Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACCA Conference just for ACCA members?
No! The ACCA Conference is presented by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, but it is an industry-wide event -- the largest educational event for HVACR professionals in the country, and all are welcome. There is only one event on the schedule that is limited to ACCA members -- the Contractor Town Hall Meeting, at 7:15am on Monday. Otherwise this jam-packed training and networking experience is a service provided by ACCA to the entire industry. Register now.
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What time does the conference start?
The conference officially begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2010 with our opening general session (doors open at 1pm, and we suggest you get there early for best seating). However, we are excited to present a special pre-conference seminar that begins at 10 a.m. that day. To make things a bit easier for first-timers, we also host an orientation that starts Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Check out the full schedule here.
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We want you to be comfortable and ready to learn! Casual attire is fine, except during the Chairman's Banquet. ACCA Board members will wear tuxedos, but don't feel compelled to dust off the ole' penguin suit; business attire is appropriate for that event.
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Energy and openness to new business strategies. Oh, and comfortable shoes and lots of business cards aren't a bad idea either.
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What time does the Expo start?
Get your comfortable walking shoes on, folks, because there's plenty to see! The Indoor Air Expo opens at 11:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday.
As a special incentive to ACCA Conference registrants, a special reception will be hosted in the Expo hall Sunday at 7:30 p.m. This will give you some valuable networking time and a sneak peek of what's on display.
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Can I bring my children to the event?
The HVACR is a family industry, right? You may certainly bring your family to the conference, and we have scheduled several tours to help them enjoy their time in Tampa.
We should give you notice however, that the Expo show floor is closed to minors during certain portions of the day, given that some adult beverages may be served.
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Can my spouse join me only for the banquet?
If your spouse would like to enjoy the Tampa attractions during the day, but join you for the evening festivities, we're happy to offer separate tickets for the banquets only. Just give Vickie a call at 703-824-8856, or email vickie.ellis@acca.org, and she'll be happy to help you out.
(However, the best deal for your spouse or guest is the all-inclusive "social pass." For more details, click here.
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What is the PAC event all about?
This new ACCA-PAC fundraiser will take place the first night of the conference, Sunday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. This year, you'll see more than 20,000 acquatic plants and marine animals as we gather at the Florida Aquarium, while enjoying great food, drink and entertainment.
The ACCA-PAC festivities require a separate registration, so let us know if you'd like some additional information. Contact Charlie at charlie.mccrudden@acca.org or 703-824-8841.
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Will I be able to plug in my laptop during the sessions?
We understand that it's important to stay connected when you're out of the office. We encourage you to bring your laptops if you'd like, and depending on the classroom set-up, you might be able to plug them in for a battery refresh. Still, it'll depend on availability of plugs and who gets to the classroom first. That might be a good reason to find a seat early!
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Is there a discount for group registrations?
The more, the merrier! Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a discount if you register the group in one transaction. To obtain a group registration form, touch base with Kimya by calling 703-824-8845 or emailing kimya.cajchun@acca.org.
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Ahh, yes. The important stuff. What about food? During the conference, breakfast and lunch will be provided on Monday and Tuesday and are included in your registration. Your participation fee also includes Monday evening's Chairman's Banquet.
On Sunday and Monday, you are open to explore on your own the fabulous dining options in Tampa--though we recommend "Ocean Commotion," the PAC party at the Florida Aquarium, for the best time in Tampa that night!
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What should I do about dietary restrictions?
We are more than happy to accommodate our guests with restricted diets. We'll make sure you have a meal...it's not good business to let participants starve!
Please let us know as early as possible if you require a special meal. We'll get it taken care of from there. Call Sandra at 703-824-8861 or email sandra.kyles@acca.org.
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Will I be able to get around on my personal mobility device?
Scooters and other personal mobility devices are welcome. ACCA and the Marriott Tampa Waterside hotel comply with federal ADA regulations, so rest assured that you'll be able to get around.
If you require specific accommodations, please call 703-824-8856 or email vickie.ellis@acca.org.
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When and where is the conference?
The ACCA Annual Conference and Indoor Air Expo is March 7-9, 2010 in Tampa, Fla.
The official conference hotel is the Marriott Tampa Waterside and the Indoor Air Expo will take place at the Tampa Convention Center.
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Who are the keynote presenters?
Great question--and you won't be disappointed with the answer!
This year we welcome back economist Lowell Catlett. Though he is a noted professor and futurist, don't expect to be scrolling through your BlackBerry or iPhone to stay awake! He spoke to ACCA members several years ago and returns by popular demand. He is a quick-thinking economist whose knowledge of technologies and their implications on the way we live and work is addressed in his varied and upbeat presentations. He is thought-provoking and highly entertaining; you won't want to miss his presentation.
