TACOMA, WASH. — In what could be the final event in this format, the RadFest West conference attracted about 350 radiant heating professionals May 1-2 here.

The regional RadFest, which included educational and networking sessions-along with a trade show, was produced by the Radiant Panel Association, which also is a partner in the ISH North America event. The biennial ISH-NA show will take place Sept. 28-30 in Chicago.

In Tacoma, Executive Director Larry Drake announced RPA would bring back its Radiant Expo national event during the ISH-NA off years. The next REX is scheduled for Aug. 22- 24, 2007, at the new Hartford Conference Center in Hartford, Conn.

Featured speakers for Rad-Fest West were Robert Bean who discussed the future of the radiant heating industry in North America and John Siegenthaler who presented a series of schematic drawings and challenged the audience to tell him what was wrong with each example. Seminar topics included floor coverings, solar heating, electric floor warming, documentation and another discussion on drawings.

Pump manufacturer Grundfos sponsored a roundtable breakfast where attendees could discuss a variety of topics, such as energy efficiency and the radiant industry's future workforce. The discussions were billed as "RadNet Live," which were intended to be an extension of the conversations that occur at the RadNet bulletin board on RPA's Website.

Hydronics manufacturer Caleffi sponsored the opening reception, which was RadFest's primary networking opportunity.

On May 3, RPA conducted its all-day Radiant Basics and Radiant Precision courses. Siegenthaler taught the Precision class, and Bill Shady was the instructor for the Basics program.

"Although RadFest West didn't draw great numbers, it proved itself to be the gathering place of dedicated radiant professionals," Drake said. "Exhibitors were impressed with the quality of attendees. Very few were tire kickers.

"These are the people who make the radiant industry, the people who live radiant on a daily basis. These are the backbone of the industry and the RPA is proud that it could provide an event to bring them together."

For more information, visit www.RadiantPanelAssociation.org or call 800/660-7187.