ACCA has opened registration for the new Business Technology & Operations Forum (BTO), taking place Oct. 25 - 26, 2016, in Cincinnati. The event is presented by ACCA and PHC News, and registration is available online at www.btoforum.com.

It sounds obvious, but a lot of contracting businesses focus on being tradespeople and forget about being businesspeople. That's why up to a third of all contractors shut their doors every year.

The antidote: Business Technology & Operations, the only conference that is wholly focused on contracting business leadership, and guaranteed to make your business more profitable.

Best-selling author, Scott Deming is kicking off the event with the keynote, Powered by Purpose.

Why are you even in business? Is it to make a buck, by hook or by crook? We hope not, because you probably won't. In fact, evidence shows that the businesses that succeed are those that have values -- and make clear what those values are.

Deming is going to show you how to shake your business up during a dynamic opening session. You'll learn how to become more profitable and how to rediscover why you are in business, find team members who share your values (and how to deal with those who don't), and build meaningful relationships with customers who crave them. It won't be easy. But it will be the start of your company's next, most successful phase.

The event will feature 12 innovative, new learning labs taught by the nation's leading specialty contractors and experts, who will share how to run an outstanding service company that beats the competition every day.

Presenters include:

• Bobby Ring, Meyer & Depew, Co.
• Edward McFarlane, Haller Enterprises
• Matt Todd, Entek Corporation
• Wade Mayfield, Thermal Services
• Ruth King, HVACChannel.tv

Closing out the event is one of ACCA's most popular speaker, Ray Isaac of Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning. Isaac isn't yesterday's contractor. He's the ultimate "next generation" leader in a family business, and he's changed it from a good local contractor into a great regional powerhouse.

He's the first to admit that everything his company does can be used by other contractors just as well. From a laser focus on business fundamentals to a big-picture view of cutting-edge technology, marketing and workforce development, Ray has developed a set of techniques that you can put to work right away in your company.

In the closing general session at BTO, Ray Isaac is going to open his books and his heart and show you how any contracting business -- of any size -- can become a "next generation" business success, and leave yesterday's contractors in the dust.

For the full schedule visit http://btoforum.com/schedule/

"BTO is all about being a leader," said Kevin Holland, ACCA senior vice president of business operations and membership. "We've brought in some of the best HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors to share the processes, procedures, and strategies that have propelled them to the top. So, whether you are an owner, general manager, operations manager, office manager, or anyone who leads or aspires to leadership at a contracting business of any kind, this is an event that can't be missed."

To round out the event, attendees can spend time talking to some of the top manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers in the industry in the Sponsor Showcase. Sponsors include:  Credit Suppliers, Davisware; Energy Circle, Federated Insurance; Jackson Systems; Lennox; NATE; Nexstar; Rheem; Service Automation; ServiceTitan; Survey Square; Team Management Systems; USA Refrigerants; and Wrightsoft.

Registration is open for this event at www.btoforum.com or by calling ACCA at 888-290-2220.

ACCA has also secured a special rate of $159/night plus applicable fees and taxes at the Westin Cincinnati. The ACCA rate is good until September 26, 2016, or when the block is full, whichever comes first. To make your reservation call 866-716-8108 and mention ACCA to receive the discounted rate or visit www.acca.org/events/bto to book online.