As we move into the first quarter of 2023, the trade show circuit is in full effect, and the Mechanical Hub team will be present at all of the events, starting with World of Concrete next week. The buzz is strong moving from the post-COVID drag to in-person connection again that includes all shows from Read more
World of Concrete
As we move into the first quarter of 2023, the trade show circuit is in full effect, and the Mechanical Hub team will be present at all of the events, starting with World of Concrete next week. The buzz is strong moving from the post-COVID drag to in-person connection again that includes all shows from January through March.
World of Concrete (January 17-19, Las Vegas) — This show has been serving the concrete and masonry construction industries for nearly 50 years. Why does Mechanical Hub attend? Tools baby! The leaders in the tool industry—that delve into the concrete side of things—are all there and great conversations and connections can be made there. And, it’s Vegas. I’m sure you can find something fun to do there, right?
KBIS/IBS (January 31-February 2, Las Vegas) — Since co-locating back in 2014, this really is a can’t-miss show. Combing the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and The International Builders’ Show (IBS) was a huge boon to both of these prior individual shows. Combing forces is like watching Hanna-Barbara’s Wonder Twins “activate” in the form of a leading national trade show every year. Finding the latest in kitchen and bath trends with the latest and greatest from the building world? Um, yes please.
AHR Expo (February 6-8, Atlanta) — If I could count the amount of steps I have amassed over the years walking this show floor, I probably would have worn more comfortable shoes from the beginning. This is the largest annual U.S. HVACR trade show and you will not be disappointed with how much there is to see and do at this event—from seeing the latest technology and products visiting with manufacturers at their booths to the educational tracks offered. BTW, Mechanical Hub’s two podcasts will be broadcasting from the AHR Podcast Pavilions, so if you’re at the show, be sure to stop by and say hello. (Appetite for Construction Podcast Monday, Feb. 6 at 5:00 pm, pavilion 2; Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 4:00 pm, pavilion 1. Make Trades Great Again Podcast Monday, Feb. 6 at 2:00 pm, pavilion 2; Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 11:00 am, pavilion 1; Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 1:00 pm, pavilion 2.)
WWETT Show (February 20-23, Indianapolis) — Man, we love going to this show as well. So many connections made, such a great time. The Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show—a mouthful so let’s just call it WWETT—is the world’s largest annual trade show for wastewater and environmental service professionals. This show offers educational programs, live demos, the latest in drain cleaning technology, and the opportunity to connect with fellow industry showgoers. For those that can remember that far back, this was the old pumper and dumper show.
ISH Messe Frankfurt (March 13-17, Frankfurt, Germany)—Guten tag from Deutschland! The Mechanical Hub team will be making the jump over the pond to attend one of the world’s largest biennial (every two years) PHVACR trade show. The focus of this year’s ISH is marketable solutions for a sustainable future. Currently, the organizers are expecting around 2,000 companies to present their solutions for renewable sources of energy, sustainable water usage and clean air at the leading international trade event for the HVAC and water sector.
ISH 2023 will offer the ISH digital extension, a virtual presence that will open in parallel to the live event in Frankfurt and will also remain open for one week longer until March 24, 2023.
Pre-COVID, ISH was so popular, more space was allotted to the already mammoth 12 building campus. According to the ISH website, the show is the largest exhibition venue in the world for product innovations, and it occupies an area equal to approximately 39 football pitches. Thank goodness for Ted Lasso, because we now know that pitches mean soccer fields. We’ll need to brush up on our German for sure as the MH team will be traveling the countryside after the show, visiting with some key clients.
Hope to see you on the road!
Hilti North America, a global leader providing innovative tools, technology, software, and services to the commercial construction industry announced today that in 2023 more than 30 new cordless tools will be added to its already robust portfolio of more than 70 existing Nuron battery-powered tools. And, at the upcoming World of Concrete in Las Vegas, customers Read more
Hilti North America, a global leader providing innovative tools, technology, software, and services to the commercial construction industry announced today that in 2023 more than 30 new cordless tools will be added to its already robust portfolio of more than 70 existing Nuron battery-powered tools. And, at the upcoming World of Concrete in Las Vegas, customers will have the opportunity to get hands-on with more than a dozen of these new Nuron tools.
DSH 700-22 Rear handle cordless cut-off saw
With a multitude of tools that span across a variety of trades, Hilti extends solutions for applications in formwork, pipe hanging and metal cutting. The latest Nuron innovations make a compelling argument for flipping tool cribs to fully cordless, leaving the hassle of fumes and generators behind with the DSH 700-22 Rear handle cordless cut-off saw, the NCV 10-22 Ultimate concrete vibrator, the NCV 4-22 Pencil concrete vibrator; and the SB 6-22 Wide mouth cordless band saw.
The DSH 700-22 virtually eliminates the need for gas powered cut-off saws on the job. The NCV 10-22 improves safety to concrete placement applications through removing the fuel and fumes associated with traditional gas-powered backpack concrete vibrators. The NCV 4-22 helps enable operators to vibrate concrete in the hardest to reach parts of the concrete pour with its narrow head and more than enough power to finish the job. The SB 6-22’s wide mouth band saw has a deep cutting capacity of 5″ and a two-handed cutting experience for optimal safety.
“Transitioning from gas or corded to the Nuron all-on-one cordless platform with Hilti reduces tool crib complexity, without compromising on performance,” said Mike McGowan, Region Head and CEO of Hilti North America. “And Nuron continues to enable businesses to make informed decisions using real-time jobsite data obtained from its cloud-connected, intelligent cordless tools and batteries.”