Photographer Dewitt Jones will also deliver a keynote address about finding balance in our lives and continually pushing ourselves to "raise the bar." He's one of America's top professional photographers with a 20-year career in motion pictures, photojournalism and advertising. He joins us on the passionate recommendation of Paul Stalknecht, president and CEO of ACCA, who saw him speak and notes, "It's impossible to describe the impact of the Dewitt Jones experience in words. I guarantee it will be something you never forget."
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Will there be handouts at the workshops?
We will make it easy for you to follow along. All of the presentations will be available online at the ACCA conference Website. You can download them from the multimedia center before you attend, after you get home, or during the conference at one of our free printing stations.
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There's lots to see and do--and eat--in Tampa! The Marriott Tampa Waterside hotel has six restaurants and bars on-site, for starters.
Located along the sparkling waters of Florida's west coast, Tampa is an ideal meeting destination. As Florida's most populous city, Tampa is a short drive to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and is centrally located for easy one-day trips to spots like Orlando, Sarasota and other east coast locales. You can visit theme parks, experience the vibrant streetscapes of Tampa's Latin Quarter, and, of course, enjoy world-class golfing and shopping.
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The official hotel of the conference is the Marriott Tampa Waterside Hotel, located at 700 South Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602.
A striking silhouette along the Channel Riverwalk, the Tampa Marriott Waterside hotel overlooks Tampa Bay in the heart of downtown Tampa. It is adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center and amongst the most luxurious hotels in the city. Click here for more information.
For reservations, call 800-228-9290 and share our promotional code, accacca (lower case). The rate is $229 plus tax per night, and is subject to change. The deadline for room reservations is February 11.
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Well, that might depend on how much of a risk-taker you are! We do offer on-site registration and will do everything we can to accommodate whatever needs you might have. But be warned--space is limited and the cost to register increases on-site. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you register early.
In fact, register by December 1 and get an amazing free gift. Click here for information and to register.
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The Marriott Tampa Waterside suggests using the Tampa airport (TPA), the St. Petersburg airport (PIE) or the Orlando airport (MCO). The Tampa and St. Petersburg airports are within 22 miles of the hotel, and the Orlando option is about 70 miles from the hotel.
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Will there be transportation to and from the airport?
The Marriott Tampa Waterside hotel does not provide shuttle service to and from the airports, so you'll need to set aside some cab fare. Taxi service may cost between $22 and $45 one-way for the Tampa and St. Petersburg airports and around $85 one-way from Orlando.
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Alas, all good things must come to an end.
The conference ends at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2010. The Expo closes to attendees at 2 p.m. on the same day. We'll wrap up the conference with a 2011 kick-off reception--and an optional dinner and show at the world-famous Columbia Restaurant. Register here.
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We've made this year's early bird registration incentive more valuable than ever! If you sign up for the Tampa event by December 1, you will receive a DVD recording of the entire 2010 educational event for free. This includes all of the workshops and learning labs you'll attend--all recorded and sent to you after the conference so you can take the best practices home to implement in your contracting business. It will include nearly 40 hours of training from the nation's leading contractors and experts.
This recording, known as the ACCA Learning Lab DVD, will be made available to full registrants who order on-site for $295. But if we receive your registration by December 1, you'll get it sent to you for free. Register here.
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Anxious to get to the front of the class, huh? You'd better show up on time, then. Seating for the workshops and general sessions are first-come, first-served.
The seating for the Chairman's Banquet will be handled on-site. You can make your selection in the registration area by Sunday, March 7. Banquet tickets are included with full registration, but you must confirm your banquet seat as soon as possible after arriving in Tampa.
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Is there a daily rate for the conference?
If you're unable to join us for the entire event, please consider a one-day pass. Our schedule is so jam-packed with valuable information and a cutting-edge exhibition that you'll still walk away satisfied.
For more information, email vickie.ellis@acca.org or call 703-824-8856.
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What's easiest for you? Chances are, we can accommodate you!
You can register with a credit card online, download the hard copy form and fax or mail it in, or call 703-824-8845 to register with a credit card via telephone.
For more information about registration and pricing, visit the registration page.
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What do I do if there are two simultaneous sessions I'd like to attend?
It's a common question at ACCA conferences, given that there's so much valuable learning and networking experiences jammed into the schedule. If there are two sessions you'd like to go to and they're happening at the same time, you'll have an opportunity to purchase the ACCA Learning Lab DVD.
To make sure you can take all of what you've learned back home to your businesses, we've tackled quite a logistical undertaking to have all of the conference workshops and sessions recorded. Information on purchasing copies of this full recording will be available at the registration desk.
And by the way, if you register by December 1, 2009, you'll receive this DVD for free. So save yourself $295 and get your registration in early! Register now.
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