We are heading into show season in what we, around here, call a show year. CMPX 2016 takes place in Toronto March 16-18, followed by the MEET Show in Moncton, N.B. May 18-19 and then the CIPHEX West Show in Vancouver Nov. 2-3. CIPHEX West alternates between Calgary and Vancouver; hopefully it will be in Edmonton at some point.

These, along with MCEE in Montreal, which occurs in alternate years, are the major trade shows for the Canadian mechanical industry.

There are other smaller shows, but I always encourage people to attend the major ones not just to see a wider variety of new equipment, tools, etc., but because it’s a rare opportunity to speak face to face with a manufacturer.

And while I’m sure that every manufacturer would like to talk to contractors about their latest products and technologies, it also gives the contractor an opportunity to ask questions about existing equipment and get answers to any problems they may be having.

It doesn’t hurt to put together a list of manufacturers you want to see along with a few notes on what you want to talk about. I’ve seen time-challenged contractors running around, list in hand, trying to cover the show as quickly and efficiently as possible so they can get back to the office or jobsite.

There are many other reasons to go to shows. I’ve noticed over the years that both the quantity and quality of educational seminars and sessions has improved.

The shows are also a major social event for the industry, with numerous opportunities to get together with other contractors, wholesalers and manufacturers. Many manufacturers host social events for their customers. The Industry Dinner in Moncton is always attended by virtually everyone from the entire Atlantic industry.

Of course, shows tend to be well attended when the industry is slow and not so much when people are busy. It can be difficult to justify taking a day to go to the show when you are busy with paying work. But chances are that the ideas and knowledge you pick up at the show will more than make up for the lost cash.

If you are at one of these shows, please drop by the Plumbing and HVAC booth and say hello! See you there!