and its related technologies, such as reality capture, augmented reality, virtual reality, and others.
  • The emergence of integrated digital workflows that are streamlining formerly disjointed processes between engineers, fabricators, and installers.
  • The rapid growth of prefabrication, especially for HVAC contractors, and its evolution toward site automation, mass-customization of multi-trade assemblies, and even complete design-for-manufacture buildings.
  • Best practices for gathering and analyzing field data to improve performance.
  • How technology is contributing to best practices for safety management on the job site.

Jones and his team stay in touch with actual conditions and developing industry trends professionally. His AEC BuildTech presentation will complement a foundation of research findings on technology, sustainability, risk, safety, and project practices.

Information on many other topics is available to contractors as free reports from Dodge by visiting http://bit.ly/2VzyB9g.

 

BACK ON TRACKS

If keynotes are critical, educational tracks are where contractors can take deeper but manageable, customized dives into subject matter.

In fact, when asked, The NEWS’ own group publisher, Mike Murphy, picked one in particular from the solid batch of options.

“The HVACR/Mechanical Systems track features nine speakers,” he said. “It’s going to be tough getting to all of them, but I’m especially interested in Matt Huffman.”

Huffman is senior program manager at Resource Innovations, an environmental consultancy in Chicago.

His presentation, “Filling the HVAC Controls Gap Between a Yugo and a Lambo,” continues a long and successful tradition of using car analogies to discuss HVAC systems. More importantly, he emphasizes the need for controls options that are better than an old Yugoslavian import but more affordable than the controls version of a Lamborghini.

Advanced rooftop unit controls, light commercial building controls — these represent his target area. He will use multiple real projects as examples to show attendees what is needed and what is possible across the realm of energy savings opportunities.

“Many contractors have shifted into energy services,” Murphy observed in explaining his pick, “and many more will follow in the coming years.”

 

GET COMFORTABLE WITH VRF

Another trend many contractors have followed, often to expanded revenues, is VRF technology. Yet there is a learning curve for contractors getting into that area, just as there has been an acceptance curve for the public. That’s where Paul Chaves comes in.

Chaves brings 30 years of overall HVAC and HVAC training experience to his job as technical training manager at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS). His Thursday morning session, “Getting Started with VRF: Best Practices and Common Misconceptions,” is intended to do exactly what its name implies.

One piece of his presentation will work to steer attendees clear of common early mistakes and toward the most accurate information about working with the technology. Wiring, ACCA sizing guidelines, piping ... these are areas to build team competence and confidence in order to avoid unnecessary headaches and callbacks.

Chaves will also discuss how to make the case — to both contractor management and budget coordinators at customers’ homes — when it comes to evaluating the pros and cons of investing in VRF.

A primer on best practices for VRF applications and installation rounds out the opportunity here and keeps the session’s content grounded in present opportunities.

That kind of focus is exactly what event content development manager Derrick Teal has been working toward.

“AEC BuildTech is all about technology — not technology that will happen 20 years from now, but technology that’s entering the market right now,” he said. “We want to make sure that we are helping a wide range of professionals in this ever- changing industry stay ahead of the curve. That’s why one of our biggest goals when we created AEC BuildTech was to develop an event that had quality educational sessions. In addition to seeing these technologies on the show floor, we want attendees to see how they can put it to use.”

The rest of the HVACR/Mechanical Systems track includes (but isn’t limited to) sessions on workflow, electronic controls for commercial refrigeration, and BIM. The conference’s sessions will offer opportunities to earn continuing education unit (CEU) credits as well.

 

GOT STEAM?

As one would expect at an event drawing on the resources of almost two dozen trade magazines, HVAC is not the only topic on the ticket.

AEC BuildTech - The ACHR News

RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE: Minutes away from Chicago O’Hare Intl. Airport, the inaugural AEC BuildTech is packed with HVAC sessions and several dozen expo exhibitors, all while giving attendees the option of one-, two-, and three-day passes.

Other tracks delve into plumbing, roofing, building envelope, flooring, and general contracting. So if HVAC contractors want to spend an hour boosting their familiarity with a cousin specialty within the buildings family, plenty of options await.

In fact, some of that content is still in the HVAC wheelhouse. Lecturer and author Dan Holohan will be taking the entirety of Tuesday afternoon’s plumbing track for what he has titled, “Dead Men’s Steam School.”

