ACtion Magazine - November/December 2013 - (Page 8)

Freeze Frame Meet me in Dixieland Jacques Gordon T his January will be the first year I've attended the MACS new opportunities for malfunction, or depending on how Training Event and Trade Show as the editor of ACtion you look at it, new business opportunities. That's why some magazine, but it won't be my first; I've been going since business seminars have been added too. Of course there 1999. It's interesting to see what has changed and what has will still be seminars on diagnostics and service on the A/C remained the same. refrigerant system, but the focus will be on new techniques One change is what's being taught in and equipment required by new the training seminars. Today there's more technologies on the vehicle. I've attended training all focus on electronic controls, reflecting One thing that hasn't changed is the the fact that on newer models, just quality of the training seminars. I've over the country, and the about every wire is connected to a load attended training at dozens of other MACS Training Event has or sensor at one end and a computer conventions and trade shows large network at the other. Since each item on consistently offered some of and small, in almost every part of the the network can affect the others, techs country. In my experience, the MACS the best in the business. are now being taught to look beyond Training Event has consistently offered the HVAC system to find out why the some of the best in the business, and air conditioner won't turn on. There are also new thermal it's still the only event that offers in-depth training on management systems to learn about as more hybrid and vehicle refrigerant systems. Even though the government electric vehicles take to the road. While new technologies began regulating the mobile A/C industry almost 20 years add comfort and capabilities to a vehicle, they also create ago, regulation has had a greater impact in recent years. That's resulted in new tools and service techniques, new certification requirements, and new business opportunities. Of course, a main reason for going to any trade show is to gather with other people in the same industry. MACS is an international organization with associates in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Also, mobile air conditioning technology must meet regulations in several different countries, making it a world industry. So in addition to drawing techs, shop owners and member companies from all over the country, this event also attracts engineers, vendors, government regulators and sometimes techs and shop owners from all over the world. There are very few opportunities in this industry where people who fix vehicles for a living get to meet people who design the tools, equipment and even the A/C systems and vehicles themselves. Another thing that hasn't changed; the show is always in winter and always in a warm place. This year we're in New Orleans (last time was in '03), a city where music, art, culture and great food are all as important as breathing. I love visiting that part of the world and am really looking forward to being there again. If you see me there, ask me how the word "Dixieland" came to be. Hope to see you in New Orleans. ❆ You can reach Jacques at Jacques@macsw.org 8 ACTION * November/December 2013 Reader Reply http://www.ackits.com/ http://www.ackits.com/ http://www.autoacforum.com/ http://www.macsw.org/imis15/MACS/Publications/ACtion_Reader_Reply/MACS/Publications/ACTION/ACtion_Reader_Reply.aspx?hkey=ac24bddb-c045-442a-813c-cbf05f88ac4d

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - November/December 2013

ACtion Magazine - November/December 2013
Contents
Outlook
Freeze Frame
Virtual View
News and Updates
Leonard’s Law
Cooling Corner
Member Profile
News & Updates
New Products
Going to New Orleans
2014 Exhibitor Showcase
Association News
In Memoriam
Leonard's Law
Quick Check
Last Watch
New Products & Services
Last Watch - Guest Editorial

ACtion Magazine - November/December 2013