Recently, Parker Sporlan wrapped up an eight-month roadshow tour that showcased its innovative ZoomLock flame-free refrigerant fittings. During the past eight months, the ZoomLock Roadshow visited 43 states with 293 stops along the way.

The only press-to-connect technology approved for HVACR operating pressures up to 700 psi, ZoomLock’s patented design works without brazing, using specially designed crimping tools to cut the time and cost of copper pipe assemblies by 40 to 60 percent.

I was lucky enough to experience the roadshow firsthand earlier this year, as one of the stops was the 2018 AHR Expo in Chicago. I, along with all visitors to the ZoomLock Roadshow, was able to watch a live pressure test of a ZoomLock fitting they crimped.

“Parker ZoomLock technology works in both residential and commercial applications such as supermarkets, hospitals and data centers where flame can be a problem,” said Jeff Hirsch, ZoomLock product manager. “Where multiple leak-free joints must be made quickly and cleanly, this groundbreaking technology has no equal, as the more than two million flame-free ZoomLock fittings already successfully installed indicate.”

Though this year’s roadshow is now complete, you can certainly learn more about this groundbreaking technology by visiting sporlanonline.com/zoomlock.

Parker Sporlan’s successful journey across the country got me thinking about just how lucky we are that industry manufacturers put forth such a great effort to educate contractors.

A while back, Danfoss launched a mobile training unit for CO? applications. The CO? solutions presented in the mobile training unit ranged from simple gas-bypass systems to more complex parallel compression solutions with or without heat reclaim.

In February, Eaton set off from Phoenix on a 27-city tour that ends in Chicago this November. The Industrial Controls in Motion Tour showcases simulations of real-world control solutions for your application.

Contractors are exposed to 40 feet of the latest in Eaton innovations in fully functional, real-world environments. The demonstrations are built to simulate some of the day-to-day challenges that users face and provide a variety of options for fixing them.

“Eaton is committed to helping our customers understand how energy efficient controls can help them work smarter, cut costs, increase energy efficiency and keep them safe,” says Tom Neuberger, commercial marketing manager for Eaton’s controls and protection division.

This unique mobile tour first debuted in 2017 at the AHR Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada and visited more than 20 cities last year. Visit eaton.com/controltour for additional information.

Early last month, Daikin Applied launched its new Innovation Roadshow. Bringing the Daikin story to life and into customers’ hands, the interactive tour stops at Daikin sales representative offices across the country to deliver the next generation of HVAC innovation.

Contractors are invited to attend the event at one of the 38 stops, where there will be demonstrations and educational sessions with industry experts to highlight developments and trends in HVACR and building systems.

Daikin Applied boasts a state-of-the-art trailer, featuring hydraulic “wings” that spread to create an on-the-go showroom filled with hands-on technology and product displays, as well as “build your own” stations.

“Our roadshow transports our most advanced and innovative technology to each of our representative’s doorsteps, demonstrating how we can help boost customer building efficiency and business performance,” says Kirk Thorne, EVP sales, marketing and aftermarket, Daikin Applied. “The roadshow also helps us meet our customers where they stand, understand their challenges, so we can continue delivering technology and solutions that help them drive their businesses.”

For additional information and to register, visit daikinapplied.com/roadshow.

Of course, these are just a few examples of how manufacturers are doing their best to bring education right to your doorstep — making it easier than ever to get your technicians training on the latest and greatest industry equipment.

Many of your local manufacturer sales reps and distributors host a variety of education classes throughout the year.

And, for even more information on industry education opportunities, be sure to check out our annual Education Supplement, which will be mailed along with your August issue of HVACR Business magazine.