ISH North America is bringing the innovative SmartHouse, displaying advanced building technology from Europe, to the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Convention Center, October 1-3, 2003. SmartHouse was a highlight at this year's ISH trade fair held in Frankfurt, Germany.

SmartHouse is a showcase for the latest developments in innovative, intelligent and networked products for remotely monitoring and controlling building systems. The individual components of the SmartHouse have been linked to a data network, and the data is coordinated and transported via a "data bus processor" to the correct area of the house. This process allows for optimization of the system's performance by monitoring the operational states of the entire system, errors, measurements, heating needs based on space, etc. Other applications include energy-saving options for the kitchen and bath, as well as integration of air conditioning, security and communications systems.

While the entire SmartHouse will not be presented in Las Vegas, ISH North America will feature the bathroom portion. Videos of this "high-tech" initiative as well as short presentations by Udo Wirges of ZVSHK (German Central Association Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning) will be made available. ISH North America attendees will also have the opportunity to take a virtual photographic tour of the entire SmartHouse.

In addition, ISH NA partner, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC), has announced an expansion to its on-the-show floor contest for plumbing apprentices. This year, the event will be open to all eligible plumbing apprentices from North America and around the world. This international event is designed to honor the top apprentice in the world and provides a forum to display plumbing knowledge and skills in a practical, hands-on event.

The PHCC International Apprenticeship Contest will be held Thursday, October 2. Contestants will be required to install a basic three-piece bathroom, including toilet, sink with faucet and shower pan with faucet. The installation will include the water and drain waste and vent lines. Awards will be presented to the top three contestants.

For more show information, contact Messe Frankfurt, Inc., 1600 Parkwood Circle, Ste. 515, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, (770) 984-8016, (866) 984-8016, Fax (770) 984-8023, e-mail info@usa.messefrankfurt.com, www.ish-na.com.