2024 ACCA Service Managers Forum: Building connections, sharing knowledge, and driving success
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From November 11–13, 2024, over 150 HVACR professionals gathered in Pasadena, CA, for the 2024 ACCA Service Managers Forum. Held at the vibrant and stylish Hotel Dena, the event provided a perfect mix of education, networking, and inspiration to help attendees lead their teams and businesses to new heights.
Day 1: Kicking off with inspiration and connection
The forum began on Veterans Day with a warm and welcoming Veterans Day Reception. Guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers, and the opportunity to network with industry peers, speakers, ACCA board members, and exhibitors.
The evening featured powerful remarks from industry leaders including ACCA Board Chair Martin Hoover, Marine Corps Veteran and ACCA Board Member Cody Novini, and Gerry Den Ouden, ACCA’s 2024 Service Manager of the Year. Their words set an inspiring tone for the event, reminding attendees of the important role service managers play in the industry.
Day 2: Learning, sharing, and growing
Tuesday kicked off with a breakfast session featuring Rick Gutenmann of MAP Consulting. Rick’s opening session set the stage for the day, offering actionable strategies for leadership and team development.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in Rick’s breakout sessions, which explored topics like:
- Staffing for a Competitive Advantage
- Leading by Listening
- Get More Done (a favorite among attendees!)
The schedule also included sessions from industry experts on topics like:
- Transforming HVAC Service: Five Secrets to Boost Efficiency, Profits, and Work-Life Balance
- Implementation is Required to Grow Your Business
- AI in the Trades
The day wrapped with a casual reception with exhibitors, where attendees relaxed, networked, and explored innovative products and services designed to support their businesses.
Day 3: Actionable strategies, insights, and connections
On Wednesday, attendees started their morning with a session led by ACCA’s Brian Feenie, who shared practical ways to reduce callbacks and build trust through ACCA’s QI Certificates.
Later, breakout sessions addressed critical service management topics, such as:
- Communicating Using Radical Candidness
- You Can’t Fix What You Don’t Measure: Mastering Callback Reduction for Superior Service
The event concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring seasoned service managers Gerry Den Ouden, Dyan Zobrist, Tracy Parrish, and Tim Nowik. Their stories, advice, and experiences offered attendees valuable perspectives on overcoming challenges and achieving success in the HVACR industry.
To round out the event, attendees were invited to the IHACI HVAC/R/SM Trade Show, located just across the street. With over 100 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge tools and solutions, it was a perfect complement to the forum’s focus on professional growth.
Couldn’t make it?
If you missed this year’s forum, don’t worry—you can still access all the valuable content. Recordings of the 2024 Service Managers educational sessions are now available online.
And don’t forget to mark your calendar for ACCA 2025, happening March 24–27 in Greater Austin, TX. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and grow with industry leaders. Visit acca2025.com for more details.
Posted In: Events, Leadership & Planning, Leadership Development, Management, People Management
