U.S. attendees made the strongest showing with more than 5,300 visitors, but Canadian attendees also were well represented with more than 4,500 registrants. More than 40 nations outside of North America, including Italy, Taiwan, Mexico and Germany, also sent large contingents of attendees.

ISH North America was produced in partnership with Messe Frankfurt, Inc., the American Supply Association, Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating, and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association.

The trade show offered exhibits by 475 companies, of which about 23% were Canadian-based companies. U.S.-based companies accounted for almost 72% of exhibit space, while 5% of exhibitors were non-North American manufacturers.

"The impressive success of the first ISH North America event confirms the validity of the integrative approach of putting the kitchen & bath, plumbing, PVF, heating and air conditioning products under one roof," said Roland Bleinroth, president of Messe Frankfurt.

More than 80 manufacturers presented their newest items in a New Product display area. Awards were presented in six categories: kitchen and bath, plumbing and piping, heating and ventilation, software and electronic equipment, industrial products, and tools and equipment. Viessmann Manufacturing Co. received the best overall new product award for its Vitodens 200 wall-mounted condensing boiler.

The next ISH North America will be held in Las Vegas, Oct. 1-3, 2003 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's new million-square-foot convention center. Show organizers hope to fold in more smaller, independently operated trade shows into ISH North America by next year, Bleinroth said.