American Standard and Kohler's participation is being viewed by show partners Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association, Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating, Radiant Panel Association and American Supply Association as verification ISH NA's new every-other-year format is being affirmed by the industry.

American Standard and Kohler join nearly 500 other exhibitors (through mid-March) in this year's show, including many companies from international pavilions from Italy, Germany, China, Taiwan and Switzerland. In 2003, ISH NA drew more than 500 exhibitors, a number show manager Messe Frankfurt expects to exceed this year. Kohler will continue to sponsor its "Kohler Night" with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association, which hosts its annual business meeting and convention before and during ISH NA.

The 2004 show will also feature a seven-track seminar program, including topics in business management/marketing, environmental systems, hydronics, HVAC, kitchen & bath, plumbing and radiant heating. The Radiant Panel Association's addition to the official partner lineup last year was a factor that allowed for the development of a strong radiant heating track. Since radiant heating and hydronics are heavily relied upon heating sources throughout the Northeast region, the two educational tracks promise to offer much needed educational opportunities for the area's contractors, wholesalers, distributors, designers and others eager to learn about the issues and trends important to the industry.

ISH NA's scheduled lineup includes a number of successful, returning speakers. PME's frequent contributor John Siegenthaler, Matt Freije, Hank Darlington, Ellen Rohr, Kirk Alter and Paul Radilla are among the industry names that have agreed to make another appearance at ISH NA. Session topics will run the gamut from showroom success tips to Legionnaires liability, and from LEED to water heaters. Other returning speakers include Rich Trethewey, an engaging hydronics expert, and PME hydronics columnist Dan Holohan, who will be presenting the keynote address on opening day.

Trade Show consolidation has been the starting premise and mission for ISH NA. Currently the show is a cooperative effort of four prominent associations, the American Supply Association (ASA), Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), Radiant Panel Association (RPA) and Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC), along with international trade show organizer, Messe Frankfurt. The 2003 event included a number of additional sponsor associations, such as the Plumbing Contractors of America (PCA), Construction Contractors' Alliance (CCA), American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA), Quality Service Contractors (QSC), Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) and The PVF Roundtable, among others.

Another milestone was the January announcement by the ISH NA Show Partners that the show will be held on an every-other-year cycle beginning with the upcoming 2004 show in Boston. The next event after Boston will be held in 2006. During the odd years, the ISH NA partners PHCC and ASA will have a combined educational event that is in the process of being developed and is scheduled to include the annual meetings and conventions of the participating partners and a program of educational, business and social events. This move followed the preferences expressed by almost two-thirds of surveyed exhibitors and has since been enthusiastically received by the industry.

For information on the 2004 ISH NA show, contact trade fair manager Jennifer Jones at Messe Frankfurt Inc., (770) 984-8016 or toll-free (866) 984-8016, or visit the ISH NA website at www.ish-na.com.