Atlanta, GA:–ISH North America, the consolidated trade show and seminar program for the Kitchen and Bath, Plumbing, PVF, Heating and Air Conditioning will take place October 14-16 at the brand-new Boston Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Messe Frankfurt, Inc. produces the biennial expo and seminar program in cooperation with the American Supply Association (ASA), the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) and the Radiant Panel Association (RPA).

To showcase the talents of the nation’s top plumbing apprentices, the PHCC is again sponsoring the PHCC International Plumbing Apprentice Contest, Oct. 14 and 15 as part of the ISH North America trade show. Apprentices will rough in a basic bathroom unit during the contest, as judges critique their skills. State and local PHCC associations hold contests each year vying for the opportunity to compete in the international contest. “This contest really attracts the cream of the crop,” said PHCC Executive Vice President Ike Casey. “It is an honor for anyone to compete in it, and it is certainly enjoyable for the trade show crowd to see these apprentices in action.”

Last year, the contest was expanded to include international participants for the first time. The international participation is expected to be stronger this year. “For our two Canadian plumbing apprentices, the 2003 contest provided an excellent opportunity to compete in preparation for further competitions, such as the World Skills competition,” said Hans Tiedemann of MCA Alberta ( Canada). “Our apprentices placed fairly high in the contest, and truly enjoyed the experience.”

As part of its commitment to the future industry workforce, PHCC also offers an apprentice program throughout the country. “Workforce development is a top priority for PHCC,” Casey said. “Our apprentice program is designed to train students in all relevant areas so that they are fully prepared in the field.” For more information about the contest, call (800) 533-7694, or visit www.phccweb.org.

Buyer attendance for the upcoming show in Boston looks very strong, based on preliminary pre-registration numbers – and buyers are coming with sizable budgets. Canadian attendees alone bring at least $3 billion (CDN) in buying power. Current pre-registered attendee demographics indicate that over 45% of industry professionals planning to attend ISH-NA in Boston report an annual buying volume in excess of $10 million. Consistent with past trends, pre-registration results also indicate a consistent cross-section of attendee interest with the Kitchen and Bath, Plumbing, and HVAC / Hydronics with each appealing to approximately a third of the total registrants. Many Contractors as well as other attendees have indicated that they are coming to see more than one section of the show.

Organizers of ISH North America have expanded their customer service efforts for 2004 and beyond. Taking a cue from industry research, show surveys and personal feedback, the show is dedicated to providing exhibitors and attendees with a successful trade show experience. An exhibitor focus group provided insightful improvement suggestions as well as views about the future direction of the show’s represented industries. Attendee marketing efforts for 2004 have gone beyond direct mail and advertising to include extensive one-on-one telemarketing efforts. The event’s shuttle bus system, on-site signage, the number of attendee information counters, food/refreshment stations and seminar offers have all been substantially improved and expanded. The onsite registration system was redesigned to facilitate faster access to the expo and the seminar sessions.

ISH North America trade show and seminar program will take place on October 14-16 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Go to www.ish-na.com for more details or to register online.

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Press Contact:

Messe Frankfurt, Inc.
Attn.: Roland Bleinroth
1600 Parkwood Circle, Ste. 515
Atlanta, Georgia 30339

Phone :    770.984.8016 ext. 415
Toll free:  866.984.8016
Fax:        770.984.8023

E-mail:    info@usa.messefrankfurt.com
Web:       www.ish-na.com

For more show information contact:

Messe Frankfurt, Inc.
1600 Parkwood Circle, Ste. 515
Atlanta, Georgia 30339

Phone:       770.984.8016
Toll free:    866.984.8016
Fax:           770.984.8023

E-mail:      ishna@usa.messefrankfurt.com
Web:         www.ish-na.com

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