The strongest foreign buyer delegations came from Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Taiwan and Turkey.
Highlights of the event included the RPA Radiant House, the “SmartHouse” presentation, a luncheon presentation by David Kohler, president of Kohler Kitchen & Bath Group, and the “New Product Showcase.”
Exhibitors provided some feedback on the expo portion of the show:
David Lipkin, vice president/ wholesale sales, American Standard:
“We have seen all the principals, the power players. Distributor traffic has been great. The show has been a tremendous success.”
Ila Lewis, chairman, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC:
“We target both contractors and wholesalers. I love this show because we see the people we need to reach for both groups!”
Johan Bouwer, president, SFA Saniflo:
“We had a tremendous show. All our work paid off. I fully support the ISH concept and will continue to do so.”
Kenneth Webster, director, sales & marketing, Viessmann Manufacturing Co.:
“ISH North America is getting better and better. We had good quality traffic at our booth and a great opportunity to showcase our newest products. Sign us up for the 2006 ISH North America in Chicago!”
Paul Jappe, marketing events specialist, Viega NA:
“We were packed all day Thursday and Friday. The show was an extreme success!”
Steve Goins, product marketing manager, Honeywell Water Solutions:
“Fantastic show! The foot traffic has been phenomenal. Consolidation with the Radiant Panel Association (RPA) was a great benefit. Contractor attendance was outstanding. ISH NA is the forum to get new products introduced to the market and to hear of new ideas to solve common problems.”
Brian Sabala, district sales manager, Raven Products:
“Great show! We have seen our current customers and are looking to expand nationally. We are getting the contacts to be able to do so.”
Lawrence Chan, director, Link Worldwide Sourcing:
“The show is well organized compared to other national shows we often attend. The quality of attendees is high and we have had excellent exposure at this show. We'll definitely exhibit again!”
Marie-Helene Pernin, marketing manager, Neoperl:
“We've been so busy we can't get to everyone that stops by the booth! They have had to come back!”
Theresa Dodd, sales & marketing, Bennette Design:
“We've been nonstop busy. The exposure is unbelievable!”
Dr. F. Mahjouri, president, Thermo Technologies/Thermomax:
“The attendees and the products here are both very high quality. I believe I've found my new show!”
Paul Candela, president, Flo-Guard:
“This is our first national trade show and the results were superb!”
ISH NA's comprehensive educational program presented prominent speakers in seven industry-specific tracks: Kitchen & Bath, Plumbing, HVAC, Hydronics, Business Management & Marketing, Radiant Heating and Environmental Systems.
ISH North America is produced in partnership with Messe Frankfurt, 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). In addition, more than 35 associations and publications were event endorsers. The annual conventions of ASA, RPA and PHCC, the CIPH “Maple Leaf Reception” and the “Principal Appreciation Reception” hosted by the Association of Independent Manufacturers'/Representatives (AIM/R) were held in conjunction with the show.
In response to the requirements of participating exhibitors, associations and visitors, ISH North America now will proceed on an every-other-year schedule. The fourth edition of ISH North America will be held Sept. 28-30, 2006, at McCormick Center in Chicago.
The ISH international trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, is scheduled for March 15-19, 2005. For more information, contact Messe Frankfurt at 770-984-8016 or visit www.ish-na.com.
