trade shows

https://vimeo.com/1022947522 This week we talk ASPE, which just took place this week actually. Tim Ward gives an update from the show floor and we visit with our friends from Uponor. We have a new Contractor Spotlight on the site. We talk American Plumber Stories Season 5, Episode 2. And, of course, we’ll talk podcasts Read more

This week we talk ASPE, which just took place this week actually. Tim Ward gives an update from the show floor and we visit with our friends from Uponor. We have a new Contractor Spotlight on the site. We talk American Plumber Stories Season 5, Episode 2. And, of course, we’ll talk podcasts.

No doubt about it, COVID-19 quickly changed the way we work, and play. Travel and in person visits came to a screeching halt. Professional offices, suppliers, even many working shops closed their doors to visitors. Training in the not to distant past was done, for the most part, in person. Conveniently, most trainers adapted quickly Read more

No doubt about it, COVID-19 quickly changed the way we work, and play. Travel and in person visits came to a screeching halt. Professional offices, suppliers, even many working shops closed their doors to visitors. Training in the not to distant past was done, for the most part, in person. Conveniently, most trainers adapted quickly to offer online training options. Many of the companies in our industry were already familiar with platforms like Go To meeting. This made the switch to virtual training fairly easy for those trainers.

Some trainers I met through the ESCO group devised hybrid virtual training events. With a few cameras, one that would follow you around a room they kept the hands on training available also.

An instructor in front of a piece of equipment would be led through the troubleshooting in real time, clever and almost like being there.

The question remains, what happens going forward in the training world. In some cases offices that made the change to virtual workspaces plan on staying that way. In some larger cities’ that has created  office space vacancies and those building owners are scrambling to repurpose those spaces to get the rent rolling back in.

In cities like San Francisco it was a tough slog to see more than two engineering firms in a day due to traffic and parking logistics. With online, virtual sessions you can present to their entire staff as well as any locations they have scattered around the world.

I’ve started limited travel myself for training events. I doubt cramming 30 or more folks into a hotel meeting room will ever be attractive anymore. In some cases moving the training into the shop area, parking lot or a large cafeteria  area is a good option to allow attendees to spread out more.

I doubt anyone knows for sure how this will shake out or what “bug” will hit us next that makes  people want to avoid crowded rooms and spaces, but plan on having options. Come up with new ways to engage the attendees. Not being able to see faces, expressions and not getting that in person feedback changes the game for a trainer.  Add polls to your training to get some interaction and a feel for the groups. Consider multiple speakers or trainers to get some back and forth conversation in your online trainings.

The need for having a trained workforce is critical. Equipment is becoming more sophisticated and specific, so factory training will march forward. We would love to hear from all the players in the industry, thoughts suggestions, what we can do to keep you’ all coming back.

Let’s rid the ‘VID and get back to the normal face to face that we all crave.

Cranford, N.J. — Eastern Energy Expo (EEE) has announced that its 2021 event will be held May 24-26, 2021 in an online format: Eastern Energy Expo Education Summit. Acknowledging the reality of restrictions of mass gatherings and travel restrictions, Eastern Energy Expo 2021 will offer a range of educational programs for owners, managers, service managers and Read more

Cranford, N.J. — Eastern Energy Expo (EEE) has announced that its 2021 event will be held May 24-26, 2021 in an online format: Eastern Energy Expo Education Summit.

Acknowledging the reality of restrictions of mass gatherings and travel restrictions, Eastern Energy Expo 2021 will offer a range of educational programs for owners, managers, service managers and technicians through a virtual online platform.

Eric DeGesero, Executive Vice President, Fuel Merchants of New Jersey (representing Atlantic Region Energy Expo – one of the three sponsoring associations of EEE along with Oil & Energy Service Professionals and the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association) said, “EEE is a marquee trade show and educational event in the industry and we were especially excited to return to Atlantic City next year. The reality is that an in-person event in May is not an option. EEE will continue to present original, live business programs. However, we will not be hosting the trade show component in 2021.”

Lisa Strug, Executive Director, Oil & Energy Service Professionals (OESP) commented, “We have already begun planning some strong programs – building on the successful schedule of webinars and training we offered at the 2020 Expo. OESP is excited to continue to bring quality educational programs to the industry. We will also hold our Scholarship and Industry Awards events during the EEE virtual event as well.”

Ted Harris, Executive Vice President, Pennsylvania Petroleum Association noted, “The decision to offer a virtual event again affords EEE the opportunity to expand the demographic reach of the show. Location is not a barrier to participation and attendee registration is free to all.”

Now in its sixth year, Eastern Energy Expo brings together wholesale and retail heating fuel marketers, motor fuel distributors, diesel and biodiesel distributors, propane marketers and HVAC service professionals. The event will offer business programs, technical education programs, and “live” events.

Sponsorship information and a call for presenters will be distributed in the coming weeks. Watch for more details online at EasternEnergyExpo.com