LOVELAND, COLO. — Contractors, builders, designers, floor-covering professionals, specifiers and other interested trades are invited to attend the upcoming Radiant Panel Association National Conference and Radiant Expo Aug. 22-24 in Hartford, Conn. With a "Radiant All-Stars" theme, the event is the official return of the RPA conference and REX trade show dedicated solely to the radiant heating and cooling industry.

The REX exhibit hall will feature 200 booths displaying radiant heating and cooling products and services. Hydronic and electric radiant systems for heated and cooled floors, walls and ceilings will all be represented in the show.

The Radiant House and the System Showcase pavilion will all be at the center of the REX show floor. The Radiant House is a hands-on demonstration, in a construction setting, of various radiant systems and support equipment.

The RPA's annual competition winners are featured in the System Showcase. Attendees can view award-winning systems and their specifications. System Showcase finalists will be highlighted in the fall issue of Radiant Living, which will be delivered with the August issue of CONTRACTOR and will be available at the CONTRACTOR/Radiant Living booth at REX.

In line with the event's All-Stars theme, RPA will seek radiant industry "all-star" candidates in a number of categories and ask their members to help identify worthy individuals.

"These are not necessarily the headliners in the major trade magazines or noted conference speakers," RPA Executive Director Larry Drake said. "These are the people who work in the field, day after day, promoting radiant technology."

A Radiant All-Stars Hall of Fame will be displayed in the System Showcase exhibit on the REX show floor. The stories of selected Radiant All-Stars will be displayed along with their picture. Special badges of honor will be given to those All-Stars in attendance.

The conference program will assemble 18 industry experts to provide a slate of industry-specific seminars from business subjects such as marketing to the latest in equipment advancements. Technical seminars on "green" topics such as ground source heat pumps and solar energy will take place Aug. 22 and 23.

John Siegenthaler will discuss low-powered hydronics and new pump technology coming from Europe. A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design instructor will tell attendees how radiant technology fits into this green-buildings rating program.

Another seminar will focus on energy consumption comparisons of radiant vs. other forms of heating. Radiant cooling will be highlighted with a presentation by experts in the field.

Aug. 24 will be industry day. Attendees will be able to get product-specific instruction straight from manufacturers in a series of seminars.

Author, columnist and motivational speaker Mark Matteson will address the conference Aug. 22. Matteson, whose background is in the mechanical contracting business, will discuss the challenges of creating a successful heating business, the importance of customer service and the essentials of a well-balanced personal life.

In keeping with the All-Stars theme, Walter Davis — a former NBA player, Olympic Gold Medal winner, six-time NBA All-Star player and nominee to the Basketball Hall of Fame — will speak Aug. 23 at the general session on what it takes to be an all-star. As Radiant AllStar awards, Davis will distribute several game balls signed by the Denver Nuggets as well as balls signed by various players who have played against the Nuggets. He will be available at the REX trade show to autograph game pictures.

Davis will join the RPA First String River Cruise on the evening of Aug. 23 to visit with attendees. This invitational event is provided for long-time RPA members, board members, Radiant Rewards earners and guests.

Contractors can visit the REX trade show or attend the entire conference. For a schedule of events, prices, accommodations and registration, visit www.RPAconference.com or call 800/6607187. A Show Guide will appear in the fall issue of Radiant Living.