Summit 2019 was a resounding success this past April with a record 20% increase over last year’s record attendance! Be sure to read all about it in our special Post-Summit feature. Click here to read it.

Contractors attending this year showed a bond and camaraderie that I’ve rarely seen at an industry event. Several of our industry partners shared the same sentiment as me. They commented they had never witnessed this spirit of sharing and fellowship in another industry conference.

What made it even more amazing for me was this feeling extended beyond the regulars who have been coming for the past 5, 10, or 15 years.
This year we had a record fifty first-timers! As I talked to many of them, a common thread emerged: They said how welcome they felt, not just by staff, but by their fellow contractors.

They remarked how incredible it was that everyone was so willing to share their experiences and knowledge about their PBC journey.

‘We assemble products from steel, aluminum, and copper, but YOU, THE CONTRACTORS, ARE THE ONES WHO BRING THEM TO LIFE.’ – Satoru Akama, President, Goodman

A special shout-out to the five amazing contractors who co-led the breakout workshops with our instructors and coaches ‘ your contributions to Summit were immeasurable!

New Summit 2019 Features

We also introduced two new Summit features: a fun game show called ‘Reach For The Summit,’ and the terrific ‘Ask the Coaches’ session with a panel of five top industry coaches. The most popular discussion revolved around online reputation management. Be sure to read Mike Weil’s ‘Today’s Word‘ on this topic.

This year we were thrilled to have a record number of partners and event sponsors. In total, 20 exhibitors were there to share information about their products and services in a tabletop program in our General Session room.

A special thanks to our 10 partner sponsors who helped make Summit possible. Speaking of which, a big thanks to our Platinum sponsor, Goodman Manufacturing who hosted an incredible Opening Reception complete with a Jimmy Buffet tribute band!

Because of their great contributions to Summit, in addition to being one of NCI’s biggest supporters of training across North America, Goodman received our 2019 Partner of The Year Award.

Historical Summit 2019 Moments

During his acceptance of the Award, Goodman President, Satoru Akama made a simple, yet profound comment about the HVAC industry: ‘We assemble products from steel, aluminum, and copper, but you, the contractors, are the ones who bring these products to life.’

What an open, honest, and unfiltered statement from a manufacturer! From the stage, I could see almost everyone’s mouth in the room drop in unison. Obviously, I wasn’t the only one who was floored by this amazing admission and compliment. It was truly a historical moment.

So much more magic occurred at Summit, from our incredible 2019 Contractor Award winners, to what was sure to become lifetime friendships forming before our very eyes.

To keep the Summit experience and spirit going all year-round, we are once again introducing our Trailblazer Coaching program which started Friday, May 3rd 9 am EDT, and will continue the first Friday of every month until Summit 2020.

Those who attended Summit this year qualify for a special Summit rate. Go to ncilink.com/trailblazer to learn more and enroll in the coaching program.

Are You Ready for Next Year?

Preparations for our next Summit are underway.

Mark your calendars: we will be in Scottsdale, AZ, April 5-9, 2020 at the We-Ko-Pa Resort, which features a world-class golf course and casino.

We’ve already begun working on next year’s program based on your recommendations. Registration info and a hotel reservation link will be available at GoToSummit.com very soon.