As 2024 unfolds, the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has already made significant strides in equipping its distributor members with the necessary skills and knowledge to position themselves as leaders in the industry. With an emphasis on HVACR industry events and resources to help industry professionals navigate the A2L technology transition, HARDI ensures its members are prepared for the industry’s evolving demands. 

Looking ahead, HARDI will roll out new initiatives and resources to support its members and the wholesale channel until the end of the year.

Real-Time A2L Answers with AskA2L

One of the standout innovations of 2024 is the launch of AskA2L, a revolutionary tool designed for U.S. HVACR professionals. Built on a powerful artificial intelligence (AI) platform developed by innovators at Distro, AskA2L is tailored specifically for the HVACR industry, focusing on the A2L technology transition.

• What is AskA2L?

AskA2L is an intuitive, AI-powered chat interface available 24/7/365. Trained exclusively by industry policy experts, AskA2L has the singular mission of providing accurate, timely and verified answers to any HVACR A2L transition- and compliance-related questions. This tool equips HVACR professionals with immediate access to reliable information, enhancing their ability to confidently navigate the complexities of the A2L technology transition.

Connecting the Dots at HARDI’s Focus Conference

Looking ahead to Fall, the 2024 HARDI Focus Conference will take place from Sept. 10-12 in Dallas. This intimate event is designed for HVACR wholesale distribution professionals looking to drive growth. Collaborating with HARDI Councils and industry experts, the conference addresses the HVACR industry’s biggest challenges, providing strategic solutions for daily operations.

In attendance are top distributors, suppliers, manufacturers, rep companies and service vendors looking for focused insights and unparalleled networking opportunities. The conference focuses on industry-specific content from three tracks: Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain and Analytics. 

The action-orientated presentations are designed to help attendees find solutions to better their business practices and elevate their businesses in the competitive market.

Bringing HVACR Voices to Washington

Earlier this year, HARDI hosted a successful Congressional Fly-in event in the nation’s capital, May 21-22. The two-day event saw an impressive turnout, with member companies from 34 states converging on Capitol Hill for 137 congressional meetings to advocate for the HVACR industry.

The Congressional Fly-in aims to educate and influence elected officials about the impact of policy on the HVACR industry. During the event, HARDI members engaged in 39 Senate and 98 House meetings, emphasizing the importance of legislative action to propel the industry forward. 

This direct engagement with policymakers underscores HARDI’s commitment to representing its members’ interests and ensuring that the HVACR industry thrives. By sharing distributor voices with legislators, the HVACR industry can be better represented. 

Empowering Wholesalers Through Training and Market Intelligence Resources

In the dynamic world of wholesale distribution, knowledge is a critical asset for retaining, attracting and attaining top talent. Seeing the need for more learning and development resources, HARDI provides top-tier training resources designed to empower teams and drive organizational success. This commitment to education is reflected in the collaborative approach to developing its training programs.

HARDI’s training process and resources are unique, relying on the expertise of a dedicated team and leveraging input from industry subject matter experts and member organizations. This collaboration ensures that the courses are informative, practical and relevant to the needs of the industry.

By leveraging best-in-class instructional design and adult education theories,  HARDI’s HEAT.U online training courses set the standard for excellence.The courses are designed to be self-paced and modularized, offering bite-sized sections of training that include engaging videos, interactive activities, knowledge checks, handouts, quizzes and real-world scenarios. 

This flexible approach allows members to learn at their own pace, whenever and wherever it is most convenient. The courses are segmented to optimize learning retention and prevent learning fatigue, ensuring an efficient and effective learning experience. Courses are also available for HARDI members to import into their own LMS systems

More Distributor Market Intelligence Resources

In addition to training resources, HARDI provides a suite of Market Intelligence resources and reports. These resources explore the trends shaping the future performance of the channel, allowing for sharper forecasts, insights into trends and understanding of outside factors that affect the HVACR industry. 

The State of the Channel report is HARDI’s thorough analysis of the present and future state of the HVACR industry, including its size, structure, and market segments. By combining a macro-level overview of the broader economy with a focused analysis of HVACR trends, the report offers detailed insights into the challenges and opportunities in wholesale distribution. This report is available to members, and non-members for purchase.

By using these market intelligence resources, members can make more informed data-driven decisions, adapt to changes in the industry, and stay ahead of the competition.

HVACR Leaders Looking Ahead in 2024 

As 2024 progresses, HARDI remains committed to providing the resources and training needed to make wholesale distributors the channel of choice for HVACR manufacturers and contractors. Through a collaborative approach and a focus on practical resources, HARDI ensures that members are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the HVACR industry. 

With innovative tools such as AskA2L, new resources, professional development programs and successful advocacy efforts, HARDI is poised to support its members and the HVACR industry every step of the way. 

Connor Pilbeam serves as the content manager of HARDI’s marketing team, where he uses his marketing and content creation expertise to keep HARDI’s membership and the larger HVACR industry informed. With a strong background in marketing and communications, Pilbeam excels at developing effective and clear messaging.