Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has launched registration for the 2020 HARDI Summit, a new virtual event that has replaced HARDI’s in-person Annual Conference, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Summit will take place December 7-9, 2020 and will occur within blocks of time during each day to allow for those in all time zones to engage in the event.

The new virtual format will cover five main themes related to the current environment in the HVACR industry. The themes include:

  • An Economic Outlook & Forecasting;
  • Product Availability;
  • Selling & Relationships Post-COVID;
  • IAQ & Building Controls; and
  • Policy Impacts for HVACR Post-Election.

“I am excited about the direction we are going, even though I would have loved to see everyone in person,” said HARDI CEO, Talbot Gee. “The team is full of great ideas, and we are committed to this being the most unique, valuable, virtual conference experience that you could have, and will have had to date.”

HARDI is also opening access to the 2020 State of the Channel report. “This report is full of the questions your board rooms are asking this year,” said Gee. “It will be one of the most comprehensive summaries of the industry you will find, especially from the perspective of the wholesale distribution segment.” Attendees who register for the Summit by October 23, 2020 will gain access to the State of the Channel report at a discounted rate.

The first speaker announced for the 2020 HARDI Summit is Opening Keynote, Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank. O’Leary draws on his encyclopedic knowledge of finance, investing, economics, and business to discuss a variety of topics