Months of strategic planning, coordination, and hard work have gone into crafting ACCA 2025. It’s the result of the ACCA Events Committee’s unwavering dedication to delivering the best HVACR event yet.
For an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes process, we spoke with three key committee volunteers helping shape this must-attend event.
Ryan Kletz, ACCA Events Committee co-chair
Kane D’Amico, ACCA Events Committee co-chair
Tom Jackson, ACCA Events Committee member and exhibitor
Each brings a unique perspective to the planning process, highlighting the diverse efforts and expertise required to create a conference of this caliber.
Haven’t signed up for ACCA 2025 yet? Register now. Discounted registration rates end January 31!
Here are the top highlights we learned about planning ACCA 2025:
Tommy Mello’s keynote speech will inspire action
Tommy Mello’s keynote promises to energize and engage attendees. D’Amico noted, “Tommy Mello is a recognizable name, and many speakers and topics are new and relevant.” His ability to connect with contractors and share practical business scaling strategies makes him an exciting addition to this year’s lineup.
Kletz added, “Tommy was selected for his ability to inspire and provide actionable insights,” leveraging “his natural connection to the in-home service industry.” Attendees can look forward to hearing from someone who has successfully built a service-based business and is ready to share lessons with attendees that they can apply to their businesses immediately.
Ryan Kletz and Events Committee member and Board member Cody Novini introducing the ACCA 2024 Keynote Speaker.
Keeping attendees engaged until the very end is a challenge we’re taking on
The closing session aims to leave a lasting impression, but logistics can be a problem. “The closing session is always a challenge due to people’s travel plans,” D’Amico admitted. Despite this, the committee has introduced “a new spin on some of the old ideas of how to close the conference.”
Kletz emphasized the goal of creating a session that highlights the real-world challenges and successes of contractors, tying it together the event’s main themes. Making this year’s closing session a can’t-miss for those who want actionable takeaways and an impactful send-off.
Feedback from previous years has been crucial for planning
The ACCA team takes attendee feedback seriously, improving each year. D’Amico shared that ACCA’s approach is very data-driven: “We spend the bulk of our committee meetings after events discussing the feedback, pros and cons, and make concrete decisions for the next events right away while the data is fresh.” This method prioritizes lessons learned from previous events and directly applies them to enhance the experience for attendees.
Jackson echoed the importance of constant improvement, stating, “We always want to improve and get more people there. There’s been so many big changes in the industry… we’ve been able to add to the mix, especially with new topics like A2Ls and taxes.” The event strives to stay current and relevant, adapting to industry changes while meeting the evolving needs of contractors.
Kletz spoke about making this event a can’t-miss opportunity, adding that attendee feedback has led to more breakout sessions, expanded opportunities for Q&A, and a greater focus on government advocacy for contractors.
The key to a successful event? Location, location, location
Balancing location and affordability can be tricky. Jackson mentioned how critical location is when planning ACCA’s conferences, especially given financial constraints. “The biggest thing is finding a location where people actually want to attend,” he explained. “Ultimately, we want to select a place that fits both budget and attendance needs.”
The committee also recognized the importance of a family-friendly venue this year, with Jackson spotlighting Kalahari Resort in Greater Austin: “It’s a waterpark, so it has a great family draw. Plus, it’s warmer, which is a nice change for contractors from the Northeast and Midwest.” This shift in venue provides contractors with a comfortable environment and offers an exciting experience outside of the typical conference setting.
Networking remains a critical draw for ACCA 2025 and beyond
While the event will feature plenty of practical tools and techniques, the committee stressed that its lasting value lies in the relationships built and the shared experiences attendees can take back to their businesses. “The most important thing is the opportunity to meet other people and network,” Jackson said. “The sessions help people see what’s new, what’s changing, and how they can adjust their businesses.”
Kletz also reflected on the value of face-to-face collaboration: “The networking alone is worth the price of the conference. To surround yourself for a few days with some of the brightest minds who are all fighting the same fight you are is invaluable.”
As D’Amico put it, “A sense of community and a positive outlook for the future of our association and industry” is what he hopes attendees take away. This sense of unity is evident in the behind-the-scenes work that brings the event to life.
ACCA’s MIX Groups® also play a key role in building this community. Jackson noted that these groups offer a unique opportunity for contractors to connect in smaller, more focused settings. “They can see what’s going right and what’s going wrong in their business,” he explained. These groups help attendees form deeper relationships that will support them long after the conference ends.
Tom Jackson at the 2023 Expo in New Orleans.
This year’s sessions aim to address today’s challenges
ACCA 2025’s “for the contractor, by the contractor” theme is sure to resonate with attendees. Through a dedicated speaker subcommittee, the team has selected speakers and sessions that deliver real value to the HVACR industry. Kletz shared, “We prioritized topics that address current industry challenges, so attendees leave with solutions they can implement immediately.”
With key sessions like AI in HVACR and Contractor Forum Live, the committee focused on creating relevant, actionable content. D’Amico highlighted AI’s growing role for contractors, while also emphasizing in-person interaction at Contractor Forum Live, where attendees can exchange ideas and address shared challenges together.
Jackson emphasized the need for a balanced approach, with topics ranging from refrigerant changes to profitability strategies. “We want every contractor to feel like there’s something specifically for them,” he said.
Ryan Kletz speaking at ACCA 2024 in Orlando, FL.
With these carefully chosen topics and a focus on practical insights, ACCA 2025 is set to be a must-attend event for the HVACR community.
Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot for ACCA 2025 at Kalahari Resort in Greater Austin, Texas, from March 24-27. Register now.
Want to help plan future ACCA events? Apply to volunteer on the ACCA Events Committee at acca.org/volunteer.
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