“If you have to deal with America’s older steam systems, you’re going to love this course,” Holohan said.

With that much time at his disposal, Holohan outlines quite a few steam-related topics, many of which one would expect in a technical course like this. However, a couple of more particular aspects on the agenda include proper near-boiler piping, curing water hammer once and for all, and balancing systems with properly sized air vents.

Holohan assures attendees that the sessions will make them much better troubleshooters.

“[With] plenty of good stories to pull all of this together, you won’t be bored!” he said.

What else can one ask for?

One answer could be a welcome reception on Monday and lunch included on the expo floor on Tuesday and Wednesday, adjacent to expo exhibitors numbering several dozen and counting as of press time. Those provisions are already on the schedule.

 

FLEX TIME AND GO TIME

It is tough to follow food and beverages, but one other aspect of attending this year’s AEC BuildTech is worth mentioning: flexible options. Contractors can buy one-, two-, and three-day passes. So whether it’s a day trip, the full event, or something in between, people can tailor their experiences to match their schedules (or budgets).

A review of the keynote and track topics indicates what many already know: The building industry and building processes are getting less silo-oriented. BIM represents the latest development to push companies, disciplines, and customers further in that direction.

It is no coincidence that, as Murphy observed, “This is the only event bringing together influential contractors, engineers, and architects under the same roof.”

 

Registration for AEC BuildTech is available at www.aecbuildtech.com.

Publication date: 3/11/2019

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!

This article was originally posted on www.achrnews.com.
KEYWORDS: AEC BuildTech

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Robert beverly achr

Robert Beverly has worked in HVAC press for BNP Media since 1998, serving as Engineered Systems' editor before joining The NEWS as a senior editor. In addition to covering legislation/regulatory issues and other assignments, he coordinates and edits Today's Boiler, the official magazine of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association. Robert likes music, the active tense, and air conditioning. Reach him at robertbeverly@achrnews.com.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Worker using the Milwaukee Tool SWITCH PACK drain cleaner

    Pipeline profits: Drain cleaning, pipe inspection create opportunities

    Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative...
    Green Plumbing and Mechanical
    By: Nicole Krawcke
  • Uponor employee, Arturo Moreno

    The reinvestment in American manufacturing and training

    Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke and Natalie Forster
  • March 2024 Women in Plumbing hero image of woman engineer overlayed by circle of hexagon shapes with numbers from 1 to 10

    Celebrating 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry

    Celebrating Women's History Month and Women in...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
close

1 COMPLIMENTARY ARTICLE(S) LEFT

Loader

Already a Registered User? Sign in now.

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • eMagazine
  • Manage My Preferences

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

NIBCO Press Solutions

NIBCO Press Solutions

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Plumbing & Mechanical audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Plumbing & Mechanical or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • J.J. Keller CMV vehicles on road
    Sponsored byJ. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

    The dash cam game-changer for small business safety

Popular Stories

Underfloor heating installation with drain sewer hole in bathroom close up on water floor heating.

Using hydronics to leverage time-of-use electrical rates

Watts Nexa mobile image

Behind the Wall: Where smart plumbing gets smarter

Six tankless water heaters that feed the nutraceutical manufacturer’s operations.

How to deliver large volumes of hot water quickly and intermittently

PMCE Home-X April 29 Free Webinar: From Legacy to Leadership: Preparing Your Home Services Business for the Next Generation

Events

November 13, 2024

Future Proofing MEP: Navigating the 2026 High Efficiency Water Heating Standards

Join our deep dive into DOE’s new standards so you can future-proof your MEP practice.

EARN: 0.1 ASPE CEU; 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 PDH

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Will business be up or down in 2025?

Do you anticipate business in 2025 to be up or down in comparison to 2024?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Water Came To A Stop

The Water Came To A Stop

See More Products

Download the FREE Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook: Plumbing Trends Increasing Safe Water Availability

Related Articles

  • AEC BuildTech Conference & Expo takes place April 30-May 2, 2019 in Rosemont, Illinois

    AEC BuildTech event aims to connect industry professionals

    See More
  • AEC BuildTech focuses on education, networking

    AEC BuildTech focuses on education, networking

    See More
  • Armstrong

    VRF versus hydronics

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • the water book.jpeg

    The Water Came To A Stop

See More Products
×

Keep your content unclogged with our newsletters!

Stay in the know on the latest plumbing & piping industry trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Supply House Times
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!