The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association and the American Supply Association announced plans to co-produce Network '05, Sept. 7-10, in Orlando at the Disney Swan and Dolphin Hotels. Network '05 will combine both associations' annual conventions into a single platform - a first for these two long-time partners.

The program will begin Wednesday, Sept. 7, with a single registration required for all events and a PHCC Educational Foundation golf tournament. On Thursday, Sept. 8, each association will hold concurrent membership meetings, capped by a joint grand opening reception that evening.

A multitrack conference program runs Thursday through Saturday. Attendees will be allowed to select any seminars that appeal to them, whether sponsored by ASA or PHCC. On Friday afternoon, a tabletop expo called “Channel Marketplace” will be open to all attendees. No seminars or conflicting events will be held during the expo.

Among the events' highlights will be a keynote presentation by Captain Jim Lovell and Gene Krantz, key figures in NASA's Apollo 13 mission. And taking advantage of the multidisciplinary audience, a panel discussion examining supply chain value and mutual profitability will be featured.

According to ASA Executive Director Inge Calderon, the combined Network '05 conference is a result of both associations listening and responding to the industry's request for a simplified event in 2005.

“Our members asked for a seamless event this year. I'm pleased to say we've delivered. Everything from registration to seminar attendance to the tabletop exhibits has been improved. This will be a low-investment, high-return event for everyone who participates.”

As the Network '05 name implies, attendees will have ample opportunity to connect with peers, suppliers, customers and other industry personnel. Combined receptions and lunches are scheduled, not to mention social opportunities at nearby golf courses, restaurants and the numerous Orlando attractions.

For information on how to register for Network '05, visit www.network05.org, or contact ASA or PHCC for details.

Tabletop booths are being coordinated by Messe Frankfurt Inc., which also manages the every-other-year ISH North America trade show in partnership with ASA, PHCC, Radiant Panel Association and Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating. For information on tabletop displays, contact Jennifer Salvadori at 770/984-8016, ext. 413, or e-mail jennifer.salvadori@usa.messefrankfurt.com.

PM parent company BNP Media was named as the Official Show Guide publisher for Network '05 by PHCC and ASA, building on three years of official publishing service supplied for ISH North America. For information on advertising in the Network '05 Official Show Guide, contact Roy Wagner at 401/737-7871, or e-mail jrrl19@aol.com.