Messe Frankfurt, ASA, CIPH and PHCC-NA band together to launch show

Messe Frankfurt, organizers of the well-known ISH trade show in Frankfurt, outlined plans for an annual North American rendition of a colossal plumbing, kitchen & bath, heating, air conditioning and piping show tentatively scheduled for October 31-November 2 at the National Trade Center, Toronto. This show had been originally scheduled for Orlando, Fla. but the town's convention center was deemed too small.

"For many years North American manufacturers have demanded trade show consolidation with a combined exposition for the entire industry similar to the successful ISH concept," said Dirk Ebener, director/international marketing for Messe Frankfurt, at a press luncheon, held last December in Chicago.

Joining the effort to organize the North America ISH are the American Supply Association; Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association; and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating. The three trade groups formerly organized the NEX, and will now continue to act as show partners with Messe Frankfurt to promote the show to their membership.

"The four partners launching ISH North America combine plenty of industry know-how among them, but we expect this to be just the beginning of the process that is designed to include an entire industry," said CIPH President Ed Hardison.

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute, while not an official show partner, has also endorsed the concept of ISH North America.

"The Institute has always advocated fewer, larger North American building products trade show," said PMI Executive Director Barb Higgens. "While our goal is the consolidation of existing trade shows, PMI is optimistic that this cooperative effort between ISH and the NEX partners is a first step toward that goal."

Following the traditional ISH concept, the new show will present six major themes including the following:

• Heating/Ventilation Systems
  
• air-conditioning Technology
  
• Kitchen & Bath Products
  
• Plumbing, Hydronics & PVF Installations
  
• Measuring/Testing/Control/ Regulation Technology
  
• Building Automation

Show organizers expect approximately 20,000 attendees from around the world will view the displays of 600 world-wide exhibitors at the inaugural event. More than 400,000 square feet of space is planned for the exhibitions ISH North America will also include educational seminars. The annual event plans to be in Chicago, Toronto and Las Vegas in following years.

While integrating the NEX show will help get the first show off the ground, Messe Frankfurt executives also plan to lobby other industry associations to join ISH North America.