The planet rotates at around 1,000 miles per hour; however, all it takes is for one global pandemic to make it feel as if everything has halted to a standstill. School, work, visiting family or friends all of a sudden turned to virtual events.
Fear no more. With vaccination numbers higher and fewer serious cases of the COVID-19 virus, the world is starting to appear like its old self. With that being said, Western Canada’s plumbing, hydronics, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and water treatment tradeshow is making a return this year.
“I’m just happy that we are back in person, and people can attend the event again. It’s been a long two years,” said Sarah Clarke, trade show manager at the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH). The tradeshow will run from Nov. 3 to 4 at the Pacific National Exhibition Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia. CIPHEX West is a biennial tradeshow presented by CIPH.
COVID-19 procedures
In guidance with the health guidelines provided by British Columbia, proof of vaccination will be required to attend and participate in non-essential events. At least one dose of the vaccine is required by Sept. 13, with the requirement to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 24. A person is considered fully vaccinated seven days after the second dose. In addition, masks have to be worn while inside the event, and CIPHEX West 2021 promises to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. “Following the new guidelines, we want to make sure everyone is safe. We have a code of conduct that all participants must fill out, which guarantees that everyone will be following the procedures,” explains Clarke. The procedures mentioned pertain to proof of vaccination, mask-wearing, hand washing and documenting symptoms.
Additionally, the tradeshow is making further adjustments to ensure the safety of the guests. The total number of booths has been reduced from just over 250 to 150, allowing for more space between booths.
Networking events will also look a bit different at the 2021 CIPHEX West event. “Before, we used to have a lounge and bar where people could hang out and get food, but this year we’ve switched that and will have multiple concession areas where food will be pre-packaged,” said Clarke.
New Product Showcase
The 2021 show will still feature the New Product Showcase. Manufacturers can submit their new products to be judged by a panel; categories include air conditioning and refrigeration, controls and instrumentation, heating and ventilation, hydronic heating, kitchen and bath, plumbing and piping, tools and equipment, and alternative energy.
At this year’s showcase, there will be 48 products highlighted. The products can be seen in the exhibitor’s booths. For the full list of finalists, visit www.ciph.com.
Educational seminars
During the two-day event, participants will also be able to attend eight seminars. In the past, there would have been a fee to attend the seminars, but this year all seminars are free. “We wanted to make sure that everybody has the level of comfortability, and the opportunity to attend the show if they feel that they can,” said Clarke.
The topics at this year’s show are:
- Next Generation Intelligent Pumping Technology and Its Evolution, presented by Armstrong Fluid Technology;
- Fighting the FOG: An Overview of Grease Interceptors, presented by Canplas Industries;
- Meeting the Needs of the Future: Air-to-Water Heat Pumps, presented by Taco Comfort Solutions;
- Managing Infrastructure Resiliency: The Role of Non-Metal Systems in Plumbing, presented by Uponor Ltd;
- Cable V. Threaded Rod for the Suspension and Bracing of Building Services, presented by Canada Inc.
- Air to Water Heat Pump: The Future of Heating is Now, presented by Enercall Sales and Services; and
- Municipal Heat Pump Certification, presented by TECA.
In addition to the seminars, the Canadian Hydronics Conference committee will be launching the “Changing Landscape of Hydronics in Canada” panel discussion.
Looking forward
In the past, the tradeshow operated on a bi-yearly schedule. The show would usually be held on years ending in an odd number. If CIPHEX West 2021 were to be cancelled for whatever reason, the show would be pushed to 2023.
While there are high hopes for the tradeshow, the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 is being monitored. “As we all know, everything can change in a second, and we’re closely following all updates and we’re confident the show will go ahead,” said Clarke.