Special Events

Powerful learning and networking opportunities abound at the 2010 Conference, with provocative keynotes from leading business thinkers and unique opportunities to meet and learn from the best HVACR contractors in America!

Opening Session: "Get Real!"
Lowell Catlett, one of the nation's leading futurists and economists, has a message for the people spreading doom-and-gloom. It's this: "Get Real!" And that's the message this exciting visionary will show to participants at the 2010 ACCA Conference opening session.

Catlett, a unique presenter who is both funny and insightful, will show how every recession leads to a spurt in new business starts, new business practices, and new technologies. The current economy is no exception! Catlett will show contractors how to embrace the opportunities of the new economy and the phenomenal growth in energy, lifestyle and healthcare markets coming in the next decade. Catlett is a dean of New Mexico State University whose vast knowledge astounds corporate and association audiences both nationally and internationally. The most popular keynote presenter we've ever offered, he returns to ACCA in 2010 for the first time in five years. (Sunday, March 7, 1:30-3:15pm)

Tuesday Session: "Extraordinary Visions"
Where do we find the vision to take our lives to the next level? How do we summon the passion to keep “raising the bar”? How can we make our life less of a struggle and more of a joy? For photographer and creativity expert, Dewitt Jones, the answers to these questions lie in the images we hold about ourselves, our future and the way in which we grow.

Jones is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the country, and this year he brings a special hour of motivation and inspiration to the ACCA Conference. Using his own extraordinary photographs as illustrations, Dewitt weaves a visual tapestry of emotion and content. One that allows you to touch your own passion, to balance your head with your heart, and to come away inspired with your own creative potential. This awe-inspiring presentation will be one that you will not soon forget. (Tuesday, March 9, 3:45 -5:30pm).

Pre-Conference Session: Open Floor Consulting
While the conference doesn't "officially" kick off until 1:30pm on Sunday, March 7, you'll want to arrive early to take advantage of our special pre-conference session, open to all full conference participants. From 10am to noon, join two of the HVACR industry's most insightful (and opinionated) experts on HVACR marketing: Adams Hudson, marketing guru from Hudson Ink, and Brian Kraff of Market Hardware, the leading web services marketing company for contractors.

During this two-hour session, you'll have the chance to ask these two experts any questions at all about marketing and advertising -- and they'll answer them! It's your chance to pick the brains of some of our industry's finest consultants while also gaining insight from the questions other contractors ask. And new this year are two very special presentations: Adams will talk about "The Ugliest Yellow Page Ad I Ever Saw In My Life," and Brian will explore "The Worst Contractor Web Marketing Campaign Ever." We won't be naming names, but here's your chance to see firsthand what really works in advertising and Internet marketing -- by seeing what doesn't! (Sunday, March 7, 10am-Noon)

CEO/Contractor Forum
An ACCA signature event, this is the only forum that brings together the CEOs from the leading HVACR manufacturers to meet with you, the contractor. The CEOs take on your questions, offer their insights into the current and future marketplace, and engage in dialogue with each other and the audience. Sponsored by the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration NEWS.(Monday, March 8, 3:45-5:00pm)

"I've Got an Idea!"
Still the original, still the best! ACCA's popular "I've Got an Idea" session is a fast-paced interactive event where you get to share your best (or worst!) ideas while hearing everyone else's as well. Cash prizes for the best ideas! You'll leave with a ton of great ideas you can put to work in your business right away. Sponsored by Jackson Systems. (Tuesday, March 9, 2:15-3:30pm)

Chairman's Banquet
This special dinner and leadership celebration is always full of surprises! Join us for a special banquet on Monday night with great food, conversation and entertainment as we celebrate the leaders of the HVACR industry in style. Open to all full registrants and social passes -- but remember, after you check in at the Registration Center on-site, you will need to confirm your banquet seating assignment. Don't wait until the last minute! Business attire. (Monday, March 8, 7:30-9:30pm)

"Ocean Commotion" at the Florida Aquarium
This optional event is our annual fundraiser for the ACCA-PAC -- and it's going to be one heck of a party you won't want to miss! Join us at the Florida Aquarium where you'll enjoy food and drink while surrounded by more than 20,000 aquatic plants and marine animals from Florida and all around the world. This is the place to be on Sunday night, so make sure and sign up -- contact Vickie Ellis at vickie.ellis@acca.org or 703-824-8856 to sign up for this special event. (Sunday, March 7, 7:30pm-10:00pm)

Contractor Town Hall Meeting
Help set the agenda for ACCA and the HVACR industry at our annual Contractor Town Hall Meeting, where we will discuss the most pressing political and industry issues facing all of us. The Contractor Town Hall Meeting is held on Monday morning and will play a pivotal role in determining ACCA's policy priorities for 2010 and beyond. For ACCA contractor members only! (Monday, March 8, 7:15am-8:30am)

Columbia Restaurant and Flamenco Show
On Tuesday evening after the 2011 kickoff reception, do we have a treat for you! Join us for a spectacular night of authentic Spanish cuisine and flamboyant flamenco dances at one of the most famous restaurants in Ybor City! The Columbia is often referred to as the Gem of Ybor City. Established in 1905 the Columbia is the largest Latin Restaurant in the United States and has been delighting its guests with authentic Spanish cooking for many years.

Your evening at the Columbia will truly be an evening to remember. Allow a little time to browse the gift shop—an opportunity to select some hand rolled cigars. Optional, additional fee includes: Round trip Motor Coach transportation, private dinner and Flamenco Show at the Columbia Restaurant, all taxes and gratuities for included items. Purchase your ticket at the Registration Center! (Tuesday, March 9, 7:45pm-10:15pm)