SB 6-22 Wide mouth cordless band saw
Nuron tools help improve productivity with versatile 22V Li-ion batteries delivering optimum power-to-weight ratio for most drilling, driving, and cutting jobs. Nuron’s new electronics provide insights on battery and tool use and empowering proactive tool crib optimization. Nuron provides upgraded durability and cordless battery performance monitoring with a built-in battery health tester, sealed electronics, shock absorbers and reinforced housing to better protect against the toughest jobsite conditions.
Hilti diamond and carbide blades and drill bits are designed specifically for Hilti Nuron cordless tools to increase system performance or extend the life of the power tool accessories. When Nuron tools and accessories are combined, they enable jobsites to work faster, harder, and more efficiently to stay on schedule and budget.
For more information on Hilti at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, visit hilti.com/WOC.
We have made it to the new year, a new decade. And with the turn of every calendar comes the rush of industry trade shows. Next week we will be traveling to Las Vegas for the IBS/KBIS Show or the Builder’s/Kitchen & bath Show. Following that, we will be in Orlando for the AHR Show Read more
We have made it to the new year, a new decade. And with the turn of every calendar comes the rush of industry trade shows. Next week we will be traveling to Las Vegas for the IBS/KBIS Show or the Builder’s/Kitchen & bath Show. Following that, we will be in Orlando for the AHR Show, North America’s largest HVAC show. Oh yeah, let’s not forget about World of Concrete, back in Vegas. The goal is to see, feel and test new products, learn and network with fellow attendees.
The AHR Expo is one of the largest annual North American trade shows.
When attending these trade shows, it is best to have a plan. Having attended dozens of these show in the past, I have come up with some tips and strategies for a better trade show experience.
- Map Out Your Plan — All of these shows have corresponding websites with maps, and a list of exhibitors and events. I can’t stress enough to map out your day so you are the most efficient with your time, energy and steps on the trade show floor. (ahrexpo.com & www.buildersshow.com & www.worldofconcrete.com) Downloading the appropriate trade show apps is a must.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes & Clothing — We all want to look good, and professional, but gone are the days of stuffy apparel. I’d rather feel comfortable and fresh at the end of the day than out of sorts, sweaty and dogs a barking.
- Give Yourself Enough Time — The stress of a trade show can be daunting in and of itself. Take as much time as you need to take a deep breath and move freely on the show floor. It’s always a good idea to come in the day or night before a show to make sure all is in order and registration for the show is set. If you are planning a night out, make sure you make any necessary reservations ahead of time.
- Afterparty Over-Indulging — We all love to go out and enjoy ourselves, especially after a long day at a show. There are numerous manufacturer parties, dinners, soirees, etc. where one can relax and wind down. But staying out all night—and drinking—can be fun, and up to your discretion, but it isn’t advisable, especially if you intend to be at the show the following day. Nobody is impressed with the over-perspired, alcohol lingering on breath, bags under the eyes, headache pounding visit from on overserved attendee. Pro Tip: Keep hydrated and carry a protein bar just in case you get the munchies. The IAQ in these large buildings is usually very poor and the air can get dry.
- Plan Accordingly for Transportation — Most of the time at busy trade shows, transportation can, well, be a bitch, especially after a show. Keep this in mind as long taxi lines will form to and from the shows. Download your favorite rideshare app so you are locked and loaded.
- Travel in Packs — If traveling in groups, try to stay in one place or area. It alleviates costs on transportation and makes meetings much more amenable.
- Be Prepared to Exchange Contact Info — Make sure you have business cards on hand and be prepared to exchange info digitally, so make sure your phone is charged or bring extra chargers! Also, make sure you have proper badges for the show. For example, attendee, exhibitor and press badges all provide different access and different access times. Make sure you understand the limitations of your particular given badge.
- Follow-up with Contacts — Once the show is over, what it your end game? What better way to measure the results of a show personally than to document leads, follow up with new contacts, and were you satisfied with your expectations of information, contacts and overall impressions?
- Cellular/WiFi Service — Most shows do not offer WiFi on the show floor, or if they do, it usually sucks. There are certain spots at different venues you may be able to sneak a signal, maybe. Make sure your service is covered in the areas where you are, or be prepared to go without in the dark recesses of a concrete building.
- If Unable to Attend … — Be sure to follow your favorite social media outlets that are attending (Search Mechanical Hub on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram) and keep up to date on what’s going on from the show floor. First of the year trade show events are when companies have big product announcements, launches and press briefings.
Good luck, and have a great trade show experience!
Makita XRH12 18V LXT® Brushless Cordless 11/16″ AVT® Rotary Hammer Kit, accepts SDS-PLUS bits, w/ HEPA Dust Extractor Attachment (XRH12TW) is a cordless concrete solution that features AWS™ capability for maximum efficiency and convenient dust extraction. The efficient HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particulates .3 microns and larger. The compatible Dust Extractor Attachment (DX05) with Read more
Makita XRH12
There is a 3-modes of operation: rotation only, hammering with rotation, and hammering only. The variable speed trigger enables the user to match the speed to the application. It is ideal for a range of trades including mechanical/electrical/plumbing contractors, concrete contractors, road and bridge contractors, utility workers, pest control, maintenance operations, and more. It accepts SDS-PLUS bits.
The Rotary Hammer is AWS™ capable with Auto-Start Wireless System, which utilizes Bluetooth® technology for wireless power-on/off communication between tool and equipped dust extractor. To activate AWS, simply install the Auto-Start Wireless Transmitter (198901-5, sold separately) and synchronize with an AWS-equipped dust extractor (sold separately).
